New Year, New Menu: Embracing Healthy Eating Trends in 2025

As the new year begins, foodservice operators across Canada are gearing up to address changing consumer preferences, with one trend taking center stage: healthy eating. With Canadians becoming increasingly mindful of their health and environmental impact, the adoption of plant-based options and nutritious menu items continues to grow. For 2025, this movement presents an exciting opportunity for foodservice professionals to innovate, attract new customers, and boost their bottom line.

The Rise of Healthy Eating and Plant-Based Choices

Canadians are making conscious choices about their diets, with recent surveys showing that 43% of Canadians actively seek out healthier menu options when dining out. Among these, plant-based alternatives have emerged as a significant driver.

Plant-based eating has evolved from a niche preference to a mainstream movement. Consumers are not only looking for meat alternatives but are also drawn to innovative ways of incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into their diets.

Agriculture Canada states: Common trends within all packaged food categories are focused on products that target the ‘healthy-consciousness’ consumer that consist of natural, fortified or functional ingredients. Plant-based or high in protein products are becoming high in demand, as well. Plant based dairy is forecasted to increase by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% (2023 – 2028).

Beyond plant-based options, 2024 is also seeing interest in functional foods—ingredients that deliver health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Items such as fermented foods, omega-rich seeds, and alternative proteins are rising in popularity as consumers seek to improve their gut health, boost immunity, and support overall well-being.

Why It Matters to Foodservice Operators

For chefs, operators, and managers, keeping pace with these trends is not just a strategy—it’s a necessity. A study by Restaurants Canada revealed that nearly half of Canadians expect their dining choices to align with their health goals. Meeting this demand means offering menus that cater to flexitarians, vegetarians, and even those who want healthier indulgences.

Incorporating Healthy Choices into Your Menu

Revamping menus to include health-forward items doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or creativity. Foodbuy’s supplier partners offer a wealth of resources to help operators make this transition seamlessly.

• Maple Leaf’s Greenfield Natural Meat Co.: As a leader in sustainable protein, Maple Leaf provides a variety of clean-label products that support healthier dining. Their plant-based Lightlife range and antibiotic-free meat options allow chefs to cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining exceptional taste.
• Danone Canada: From dairy-free alternatives like Silk almond milk to nutrient-rich Activia yogurts, Danone’s offerings allow foodservice operators to craft dishes that are both indulgent and health-conscious. Yogurt parfaits, plant-based smoothies, or dairy-free coffee creamer options are simple yet impactful menu additions.

• Kellogg’s: As a trusted brand Kellogg’s products are considered healthy because many of their offerings are made with whole grains, such as oats and wheat, which are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Additionally, they offer a variety of products with fortified vitamins and minerals, helping to support balanced nutrition.

Incorporating these ingredients can create compelling menu options such as plant-based burgers, grain bowls with alternative proteins, or even healthy twists on comfort foods.

Practical Benefits for Operators

Focusing on health trends delivers operational benefits. Healthier menus often include cost-efficient ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and seasonal vegetables, which can improve profit margins. Additionally, tapping into suppliers like Maple Leaf and Danone ensures access to quality ingredients, supported by the purchasing power of Foodbuy, Canada’s largest group purchasing organization.

At Foodbuy, our partnerships with trusted suppliers ensure our members have access to the best ingredients, innovative products, and procurement solutions tailored to their needs. Foodbuy provides unmatched value, cost savings, and access to industry-leading expertise.

The “New Year, New Menu” theme is more than a resolution – it’s an opportunity to align with consumer expectations and stand out in a crowded marketplace. By embracing healthy eating trends, foodservice operators can build menus that delight customers and drive long-term success.