Are GLP-1s driving menu changes?

As health trends come and go, and consumer dining preferences evolve, restaurateurs need to create menus that consider the shifting diner demand. One of today’s most prevalent health trends is the use of GLP-1 medication as a treatment for obesity, along with diabetes and other chronic conditions like cardiovascular and kidney disease. Research from Dalhousie […]

Protein packs a punch on 2026 restaurant menus

As health-conscious consumers increasingly drive many of the menu trends, protein continues to dominate diner demand. Recent research shows that 69 per cent of Canadians say they plan to eat more protein in 2026, 81 per cent consider protein essential for their health, and 44 per cent list cost as a barrier to getting enough […]

New data shows surging demand for plant-based foods in Canada

With Veganuary well underway across Canada and internationally, Humane World for Animals is spotlighting new polling data which reveals strong and growing consumer demand for plant-based foods nationwide. According to a recent survey, 54 per cent of Canadians now say they are interested in increasing or actively working to increase their consumption of plant-based foods. […]

Protein packs a punch with coffee chains

As dining trends come and go, protein is a hot topic for today’s consumers, with recent research indicating that over 71 per cent of Canadians have expressed they want to eat more of it, and that they consider its nutritional value their highest priority – a 112 per cent increase since 2015. In the U.S., […]

Consumers are looking for a healthy spin on non-alcoholic beverages

Beverages continue to play an important role on restaurant menus this year. From the functional to the health-conscious, hydration to happy hour, guests will be ordering off the drink menu this summer with wellness in mind. Colourful, fruity drinks are always popular once the warmer weather hits, but this year, tropical flavours are in hot […]

Trending diner behaviour in 2025

As we move into 2025, what are consumers looking for from their favourite restaurants? Studying diner preferences allows restaurateurs to tailor their menus and create memorable experiences that resonate with their customers, building profit margins, increasing traffic, and growing customer loyalty. Health and wellness Research from Open Table suggests that diners are most concerned with […]

Why restaurants need to rethink sugar on their menus

By Brad Woodgate Consumer dining trends and health concerns are in constant flux, and today’s consumers are paying closer attention than ever. For years, the conversation revolved around fats, debating the good, the bad, and everything in between. Now, the focus has shifted, placing sugar squarely in the spotlight as a quiet culprit in our […]

How restaurant menus are appealing to healthier diners

As diners continue to strive to eat better and lead healthier lifestyles, many restaurants are adjusting their menus to accommodate the newest trends. Recent studies show that 57 per cent of diners say that they need to eat healthier, so this is a trend that’s expected to gain even more momentum in the coming year. […]

How the new CFIA labelling regulations can affect your operations

By Hannah van Teylingen The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada are stepping up their game with new food labelling regulations that are planned to kick in by 2024 and 2025. In today’s health-conscious world, these new regulations aim to enhance transparency, encourage smarter food choices, and make sure everyone – from foodies […]

2023’s trends help operators craft 2024 menus

Taking a look at menu trends can help restaurateurs plan for this year, address diner demand, and craft menus that maximize profitability. Technomic’s recent report takes a look at the last quarter of 2023 to give some insight into what’s trending on menus year-over-year. Menu item counts have continued to increase in every mealpart, even […]