According to Technomic’s MenuMonitor database, “gluten-free” is the top health claim on Canadian menus, appearing 560 times. Restaurants are increasingly listing items as gluten-free to appeal not only to individuals with dietary restrictions, but also to diners who choose to order gluten-free items as a healthier alternative. Many of the gluten-free item listings are either gluten-free bread options for sandwiches or gluten-free crust options for pizzas. Some chains are even introducing entire menus highlighting gluten-free items, such as Casey’s Grill • Bar, De Dutch and Hero Certified Burgers.
The second-most popular health claim on Canadian menus is “vegetarian.” Overall, most diners consider vegetarian foods to be “better-for-you” dining options. In many instances, operators offer their signature menu items, such as burgers, Asian bowls and salads, with an option to either exclude meat ingredients or replace them with an alternative protein, such as tofu or a veggie-burger patty. There has also been a growing trend to present vegetables as the star of an entrée. These vegetable centre-of-the-plate offerings range from stuffed peppers to marinated eggplant. Not only are these types of items ideal for strict vegetarian diners, but they also appeal to “flexitarian” diners who occasionally want meat-free options. |
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