News

Consumer trend report explores popularity of soup and salad

February 6, 2014

A new consumer trend report from Technomic reveals insights into consumer preferences for soup and salad. According to a news release from the company, more than two-fifths of consumers strongly agree that they visit certain restaurants specifically because they enjoy the soup (46 percent) and salad (43 percent) the restaurants offer.

Other findings within the Left Side of the Menu: Soup & Salad Consumer Trend Report include:

• Half of consumers (51 percent) say it is important that soup can be bundled with other items; 60 percent say the same regarding salad. Additionally, 58 percent of consumers even say that they are more likely to order soup as a combo meal than as a single item.
• Fifty percent of consumers want to try new and unique soups. Further, more than a third (35 percent) of consumers say they purchase soup because they want to try new varieties; 21 percent say the same for salad.
• Ethnic and innovative soups, such as Asian-style ramen and chilled varieties, are poised for growth, particularly among younger consumers. Kale, chopped and grain-based salads are trending forward at the restaurant-chain level and in the retail space.

"Soup and salad are traditional favorites, but consumers still expect variety and something different on the menu," said Darren Tristano, EVP of Technomic. "Catering to consumers' need for variety when dining out — while also striking a balance between craveable, healthy, and innovative yet familiar offerings that justify price points — will be important in driving soup and salad purchases. Operators may also have room to ramp up soup and salad orders by promoting their appeal across dayparts and mealparts."

Read more about trends.