Bridging Sweet and Savoury Food Innovation

Big companies like Costa and Greggs know that the real money comes from more than just selling cupcakes and cookies. In the evolving catering industry, a transformation is underway as small cafes push boundaries by introducing heartier products and branded ingredients to their menus.

Traditionally, cafes have been synonymous with sweet treats and coffee. However, as the 2023 cost-of-living crisis unfolds, caterers feel compelled to embrace creativity. A growing number of small cafes are stepping outside the box of only selling sweet grab and go products by integrating more substantial menu items.

Many small cafes, standalone food concepts, and family small businesses have found that including menu items like spicy chicken and waffles, chicken burgers, and other grab and go sandwiches are a cost-effective way to increase business. Adding these small changes has a low cost but greatly improves customer satisfaction, return rates, and brand loyalty.

Strategic Menus

Caterers are using their expertise to blend the comforts of traditional baking with more substantial products. Picture biting into a handmade croissant filled with creamy goat cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes or relishing a macaron with maple bacon and honey filling during your morning commute. Small cafes can cheaply add a wow factor by incorporating branded ingredients or with less traditional savoury products.

Specialty sauces are an easy way to make menu items irresistible to consumers. Take for example, Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauces, these sauces add something special that people remember. The reputation of Sweet Baby Rays as the epitome of a Southern American barbecue sauce is a flavour many British people want to try. 

The tastes of the American South are rising in popularity across the UK. Sweet Baby Ray’s variety of flavours make any menu item a bestseller. The secret is in (Sweet Baby Rays’ Mango Habanero Wing and their Original BBQ Sauce) sauce. These handy sauces come in economical gallon jugs and just a little bit goes along way.

Customers require a range of products that suit different taste preferences. Most caterers in the industry offer a vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The dynamic interplay of flavours, textures, and aromas are turning cafes everywhere into casual dining powerhouses.

Small cafes are rewriting the script, providing customers with choices that satisfy for surprisingly little upfront cost. As the evolution of casual dining unfolds, the marriage of sweet and savoury are carving a new path in the small café and baking industries.

Branded Food: A Versatile Hit

Among the most popular offerings are waffles, crepes, and burgers. Sweet crepes and waffles are still favourites among grab and go consumers, but the real excitement lies in the savoury twist.

The unique mix of traditional sweet pastries alongside dishes like fried chicken, or batter mixes with herbs, vegetables, cheeses, or spices to transform indulgent treats into whole meals.

The versatility of waffles and crepes allows caterers to experiment with both sweet and savoury flavours, offering a dynamic menu that caters to diverse tastes. In the American South, people consider chicken and waffles a staple, and they attribute the rising popularity of savory waffles and crepes to their adaptability.

Little additions (like Sweet Baby Ray’s sauces) brand savoury items with recognizable tastes that separate them from other ingredients. Sweet Baby Rays is an American barbecue sauce known for its quality and signature southern flavour.

Reese’s is another American product that has multiple uses. Reese’s comes in a variety of candy forms and as a peanut butter sauce. This sauce is ideal for thick milkshakes or as a mix into gelato and soft serve ice creams, but also, in a savory alternative, like in an African sweet potato peanut butter soup.

When we add a variety and cultural food experience, showcasing different cuisines and flavors from around the world, this provides customers with the opportunity to try authentic global dishes and expand their culinary horizons.

The Rising Popularity of Savory Products in Casual Dining

Standalone food concepts are gaining popularity, offering quick, affordable, and diverse meal options. The advantages include affordability, accessibility, a variety of global cuisines, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Some of our customers create spaces to enjoy a quick meal without the formality of a traditional restaurant setting.

Their versatile nature, adaptability to a variety of dietary preferences, and the ability to explore innovative fusion recipes contribute to the rising popularity of savory waffles and crepes in the standalone offers. These factors contribute to the appeal of savory waffles and crepes among food enthusiasts and those looking for exciting and unique food experiences.

Also, quirky family restaurants are becoming popular for their unique atmosphere, menu, drinks, and familiar service. Some of our customers, like Betsy Burgers, Phat Buns and The Works are good example of that.

Their menus offer a wide range of tasty food options, such as Betsy's Burgers. They have unique breakfast items, such as the "You're Waffling". This dish is a tasty combination of Turkey bacon, egg, American cheese, hashbrowns, and sausage patty, all served in a waffle.

New savoury waffle, pancakes, churros, donuts choices for breakfast are a smart investment, as they can be added to or replace the classic English breakfast. This will improve the customer's taste experience and increase the sales.

Adding strategic options attracts those seeking a balance between the sugary high and a substantial meal. Or perhaps, they want to try something new but familiar like delicious Lightly Salted Nachos topping a Burger, Phat Bun style. Or the fluffy pancakes served with Bacon from The Works.

Spearheading a Savoury Shift

JM Posner, a one-stop-shop for crafting popular menus, we’ve expanded our expertise from High Street dessert parlours to caterers across the UK. Over the past 14 years in the food industry, JM Posner has remained committed to understanding the evolving tastes of the public.

We recognise the importance of testing new markets. We’re here to provide you with all you’ll need to set up shop and to help you boost your business's profits and popularity.

As JM Posner continues to spearhead the trend of introducing savoury elements and iconic branded elements in small cafes, bakeries, and sweet shops. We remain committed to embracing industry changes and providing the name brand products that are the bread and butter of your business.