Catering to the Evolving Dietary Preferences of Aussie Diners with Nestlé Professional

May 09, 2024

The dietary preferences of Australian diners have seen significant changes over the years, with consumers becoming more conscious and selective about their food choices. A growing trend is the shift towards plant-based diets, with 1 in 4 Australians identifying as flexitarian or actively reducing their meat consumption. Additionally, 9% of the Australian population now follows a vegan or vegetarian diet.¹

This change in food preferences stems from a variety of reasons, including personal preference, health considerations, and religious beliefs. The most common dietary requirements of Aussie diners range from vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian. There are also those who prefer flexitarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or low FODMAP diets.

Adding more plant-based options to the menu is not only a clever move to cater to these changing preferences, but it also has several benefits for operators. Firstly, plant-based dishes often come with higher margins, contributing to profitability. Secondly, plant-based proteins like legumes, beans, lentils, tofu, and others, add variety, colour, freshness, and texture to the dishes, enhancing their appeal. Lastly, sustainability is an increasing concern for today's consumers, with 28% of Australians choosing to eat plant-based because they think it's better for the environment.¹

Understanding these requirements is crucial for chefs and restaurateurs as they strive to cater to every diner that walks through their doors. In response to these evolving trends, Nestlé Professional has a range of resources and products to assist chefs in adapting their menus without adding to their costs or workloads.

The new guide A Dish for Every Diner, provides recipes, tips, and articles to help chefs navigate these changes. It includes a range of dishes like Pumpkin Bruschetta, Pea & Parmesan Arancini, and Veggie Lovers’ Pizza Board, ensuring that chefs can serve a dish for every diner.

To complement these resources, Nestlé Professional offers a versatile range of products, including MAGGI® Taste of Asia Sweet Chilli Sauce, MAGGI® Taste of Americas Salsa Roja, and BUITONI® Sugo Lussuoso al Pomodoro, amongst others. These products cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, allowing chefs to easily incorporate more plant-based dishes into their menus.