Embracing Snacking – New Opportunities for Your Restaurant
Recently, snacking has evolved from a casual habit to a significant trend, particularly among younger generations. In fact, more than half of Gen Z consumers often replace main meals with snacks.1 Plus three out of four snack-eaters report they skip at least one meal per week in favor of a snack.2 This shift in eating habits presents a unique opportunity for pizzerias and Italian restaurants to adapt their menus and attract a broader customer base.
How do you capitalize on the snacking trend? By incorporating smaller, snack-friendly options onto your menu. And it doesn’t need to be difficult – you can simply offer smaller versions of items you already offer. For over two-thirds of consumers, bite-sized foods or snack menus would motivate them to eat pizza away from home more frequently.
Menu Innovation Ideas
Two options to consider adding to your menu include Pinwheels and Pizzettas. Pinwheels are bite-sized rolls made from pizza dough, filled with various toppings, and baked to perfection. Pizzettas are small, individual-sized pizzas that offer the same delicious experience as a full-sized pizza but in a more manageable portion.
These snack-sized options are perfect for customers looking for a quick bite without committing to a full meal. They can be easily customized with different toppings to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making them a versatile addition to any menu. And both can be created from the ingredients and menu items you already offer. Check out our new recipes for inspiration!
Packaging Ideas for Your Snack-Friendly Options
Effective packaging is essential for promoting snack-sized menu items, especially when customers want to take them to go. Here are some helpful snack packaging options to consider:
- Aluminum Containers: Commonly used for to-go portions, these containers can be paired with plastic covers, aluminum/paper lids, or foil wraps.
- Square Paper: Perfect for customers who prefer to eat while walking.
- Pizza Boxes: A standard 12” pizza box works well for multiple pinwheels or pizzettas.
- Paper Plates and Bags: Traditional packaging methods are also effective for snack-sized servings.
