Mintel’s consumer findings (June 2008) revealed that 18% of RoI and 13% of NI consumers stated that a healthy option on a menu was most important, when choosing a venue for eating out.

This therefore raises the question of whether there is sufficient demand to expand healthier menu choices. Changes in consumer behaviour in relation to eating more healthy foods, in addition to the mounting pressure by the government to improve the state of the nation’s health, would suggest there is.

Mintel’s consumer findings (June 2008) revealed that 18% of RoI and 13% of NI consumers stated that a healthy option on a menu was most important, when choosing a venue for eating out.

This therefore raises the question of whether there is sufficient demand to expand healthier menu choices. Changes in consumer behaviour in relation to eating more healthy foods, in addition to the mounting pressure by the government to improve the state of the nation’s health, would suggest there is.

As discussed in this report, it is evident that foodservice providers are seeing the benefits of investing in health strategies. However, the cost of adopting a healthier menu approach may prove too much of a risk for those providers already struggling with declining footfall and expenditure.

Key themes

What are the core factors driving consumers to choose one foodservice establishment over another?

Is it all about health, or do other factors such as indulgence and convenience play an important role in meeting consumers’ eating out expectations?

Which foodservice sector has been most successful and innovative in targeting health-conscious consumers?

What micro and macro factors have influenced healthy eating when eating out?