Eating Occasions
Dining Out
The number of consumers who consider healthfulness when purchasing their food and beverages has shown a significant uptick in recent years, and dining out is no exception. Restaurants can appeal to consumer health and wellness needs with protein-packed appetizers, lower sodium dips and sauces, balanced meals and premium desserts.
U.S. dairy product innovations offer restaurants and food service establishments a pipeline of new formulations, product research and support when adding dairy for flavor, function and nutrition.
A Focus On Nutrition
About half of all U.S. consumers - 51% - use nutrition information such as calorie counts when eating out at restaurants1. Dairy ingredients can help add a nutritional punch to classic recipes, boosting nutrients such as protein and calcium. Dairy ingredients such as permeate also can lower sodium without sacrificing a salty taste.
Protein throughout the day
According to Food Business News, approximately 6 in 10 Americans indicated they actively make an effort to consume protein, fiber and whole grains. Specifically, 57% stated that they are trying to get a certain amount of protein or as much protein as possible.
Consuming protein throughout the day as part of a higher protein diet can help curb hunger and assist in weight management. Experts suggest spacing protein intake evenly throughout the day to maximize muscle protein synthesis, aiming for 20-30 grams of high-quality protein at each meal2.
Incorporating dairy proteins, which have advantages in functionality, flavor and nutrition, into foods regularly consumed throughout the day can help consumers attain higher-protein diets.
Formulas & Recipes
USDEC offers resources to support dining out establishments, from appetizers, soups and dressings to main meals, sides and desserts.
Parbaked Pizza Crust
Perfect for busy kitchens that take pride in serving delicious pizza on a flavorful crust. Ready to sauce and top with your preferred toppings for a hearty pizza treat.
Reduced-sodium Protein Udon Soup
Easy-to-prepare comfort food gets upgraded with this fresh take on a popular dish.
Resources & Insights
Resources and support for development of dining out applications are available through USDEC.
America Pizza Traditions and Trends
In the course of only a few decades, pizza has become one of America's favorite foods, spawning a multi-billion-dollar industry in the process.
Whey Protein Concentrates in Low-fat Applications
Whey protein's high nutritional quality and unique range of functional properties makes them valuable in a wide range of low- fat products.
Protein: Opening the Door to Dairy's Opportunity
This white paper examines consumer attitudes, behaviors and trends around protein intake.
Cheese and Healthy Eating
This brochure provides statistics, facts and nutrition information on cheese and how it can help meet health and wellness needs.
1IFIC Foundation's 2014 Food and Health Survey.
2Paddon-Jones, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 2009.