How To Build A Grab and Go Menu

The advent of the fast-paced lifestyle has spurred a revolution in the food industry. The increasing demand for quick, easy, and convenient meal options has made "grab-and-go" menus an integral part of many food establishments. These are designed to cater to customers who want to enjoy their meals without the typical sit-down experience, either due to time constraints or personal preference. If you're running a restaurant, café, food truck, or any food-related business, developing a well-curated grab-and-go menu can be an excellent opportunity for growth. Here's how to create a successful grab-and-go menu for your business.

Grab-and-go foods are premade and prepackaged meals and snacks offered as an alternative way of dining in cafés, bakeries, grocery stores, colleges, hotels, and other establishments. However, customers aren't looking for boring options like the average ham and cheese sandwich. Customers most attracted to grab-and-go foods want their meals to be as high-quality, diverse, and delicious as they would be in a restaurant.

If you're looking to keep customers satisfied outside of your establishment, consider adding grab-and-go healthy breakfast options or grab-and-go lunches to your weekly menu. Set up a small station where customers can easily come in and choose their upcoming meal, and provide a mouthwatering selection customers can't wait to get their hands on.

Before you start planning out your grab-and-go menu, there are several steps to take to ensure that you're putting out products customers will love while cutting food waste and costs when possible.

Keep in mind the demands of your customers:

• High-quality, fresh ingredients
• A multitude of options
• Easy carry-out process

Creating a successful grab-and-go menu involves more than just offering quick meal options—it’s about understanding customer needs and delivering quality, convenience, and variety. To ensure your menu stands out and keeps customers coming back, follow these helpful tips to optimize everything from food selection to presentation and packaging.

• Monitor Food Trends: A great way of expanding your grab-and-go menu's variety is by keeping up with new trends in food and beverage. Customers these days pay extra attention to what goes into their foods, and organic or locally sourced options are usually bestsellers at most foodservice establishments.
• Accommodate dietary Restrictions: By providing vegan, gluten-free or kosher options in your grab-and-go foods, your customers will appreciate the inclusivity to their needs and the variety provided!
• Packaging Is Key: Grab-and-go crowds are attracted to the best quality foods they can find, and maintaining clear visibility in your packaging allows customers to see exactly what they're getting.
• Go Green: Ditch the traditional styrofoam carry out containers and opt for clear PLA plastic salad bowls, deli containers, and to go boxes with clear lids.
• Get Creative With Your Food Presentation: Carefully place colorful, bright ingredients at the top of your containers to show off your high-quality meals. Your customers will appreciate the eye-catching displays and will reach for foods they already deem tasty just by looking at them.
• Plan Out Your Weekly Menus: Keep track of what's on your shelves by creating weekly menus in advance to maintain the highest quality in your grab-and-go meals.
• Mark The "Best If Sold By" Dates: To ensure your sandwiches, salads, and soup containers are fresh before putting them out on shelves, be sure to clearly label how long they're good for. Your customers will appreciate being able to know the quality of their foods, which adds credibility to your business.
• Pro-Tip: Figure out the buying patterns of your customers and accommodate prep days to make larger quantities of items that sell out the fastest.

The items you include in your grab-and-go menu should be a balance between what your customers want and what is practical for your business. Consider the following factors when selecting food items:

• Portability: The food items should be easy to carry and eat on the go. This typically includes sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries, and handheld snacks.
• Shelf Life: Ideally, you want items that can hold well for a few hours without losing their quality. Easy and Quick Preparation: Given the nature of grab-and-go, the items should be quick to prepare and easy to package.
• Health Factor: Many customers prefer healthier options for quick meals, so consider including options with whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Cheese and deli meat boards
• Fruit trays
• Cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods with vegan and gluten-free options
• An assortment of chocolates and chips

Once your menu is ready, it's time to let your customers know. Use all your marketing channels – your website, social media, email newsletters, in-store signage – to advertise your new offerings. Consider offering deals or specials initially to entice customers to try your new menu.

Proper packaging is crucial for grab-and-go items. Not only does it need to maintain the quality and temperature of the food, but it also needs to be easy to handle. Use sturdy, leak-proof containers, and make sure the packaging is eco-friendly, as this is an important consideration for many consumers.

•  Plastic: Plastic containers are often chosen for their durability and versatility. They are available in many sizes and styles and can handle a wide range of foods. However, with increasing concern about plastic waste and its environmental impact, it might be advisable to explore other options or at least ensure the plastic used is recyclable or compostable.

•  Paper/Cardboard: Paper or cardboard containers are a popular eco-friendly choice. They are biodegradable and can come in a variety of forms, such as boxes, bags, or wraps. They're best suited for dry foods, as they can get soggy with moist items unless lined or coated.

•  Bamboo Or Other Plant-Based Material: These bamboo containers are excellent eco-friendly alternatives that are both sturdy and compostable. They can handle a variety of foods and are generally microwave-safe.

The primary function of packaging is to protect the food, maintaining its quality and preventing any leaks or spills. However, modern consumers also value convenience. Therefore, consider packaging features that enhance usability. For instance:

• Stackability: Packaging that is easy to stack is a boon for display purposes, and it also makes it easier for customers to carry multiple items.
• Microwave-Safe: Many customers appreciate the ability to reheat their meal in the same package it comes in. So, whenever possible, try to use microwave-safe materials.
• Re-Sealable: Depending on the type of food, customers might not consume the whole portion at once. Re-sealable packaging allows them to save the rest for later, maintaining freshness.

Remember, the goal of excellent packaging is twofold: to ensure the food remains delicious and appealing and to offer a convenient and pleasant customer experience. Making informed choices about your packaging materials, design, and functionality can significantly contribute to the success of your grab-and-go offerings.

