Quick Service Restaurants are always there for us. Date nights, road trips, on-the-go-brekkie, celebrations, after work craving fixes… QSRs serve us something consistent when we need it.
But they're also evolving in tandem with us, and offering up all manner of exciting new twists and innovations.
Three top insights from our QSR Menuwatching report include...
- Vending 2.0: Although being waited on can be nice, being hungry isn't always conducive to human interaction. Luckily, vending machines are upping their game – and serving up much(!) more than just crisps, choc and drinks. A world's first real ramen vending machine dispenses restaurant-grade ramen in cans, for instance – and we aren't talking instant noods! Rather, think rich broth filled with konjac noodles, bamboo shoots and chashu pork. Meanwhile, half-time becomes more efficient with hot pie & mash dispensers at the football–back of the net!
- Heat-seekers: What used to be a gateway chilli to more intense sources of heat, the humble jalapeño falls to the wayside as consumers' heat tolerance builds, with breeds of chillies previously left for chilli eating competitions now characterising a slew of QSR creations. Look out for Naga chilli loaded fries, and 'hottest ever' fried chicken sandwiches with Ghost Pepper or even Carolina Reaper sauces.
- Big Dip Energy: This year, it's all about the dip! QSRs are offering super-sized pots of our favourite sauces, ensuring there's enough to dip every fry, nugget and burger. And French-dipped sandwiches are also back, with pots of jus, consommé and even Thai curry in vogue! Elsewhere, those of us ostracised for dipping our fries in milkshakes rejoice, as milkshakes and sundaes are created specifically with a view to this.
Looking for more report insights?
If you're not already a trendhub subscriber and would like to see more of our QSR & Fast Casual Menuwatching report, book a complimentary 30-minute demo with one of our team to see how the trendhub can support you in making informed decisions, based on our insights into consumer trends.
On the demo, we'll build a report together on any subject of your choice... perhaps to help with a project in the pipeline? Plus, it'll be yours to keep after the call!