PLANT-Forward
US Foods® is committed to offering a differentiated portfolio of plant-forward products, embracing the spectrum from vegan and vegetarian to flexitarian and other lifestyle eating habits that limit animal-based products. Here’s how US Foods defines plant-based, vegan and vegetarian items.
Plant-Based Alternatives:
Plant-based is a finished product that is made with ingredients derived from plants – including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and/or legumes. Additionally, fungi and algae, although not technically plants, will also be considered as plant-based ingredients. Products eligible are meat, seafood, egg and dairy alternative products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Ingredients that are not of plant or animal origin are permitted.
Vegetarian:
To be considered vegetarian at US Foods, the product does not contain any ingredients that are of animal origin – except that milk, eggs, honey and beeswax may be used. We partner with our suppliers to make reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with other animal-based ingredients.
Vegan:
To be considered vegan at US Foods, the product does not contain any ingredients that are of animal origin – including milk, eggs, honey, beeswax and gelatin. We partner with our suppliers to make reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with animal-based ingredients.
- More than one-quarter of the general population is limiting meat in their diet
– Plant-forward Opportunity Report, 2023 A Datassential Report - 1 in 5 consumers who don’t follow a specialty diet are interested in specialty diet restaurants
– Datassential - Plant-based has grown +1,828% on menus over the last four years
–Datassential - 42% of operators added at least one plant-based alternative to their menu in the last six months
SNAP! Keynote | Plant Based, Datassential, 2023
PLANT-POWERED PRODUCTS FOR EVERY PALATE!
*Plant-Based: Made with ingredients derived from plants, fungi and algae; no animal-derived ingredients. Reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with animal-based ingredients.
**Vegetarian: Milk, eggs, honey and beeswax permitted: no other ingredients of animal origin. Reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with animal-based ingredients
***Vegan: No ingredients of animal origin. Reasonable efforts to avoid cross contact with animal-based ingredients.
TIPS FOR MARKETING PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS ON YOUR MENU
- Refresh an old favorite. Transform vegetable staples into new formats – such as spiralized zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice and beet hummus, for starters
- Play with global flavors added to plant-forward cuisines – such as customizing sauces, dressings or condiments to top off dishes
- Plant-based eating means more than mere vegetables. Look at what you can do with pasta, pancakes, refried beans, tofu, farro and sunflower seeds, for example
- Keep some animal proteins, but use them in more of a supporting or optional role in pastas, stir-fries, sandwiches, salads or bowls