How do you create a sustainable menu that customers love?

1 Choose seasonal and local ingredients

One of the easiest ways to create a sustainable menu is to use ingredients that are in season and sourced locally. Seasonal ingredients are fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than those that are imported or stored for long periods. They also have a lower environmental impact, as they require less transportation, refrigeration, and packaging. Local ingredients support your community and economy, and can help you build relationships with farmers and producers. You can also highlight the origin and quality of your ingredients on your menu to appeal to your customers' curiosity and preferences.

3 Reduce portion sizes and waste

A third way to create a sustainable menu is to reduce portion sizes and waste. Portion sizes have increased over the years, leading to more food waste and overeating. By reducing portion sizes, you can help your customers control their calorie intake, save money on ingredients, and minimize waste. You can also use smaller plates and bowls to make your portions look more appealing and satisfying. To reduce waste further, you can implement practices such as composting, recycling, donating, or selling your excess food. You can also use techniques such as nose-to-tail or root-to-stem cooking, which use every part of an animal or plant, to create new and exciting dishes.

4 Experiment with different cuisines and flavors

A fourth way to create a sustainable menu is to experiment with different cuisines and flavors. Different cuisines have different approaches to sustainability, such as using spices, herbs, sauces, or marinades to enhance the taste and texture of ingredients, or using staples such as rice, beans, or bread to fill up a plate. By exploring different cuisines and flavors, you can diversify your menu, attract more customers, and learn new skills. You can also use your creativity to adapt recipes to suit your local and seasonal ingredients, or to create fusion dishes that combine elements from different cultures.

5 Update your menu regularly

A fifth way to create a sustainable menu is to update your menu regularly. Updating your menu can help you keep up with the changing seasons, trends, and customer feedback. It can also help you avoid boredom, stagnation, and repetition in your kitchen. You don't have to change your entire menu every time, but you can tweak, add, or remove some items to keep it fresh and relevant. You can also use specials, promotions, or events to showcase your new dishes and test their popularity. Updating your menu regularly can also help you optimize your inventory, reduce waste, and increase profits.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?