Consumers are dynamic not static. As consumer preferences
continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the demand for convenience,
portability, and high-quality food is growing across all sectors, from grocery
stores to convenience stores and restaurants.
Now according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma,
WA based Foodservice Solutions®,
at the core of this shift lies the
handheld protein menu item, a rising star for every daypart—breakfast, lunch,
afternoon snacks, and dinner. Handheld protein options such as breakfast
sandwiches, protein wraps, snack-sized portions, and dinner-friendly burritos
are becoming indispensable. Here’s why grocery stores, convenience stores, and
restaurants must develop and promote handheld protein items throughout the day.
Why Handheld Protein Matters for
Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, and Restaurants
1.
Portability and
Convenience
Consumers are increasingly mobile, juggling work, errands, and social
obligations. Handheld protein items fit perfectly into this on-the-go
lifestyle. Whether someone is grabbing breakfast on the way to work, picking up
a quick snack during the afternoon, or purchasing dinner on the way home, these
items offer a quick, mess-free solution.
o Grocery Stores:
Shoppers are more inclined to pick up ready-to-eat, portable protein options
like wraps or chicken skewers that fit seamlessly into their busy lives.
Offering mix-and-match handheld meals for dinner or snacks during shopping
trips can increase impulse buys and customer loyalty.
o Convenience Stores:
The gas station or corner store is a haven for on-the-go consumers. Handheld
protein options such as breakfast sandwiches and grilled chicken wraps elevate
the foodservice game by offering a healthy, filling choice at every daypart.
o Restaurants:
Fast food and casual dining brands thrive on the idea of speed and portability.
Handheld proteins such as tacos, burritos, and sliders not only speed up
service but also appeal to a broad demographic of time-starved customers.
2.
Health and Protein
Demand
Consumers today are more health-conscious and aware of their dietary needs,
especially regarding protein intake. Offering high-protein, handheld items
provide a healthier, more satisfying option compared to carb-heavy alternatives
like pastries or chips. This is especially important for Millennials and Gen Z,
who prioritize protein-rich meals to fuel their active lifestyles.
o Grocery Stores:
Shoppers are looking for quick, health-focused protein options. Grocery stores
can offer fresh, pre-prepared handheld meals like turkey wraps or egg white
breakfast muffins to cater to those looking for protein-packed choices that
don’t require meal prep.
o Convenience Stores:
Consumers on the go may often overlook nutrition. Handheld proteins like jerky,
hard-boiled eggs, or chicken sandwiches provide an easy, healthy choice that
stands out in a sea of unhealthy snack foods.
o Restaurants:
Fast food chains and sit-down restaurants alike benefit from incorporating
healthy handheld options like grilled chicken wraps, protein-packed tacos, or
lean meat sliders into their menus. These items appeal to health-conscious
diners, driving both traffic and top-line sales.
3.
Customization and
Daypart Relevance
Offering handheld protein menu items tailored to each of the four
dayparts—breakfast, lunch, afternoon, and dinner—provides significant
flexibility in terms of flavor profiles and portion sizes. Customization also
allows consumers to choose a protein option that meets their dietary
preferences, making it easy to cater to a diverse customer base.
o Grocery Stores:
Developing handheld proteins for different dayparts allows grocery stores to
capture all-day sales. Breakfast burritos, lunch wraps, and dinner-sized
handhelds like protein bowls or stuffed chicken pockets can boost both
incremental and planned purchases.
o Convenience Stores:
Convenience stores can capitalize on the versatility of handheld proteins by
offering different variations for different times of the day. A breakfast
sandwich in the morning, a protein bar or snack-sized wrap in the afternoon,
and a more substantial option like a grilled chicken wrap for dinner all
provide quick, tasty options for on-the-go customers.
o Restaurants:
Restaurants can attract customers throughout the day with smart menu planning.
A breakfast handheld protein like an egg and sausage muffin, a lunch taco, and
a dinner-size wrap or burrito not only fit each daypart but also can be easily
customized to meet various customer preferences. This kind of daypart-specific
strategy helps to broaden appeal and boost loyalty.
Why it’s Important for Each Sector:
1.
Grocery Stores
o Increased Basket Size:
Offering ready-to-eat handheld protein items at various dayparts encourages
shoppers to add more to their baskets—both planned meals and impulse buys.
o Customer Retention:
Handheld items provide added convenience, making grocery stores a go-to spot
for quick meals in addition to regular grocery shopping, fostering customer
loyalty.
o Profit Margin Growth:
Fresh-prepared, portable protein meals often have higher margins than
traditional grocery items, contributing directly to the bottom line.
2.
Convenience Stores
o Time-Saving Appeal:
On-the-go customers value convenience more than ever, and offering
protein-rich, portable foods like breakfast burritos or chicken wraps ensures
that they can grab a healthy meal in seconds.
o Differentiation:
Convenience stores have traditionally been associated with unhealthy snack
foods. Handheld proteins provide a healthy alternative, differentiating the
store’s offerings and attracting health-conscious consumers.
o Daypart Expansion:
Offering handheld protein items that fit into each daypart expands potential
sales windows, turning what was once a breakfast-only destination into a viable
option for lunch, snacks, and dinner as well.
3.
Restaurants
o Speed of Service:
Handheld protein items allow for faster service, an essential element for
restaurants trying to cater to busy consumers at all times of the day.
o Increased Frequency of Visits: Customers are more likely to return to a restaurant that
offers versatile, satisfying handheld items throughout the day, particularly
those who are health-conscious and seeking high-protein meals.
o Profit and Volume:
Customizable handheld options appeal to a broad range of customers and dietary
preferences, increasing both order volume and profitability. The simplicity of
handheld protein options also makes them easy to prep and serve, reducing
operational strain.
Think About This
Handheld protein items are no longer a niche option; they
are essential for grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants to meet
the changing needs of today’s consumers. Whether it's breakfast on the go or
dinner after a busy day, handheld proteins deliver on convenience, health, and
customization. By developing and offering these items across all four dayparts,
these sectors can significantly increase customer engagement, drive loyalty,
and improve profit margins—all while giving consumers exactly what they crave:
convenient, protein-rich meals at any time of day.
Foodservice Solutions® specializes in
outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify
additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and
brand and menu integration strategy. Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche
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