Inspiración y tendencias del menú
“Papas a la francesa” y más: Cómo aprovechar las tendencias en aumento y en descenso del menú
4/17/2026
En Anthony and Son Panini Shoppe de Brooklyn, las papas a la francesa Knockout fueron un éxito mucho antes de que las personas influyentes en las redes sociales las descubrieran. El plato distintivo, que debutó en 2018, incluye papas a la francesa crujientes, salsa de vodka y queso mozzarella fresco, a menudo cubierto con bistec picado.
Desde entonces, la popularidad de las papas a la francesa cargadas con salsa de vodka ha despertado una ola de variaciones, incluidas las papas a la francesa picantes tipo Waffle rociadas con miel caliente; las papas a la francesa con vodka con papas a la francesa con sebo de carne de res, cuajadas de mozzarella y alioli de albahaca; y las siempre populares papas a la francesa con pollo al vodka. No hay signos de que esta tendencia se desacelere.
Esto se debe a que la salsa cremosa de tomate enriquecida con vodka está experimentando un aumento notable en la popularidad, con una tasa de crecimiento del 202 %, según Datassential.1 “Se adapta a la tendencia de nostalgia moderna continua”, confirmó la firma de perspectivas del consumidor en su informe anual de tendencias del menú de Datassential. “A medida que los consumidores más jóvenes lo descubren por primera vez, se aprovecha en nuevas aplicaciones, como en sándwiches de pollo, como salsa para pasteles de arroz coreanos en iteraciones de tteokbokki y más”.1
Para los operadores de foodservice, tales tendencias en aumento (y tendencias en disminución también) presentan oportunidades emocionantes para innovar menús y prestar servicios a audiencias específicas. Y lo genial es que los operadores pueden aprovechar fácilmente estas tendencias con pocos ajustes en sus menús.
Por ejemplo, las universidades pueden aprovechar el atractivo de los platillos audaces y reinventados hechos con salsa de vodka para atraer a los comensales de la generación Z. Mientras tanto, los centros de atención médica y residencias para adultos mayores podrían enfocarse en el aspecto de la comida reconfortante de una tendencia descendente, como el soufflé para mejorar las ofertas centradas en el bienestar.
Al adoptar tendencias emergentes y en disminución y adaptarlas a sus entornos únicos, los operadores de foodservice pueden crear experiencias gastronómicas inolvidables. Este enfoque tiene como objetivo satisfacer los antojos, fomentar el compromiso y generar lealtad del cliente.
Rising trends: Make blasts from the past feel like ‘newstalgia’
Limoncello (up 59%)1
Put it into action
A staple in old-school Italian eateries, limoncello goes back decades as a tart, lemon-flavor liqueur favored as an after-dinner drink. According to Datassential, interest in Italian liqueurs exploded after the rapid growth of the Aperol spritz cocktail.1 Those who didn’t like Aperol’s bitter profile preferred the sweeter side of limoncello. The latter’s resurgence has it featured in cocktails (Lemon Drop, mojitos), desserts like bread pudding and more. Consider these idea starters:
Colleges & Universities: With Gen Z consumers obsessed with 1990s culture, adding limoncello to the menu as a flavor profile should certainly grab their attention. Make sure to call it out on the menu.
Recipe inspiration: The Raspberry Parfait may be tweaked a little to accommodate the limoncello trend. The recipe calls for lemon juice; simply replace it with a nonalcoholic limoncello and whisk it in the low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt. The tanginess of limoncello matches well with Simplot Simple Goodness™ Raspberries, IQF Crumbles.
Healthcare: For this audience, it’s important to call out the fact that there’s no alcohol in the recipe using limoncello, only the concept of it.
Recipe inspiration: Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing plays up the dressing aspect of the dish, so be certain to make it a little tarter. Also, this offering may be served year-round by using Simplot Simple Goodness™ Pacific Berry Blend , Simplot Simple Goodness™ Mango Cubes, Simplot Simple Goodness™ Strawberries, IQF Whole and Simplot RoastWorks® RTE Flame-Roasted Fuji Apples.
Senior Living: Offer diners a taste of nostalgia during an “Italian Night” feast where they can choose their favorite ingredients from a pasta station. End the evening with limoncello-inspired desserts.
