Healthy Alternatives for Concession Stands

Summer sports, festivals, and other outdoor activities are in full swing! And with this, so are summer concession stands. While concession stand staples like pizza, hot dogs, and soft drinks will always be a hit, offering healthy alternatives is paramount to keeping your health-conscious customers coming back for more.

To help you out, we’ve put together some simple and healthy options that can make a real impact on your menu and attract those who might otherwise overlook your stand. Let’s dive in!

Fresh Produce Power-Ups

A perfect starting point for any concession stand is to add a few fresh grab-and-go options. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads can be a game-changer for customers seeking a light and refreshing snack. Think about easy-to-stock items like clementines, bananas, individual veggie stick bags, and fruit cups, all kept chilled in the fridge. To make them even more appealing, you can offer pairings like hummus, guacamole, or cheese cubes.

For salads, keep them simple and prepare them fresh each morning. Once you get a feel for demand, consider choices like a Cobb Salad, Caesar Salad, etc.

Grill Smart, Eat Well

If burgers are already a popular item at your concession stand, incorporating healthier alternatives is surprisingly easy. First, consider offering a low-carb option by swapping out the bun for a lettuce wrap. This simple switch provides a great choice for your health-conscious patrons. Furthermore, you might also introduce veggie or turkey burgers for a lower-calorie alternative, or even grilled chicken for wraps or sandwiches. The tantalizing aromas from the grill alone will surely get your customers’ mouths watering!

Smart Snack Swaps

Providing healthy snack alternatives doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply offering lower-sodium options like unsalted pretzels or popcorn can make a big difference. Additionally, nuts, trail mix, and protein bars are excellent menu additions that provide a satisfying protein boost. Your health-conscious customers will appreciate having these choices, allowing them to still enjoy a treat during the game or event.

Discover Local Flavors

Another fantastic way to diversify your offerings is to explore your local farmers’ markets. Chat with some vendors; you might be pleasantly surprised by their unique products and discover some truly tasty local treats to add to your spread. This approach not only supports your local community but can also attract even more customers to your stand.

Don’t Overdo It

The key to successfully integrating healthy options is not to overcommit initially. A common mistake is making extensive menu changes only to find there isn’t enough demand. Instead, start simple and build from there. By introducing just one or two healthy alternatives, you can gauge customer interest and gradually add more if they sell well. Avoid overspending on changes that might not yield a good return. The best strategy is to take it slow and let your customers’ preferences guide your expansion!

Optimize Your Offerings with BlazeBite

Making menu adjustments and tracking demand for your new healthy alternatives can be a breeze. With BlazeBite analytics, you can easily see your top sellers and what’s not moving. Plus, BlazeBite’s integrated inventory management helps you accurately track perishable items, minimizing waste and boosting profitability. By leveraging BlazeBite’s data, you can optimize your menu, ensure popular healthy options are always in stock, and streamline operations, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and revenue.