QSR brands are using chicken thighs as a cost-saving alternative to white meat wings
Trend - Amid the rising cost of chicken set on by the pandemic, restaurants are turning to dark meat alternatives for chicken wings. Chicken thighs are meatier and often richer in taste, making them a popular choice for QSR brands across North America. These are served fried, tossed, or with sauces.
Insight - Restaurants were of the industries hit the hardest by the pandemic, with rising costs of supply and an ever-dwindling consumer base willing to dine in. Following the pandemic, while indoor dining has returned, prices and supply have yet to return to normal. Restaurants with affected supply sought alternative products to ensure steady supply and affordable pricing, creating demand for typically less-used parts of foods in North America, such as chicken thighs or feet.
Insight - Restaurants were of the industries hit the hardest by the pandemic, with rising costs of supply and an ever-dwindling consumer base willing to dine in. Following the pandemic, while indoor dining has returned, prices and supply have yet to return to normal. Restaurants with affected supply sought alternative products to ensure steady supply and affordable pricing, creating demand for typically less-used parts of foods in North America, such as chicken thighs or feet.
Workshop Question - How could your QSR brand explore alternative ingredients as a cost-saving measure, or for experimental flavors?
Trend Themes
1. Rising Chicken Costs - Restaurants are turning to dark meat alternatives, such as chicken thighs, as a cost-saving measure amid the increasing price of chicken wings.
2. Alternative Meat Options - QSR brands are using chicken thighs to offer a meatier and richer taste experience for customers, diversifying their menu offerings beyond traditional chicken wings.
3. Supply Chain Disruptions - Due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, restaurants are seeking alternative products to ensure a steady supply and affordable pricing, leading to the exploration of less-used parts of foods, like chicken thighs.
Industry Implications
1. QSR - Quick Service Restaurants are utilizing chicken thighs as a cost-saving alternative to chicken wings, expanding their menu options and appealing to customers with a meatier taste experience.
2. Food Supply - The food supply industry is exploring alternative products, like chicken thighs, to address rising costs and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, ensuring a steady supply of affordable meats.
3. Restaurant Supply - Restaurants are seeking alternative food products, like chicken thighs, to cope with rising prices and limited availability of chicken wings, creating an opportunity for suppliers to meet the demand for alternative meat options.