Recipe inspiration: Serve limoncello alongside, or inside, Raspberry, Mango and Blueberry Cannoli. For healthier versions, consider using alternative dairy products..
Orgeat (up 29%)1
Put it into action
A syrup made from almonds with the addition of rosewater and/or orange flower water, orgeat is a bartender’s secret weapon. Now it’s branched out, giving beverages, desserts and breakfast faves pronounced flavor profiles consumers crave. Consider these idea starters:
Colleges & Universities: Orgeat’s versatility lends itself to tasty beverages, making them more complex, from cocktails to lattes. Unconventional beverages, of course, are popular with Gen Z.
Recipe inspiration: The traditional Mexican Horchata gets an update in this recipe. Then replace the horchata’s vanilla and cinnamon notes for orgeat’s almond and rosewater.
Healthcare: Orgeat can also be used in breakfast starches, such as French toast and waffles.
Recipe inspiration: Replace maple and vanilla extracts in this recipe for French Toast Bake with orgeat, plus reduce sugar and rich dairy for a lighter dish.
Senior Living: Desserts are often tricky in this category because many of the residents have restricted diets. Swapping out vanilla for orgeat shows them a little variety without going overboard, such as warm orgeat rice pudding.
Recipe inspiration: For the Ginger Peach Crumb Cake, simply replace vanilla extract and ginger for orgeat, which complements Simplot Simple Goodness™ Peaches, IQF Sliced well with its almond and rosewater essence.
Declining trends: Reinvent with new formats and modern pairings
Using the term 'authentic' on menus (down 28%)1
Put it into action
Datassential reported that consumers prefer direct callouts of a dish’s ingredient origins rather than just seeing “authentic” on a menu.1 Avoid calling something authentic and instead find ways to note sourcing of ingredients, traditional preparation methods, or call out the region of the country where the item comes from to demonstrate authenticity. Consider these idea starters:
Colleges & Universities: Operators may highlight global flavors with pop‑up lunches or dinners or limited-time-offerings (LTOs) of dishes.
Recipe inspiration: For students on the go, the Korean-inspired Samgak-Gimbap Stuffed with Bulgogi, Caramelized Onions and Cauliflower Rice is ideal for a portable grab-n-go lunch.
Healthcare: Operators should consider global dishes that are easy to execute and fun for guests, whether they’re patients, staff or visitors.
Recipe inspiration: Haitian Griot Tacos put a different spin on everyone’s favorite handheld with tender marinated pork, spices and vegetables.
Senior Living: Residents typically want dishes that are familiar and remind them of home, yet they’re open to a bit of excitement.
Recipe inspiration: Thai Sweet Potato Salad offers all the elements of comfort food with the twist of Thai peanut sauce on the side.
Soufflés (down 6%)1
Put it into action
While soufflé’s popularity took a dive ages ago, it was really at an all-time low when egg prices were up, according to Datassential. Nevertheless, Datassential thinks it can make a comeback now that other retro favorites are enjoying a resurgence.1 Consider these idea starters:
Colleges & Universities: Traditionally, soufflés take a long time to bake, so consider using pre-made soufflés, which may offer some of the wow factor with less labor. To update and make them more eye-catching, decorating with Simplot Simple Goodness™ Raspberries, IQF Crumbles or Simplot Simple Goodness™ Sliced Strawberries with Sugar is an option.
Recipe inspiration: The Chocolate Soufflé Fries and Shake trio is certainly built for Gen Z consumers, who’ll be delighted by the sweet and salty options.
Healthcare: Other fun options in this category are fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes and cheesecakes. But for those who want the classic cake, topping it with fruit never goes out of style.
Recipe inspiration: Consider adding them to complement the dessert station filled with various fruits, such as Simplot RoastWorks® RTE Flame-Roasted Fuji Apples, Simplot Simple Goodness™ Blueberries and Simplot Simple Goodness™ Raspberries, IQF Crumbles.
Senior Living: Residents will certainly appreciate soufflé‑style formats, which could include pancakes, cheesecakes or the traditional treat.
Recipe inspiration: Consider adding them to complement the dessert station filled with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and other toppings.
1 Rise & Decline: 5 Foods, Flavors, & Beverages on the Rise and 5 on the Decline, Datassential, November 2025
