November/December 2024 - 64

POTATOES USA
By Tiffany Kocir
Contributing Writer
Potatoes remain top menu performer
Trends show growth in fast casual category
Potatoes remained a top menu
performer in 2024, underscoring their
enduring appeal to consumers of all ages
and taste preferences. America's favorite
vegetable appeared on more than eight in
10 U.S. menus, according to MenuTrends
data by Datassential.
The report also shows that while potatoes
remain a popular menu item, foodservice
operators can take advantage of the spud's
versatility by leaning into trending fl avors,
dishes and other diverse offerings to appeal
to even more consumers.
MENU SEGMENT BREAKDOWN
Potatoes are versatile, complementing
many dishes and fl avor profi les across
different cultural backgrounds, which is
one reason they appear on the majority of
menus across the U.S., no matter the region.
Over the past decade, potatoes have
seen the most growth on fast casual
menus while remaining mostly steady
across other segments.
MENU PENETRATION
BY FOODSERVICE
SEGMENT IN 2024
Fine dining
Casual
Midscale
Fast casual
Quick-service
90.5%
88.2%
85.6%
71.7%
73.7%
NEW TRENDS
While traditional American fare
restaurants account for more than one-third
of potato offerings, there is opportunity to
appeal to a broader range of consumers,
especially younger generations, with more
global fl avors and trending dishes.
For example, Gen Z (ages 18-28) has
Potatoes appear most often on entree
and side menus, usually as part of a
combination or multi-protein item with
chicken, hot sandwiches and egg dishes.
And though less common among appetizers,
potatoes still appear on nearly half of all
appetizer menus.
64
Spudman * November/December 2024
shown a stronger affi nity for sauces and
fl avors traditional to global cuisines,
including classic Mexican fl avors such as
chamoy and Tajín, as well as Asian cuisine
staples such as gochujang, black vinegar,
eel sauce and ponzu. This younger cohort
is also drawn to spicy fl avors such as chili
crisp, diablo sauce and Nashville hot -
suggesting that leaning into complex fl avors
that add depth and interest to a food item
may be worth exploring.
As for when to add new potato items
to menus, March historically has had
the most chain restaurant introductions
featuring potatoes, but the cooler fall
season also has a high number of
introductions, likely because of potatoes
providing a warm and hearty option when
the weather starts to turn.
FRIES AFFINITY
Loaded fries were popular in 2024,
with top-performing recent introductions
featuring fries with a variety of proteins,
cheeses, sauces and other toppings to
create indulgent offerings.
Chicken, bacon and brisket were among
the most popular proteins; shredded,
queso and melted cheese were the most
popular cheeses; and ranch, sour cream,
pico de gallo and chili were the most
popular sauces.
As the most prevalent potato dish on
menus, fries continue appealing to all
consumers. The most-loved types of fries
across generations are classic, curly,
seasoned, home fries and crinkle cut.
Indulgent truffl e fries are most popular
November/December 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November/December 2024