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for customers, and offering eco-friendly packaging demonstrates your commitment to the environment. Here are some recommendations that are sustainable packaging options that are perfect for your grab-and-go menu:

Kraft Paper Containers

• Kraft Paper Salad Bowls: These sturdy and biodegradable bowls are perfect for salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes. Pair them with clear lids for easy visibility.

• Kraft Takeout Boxes: Great for sandwiches, wraps, and other meals. Their leak-resistant boxes keep food fresh and secure.

Compostable PLA Containers

• PLA Clamshell Containers: Ideal for sandwiches, pastries, and other baked goods. These containers are durable, compostable, and allow customers to see their food while reducing waste.

• PLA Portion Cups: Perfect for dips, dressings, and sauces. These are a great alternative to traditional plastic.

Bamboo Packaging

• Bamboo Plates And Bowls: Excellent for displaying and serving grab-and-go meals with a touch of elegance. They are biodegradable and highly durable.

• Bamboo Skewers And Picks: Ideal for small appetizers or fruit displays. They add a natural, stylish touch to your grab-and-go snacks.

Bagasse (Sugarcane) Containers

• Bagasse Clamshells: Made from sugarcane fibers, these containers are compostable, sturdy, and suitable for hot or cold items. They are perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and smaller meal portions.

• Bagasse Plates And Bowls: Great for soups, salads, or side dishes, offering a sustainable and practical alternative to plastic.

• Paper Sleeves: Pair these with your coffee cups to protect hands while staying eco-friendly.

• Windowed Paper Bags: Perfect for cookies, chips, or pastries, with a peek-through design to showcase your products.

Reusable and Compostable Cutlery

• Wooden Utensils: A biodegradable and chic alternative to plastic cutlery. Perfect for salads, desserts, or snack items.

• CPLA Cutlery Sets: Compostable utensils that are strong, heat-resistant, and perfect for a variety of meals.

Labels are essential for any grab-and-go menu. They enhance your customer experience, build trust, and streamline your operations. Here are six key benefits of adding labels to your grab-and-go items:. They enhance your customer experience, build trust, and streamline your operations. Here are six key benefits of adding labels to your grab-and-go items:

Nutritional Transparency
Clearly labeled nutritional information helps customers make informed choices, especially those with specific dietary needs or preferences. Including calorie counts, ingredients, and allergens boosts customer confidence in your products.

Enhanced Brand Identity
Well-designed labels featuring your business logo, colors, and style make your products instantly recognizable. This helps reinforce your brand and keeps your business top-of-mind for customers.

Compliance with Regulations
Labels ensure you comply with local health and safety regulations, particularly if you serve customers with dietary restrictions or food allergies. Transparent labeling reduces liability and builds customer trust.

Convenience for Customers
Labels with clear product names and descriptions help customers quickly identify what they want, making their grab-and-go experience seamless and enjoyable.

Reduced Food Waste
Adding "best if sold by" dates or expiration labels prevents outdated products from being purchased, protecting your customers and reducing food waste.

The Presentation Of Menus Influences Customers; it serves as a marketing tool that highlights the appeal of your offerings.

• Visual Appeal: Vibrant, high-quality images of your grab-and-go items can entice customers and make them more likely to purchase. Ensure your packaging showcases the fresh, colorful ingredients inside to give an appetizing first impression.

• Strategic Layout: Organize your menu items logically, grouping similar options together (e.g., breakfast, lunch, and snacks). Highlight bestsellers or signature dishes to guide customers toward popular choices.

• Eco-Friendly Messaging: If you're using sustainable packaging or locally sourced ingredients, make it part of the menu's presentation. Including these details attracts environmentally conscious customers.

By focusing on both physical presentation (clear packaging and attractive displays) and digital presentation (online menu design and marketing), you can enhance the customer experience and boost sales. Remember, a well-presented menu isn’t just functional—it’s a direct reflection of your brand and quality.

Millennials = Grab and Go. They are often referred to as the convenience-driven generation, have played a pivotal role in the rise of grab-and-go dining. Known for their busy lifestyles and preference for quick, accessible, and high-quality meals, this demographic values the flexibility and variety grab-and-go menus offer.

Here’s why grab-and-go resonates with millennials:

• Health-Conscious Choices : Millennials prioritize nutritious and organic foods. By including options like grain bowls, vegan wraps, and seasonal fruit cups, you can cater to their health-focused lifestyles.

• Eco-Friendly Values : Sustainability is key for millennials. Using eco-friendly packaging, such as compostable PLA containers or bamboo plates, aligns your business with their environmental concerns.

• Visual Appeal : Millennials are drawn to vibrant, colorful presentations. Display your grab-and-go items in clear, attractive packaging to make them Instagram-worthy and enticing.

By tailoring your grab-and-go menu to meet millennials' expectations, you can tap into a large, influential customer base and build brand loyalty with this forward-thinking generation.

Including a grab-and-go menu alongside your foodservice establishment's regular meals is beneficial for your customers and your business. Customers will enjoy the high-quality foods you provide and appreciate the ease of taking their favorite meals with them during their busy day.

By serving healthy options, you can expand your customer base and be more inclusive to dietary restrictions. Having a rotating range of weekly options also allows your business to adapt to the meal moods of your customers. To add convenience to your business, incorporate a grab-and-go menu and a selection of breakfast, lunch, and snack options.

Building a successful grab-and-go menu requires careful consideration of your customers' needs, careful food and packaging selection, and diligent marketing. However, the potential benefits –increased customer satisfaction, higher sales, and a wider customer base – make it a worthwhile endeavor for any food business.

Ready to take your grab-and-go menu to the next level? Explore our collection for a wide range of products to elevate your grab-and-go offerings and make your business stand out!