How To Build A Seasonal Menu with Global Flavours

Why Are There Seasonal Menus?

The Nestlé Professional 2024 Foodservice Trends Report¹ revealed that 2/3 of foodservice establishment currently offer seasonal items. Clearly, seasonal menus have been a long-standing tradition in the culinary world. They are designed to align with the natural availability of ingredients during specific times of the year. Additionally, seasonal menus are created to fill the different needs dependent on the weather conditions, with warmer foods during the fall and winter, and fresher, lighter meals during the summer and spring.

Winter Seasonal Foods in Canada

During the winter months, certain ingredients not only provide warmth and comfort but also offer a chance to incorporate global flavours into your dishes. Here are some popular foods in winter for Canada. Keep these in mind when crafting your seasonal menu ideas:

• Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips are abundant during the winter. They can be roasted, mashed, or used in hearty soups and stews to add depth and earthy flavours to your dishes.
• Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are commonly used in winter dishes. They add a cozy and aromatic touch to desserts, hot beverages, and even savory dishes like roasted meats. Make sure to seize the spice opportunity throughout your entire menu, including spiced drinks, such as a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte.
• Chocolate: Winter is the perfect time to indulge in chocolatey treats. From hot chocolate to rich chocolate desserts, incorporating chocolate into your winter menu is sure to please your customers' sweet cravings.

Apart from the ingredients mentioned above, there are specific cuisines that increase in popularity during the winter months in Canada. 2023 studies by Ipsos revealed that more carb-heavy cuisines such as Italian, are consumed the most during the colder months, with a peak from October to December¹. 

Summer Seasonal Foods in Canada

During the summer months, consumers in Canada seek more lighter and refreshing options. Greek, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines become popular choices, offering fresh and vibrant flavours¹. Specifically, Greek cuisine, which incorporates ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and herbs such as oregano and mint.

Mexican cuisine also increases in popularity. Mexican dishes that can be enjoyed through snacks or on-the-go, such as nachos and tacos, are perfect additions to any menu. 

Summer Menu Idea: Combine in-season vegetables and spices with Minor's Roasted Garlic Flavour Concentrate for a quick and easy summer appetizer for customers to enjoy. Consider incorporating our Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe - a perfect addition for a Middle Eastern twist to your seasonal summer menu.

Seasonal Menu Planning: What Should I Include? 

Seasonal menu planning involves creating a cohesive and engaging dining experience for customers. This includes incorporating limited time offers to generate excitement and encourage repeat visits. By telling a story through your menu, you can create a narrative that ties the dishes together and enhances the dining experience. Curious to learn more? We got you covered with guides to plan your seasonal menu! 

There are two notable trends to include when planning your seasonal menu, especially when incorporating in global flavours to your dishes. 

Authenticity: Discerning foodservice consumers want authentic flavours that are health-promoting. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, matcha, and açai are highly sought after for their health benefits¹ and can be incorporated into organic and plant-based options. 

Spice It Up: Spicy flavours are also key to the authenticity trend, with an emphasis on specific types of heat, such as the smoky spice of chipotle or the sweet heat of gochujang, a Korean chili paste¹.

Seasonal Menu Recipes: Things to Remember

When catering to the growing demand for new cuisine types, it's important to be thoughtful with seasonal menu ideas; customers are seeking authentic flavours and experiences. Thoughtful creation of recipes ensure that the flavours, textures, and presentation of the dishes align with the cultural and culinary traditions they represent. 

Elevate your menu offerings by including seasonal dishes in 2024. 

The information presented here offers a general industry perspective and may not directly apply to your specific business operations. Consult with the appropriate subject matter experts before making any business decisions.

1. 2024 Ipsos.® FSM FOODSERVICE MONITOR | Nestle Professional 2024 Food Service Trends