By Kate Leahy
It has long been the case in the restaurant industry that
consumers say they want healthier options. But when given
the choice, they typically pick indulgence over betterfor-you
items.
Over the past couple of years, however, this truism is
eroding. It’s a sea change that started in grocery stores:
Sales of cereal, soda and frozen foods have been dropping
while quinoa, kale, avocados and coconut water continue
to grow, report multiple sources. Following this shift in
retail spending, dining decisions also are moving toward
healthier options.
Along with buying behavior, consumer mindset also
is shifting. It’s no longer acceptable for healthy options to