
Ingredient Sourcing
IngrIngredient sourcing is a crucial aspect of transitioning to a plant-based approach. It involves identifying, selecting, and procuring plant-based ingredients that align with your menu offerings, culinary style, sustainability goals - and bottom line!
Remember, ingredient sourcing is not just about finding alternatives – it's about maintaining the quality and integrity of your dishes while aligning with your goals. By carefully selecting ingredients, testing them thoroughly, and staying attuned to customer preferences, you can successfully transition to using plant-based alternatives that delight your customers and support your financial and ethical objectives.
Menu or Recipe Analysis: We begin by analyzing the menu or recipe that you would like to adapt to a plant-based version. Our experts consider the flavor profiles, textures, and nutritional aspects of these dishes.
Ingredient Identification: Next we determine the animal-based ingredients that need to be replaced. This could include eggs, dairy products, and other animal-derived components.
Research and Selection: Our sourcing specialists and chefs research plant-based alternatives for the animal-based ingredients. This might involve exploring various plant-based proteins, non-dairy milk, egg substitutes, and more. We look for options that closely mimic the taste, texture, and functionality of the original ingredients.
Pilot Testing: In collaboration with your team, we implement a pilot test phase where we incorporate the new plant-based ingredients into the recipe. We gather feedback from your chefs and customers to fine-tune the recipe until we are happy with the results.
Supplier Research: We identify suppliers that offer high-quality plant-based ingredients, with a track record of reliability, consistent quality, and sustainability practices. We will also help you with calculating the new food cost for the revised recipe to ensure it meets your financial goals.
Sample Testing: We will request samples of the plant-based ingredients from different suppliers. This allows you to test the ingredients in the revised recipe and assess their performance in terms of taste, texture, and cooking properties.
Customization: We work with suppliers to customize ingredients if necessary. This could involve adjusting flavor profiles, textures, or other attributes to better match your culinary style.
Menu or Recipe Integration: Once you're satisfied with the performance of the plant-based ingredients, it’s time to integrate them into your menu or recipe, ensure your recipes are updated and that the changes are communicated to your staff. We’ll continue to support your team if training is needed on working with the new ingredients. This ensures consistency in preparation and maintains the quality of your products.
Communicating to Customers: Once we've perfected your plant-based offerings, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. Our marketing experts are poised to collaborate closely with your team to ensure that your transition to plant-based options is met with enthusiasm, engagement, and an expanded customer base.
Continuous Improvement: Ingredient sourcing is an ongoing process. Our team will help you stay informed about new developments in the plant-based food industry so that you can refine your ingredient selection over time.