Innovation Spotlight: French Toast

Have you tried a French toast casserole? From upscale restaurants to fast-food chains, French toast is being reinvented in exciting ways. The appeal of French toast lies in its comforting texture - crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside - and its ability to absorb a variety of flavors. From a flavor perspective, French toast offers a perfect canvas for both sweet and savory profiles. Chefs are experimenting with unique bread choices, from brioche to challah, and incorporating unexpected ingredients like berries, nuts, and even savory elements.

Cracker Barrel's test of Cinnamon Bread French Toast and Homestyle Banana Pudding French Toast exemplifies this trend, catering to consumers seeking indulgent, nostalgic flavors. Meanwhile, General Mills Foodservice is tapping into the convenience market with their new Pillsbury Mini French Toast flavors, perfect for on-the-go diners.

One standout example is the overnight French toast with a layer of berries, elevating the dish to new heights of flavor and visual appeal. This approach not only enhances the taste profile but also caters to the Instagram-worthy food trend that continues to drive consumer choices.Restaurants are featuring it as an all-day menu item, and some establishments, like French Toast Heaven in West Chester, are building entire concepts around this versatile dish.

Interestingly, the French toast trend aligns with the broader "newstalgia" movement in food, where familiar comfort foods are updated with modern twists. This approach appeals to a wide demographic, from millennials seeking childhood favorites to Gen Z consumers looking for novel food experiences.

Cracker Barrel tests cinnamon bread French toast, homestyle banana pudding among new menu items: https://lnkd.in/gBkbsuv6

General Mills Foodservice unveils Pillsbury Mini French Toast flavors: https://lnkd.in/gdZVuccq

The Better Way to Make TikTok’s Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Protein Toast: https://lnkd.in/gfqwyzbQ

Restaurants go all in on French toast sticks https://lnkd.in/gBTnUmVxhashtag#FoodandBeverage hashtag#Menudata hashtag#BreakfastTrends hashtag#CulinaryInnovation hashtag#FoodService hashtag#FrenchToast hashtag#ComfortFood hashtag#MenuDevelopment hashtag#FoodieFinds hashtag#BrunchIdeas hashtag#RestaurantIndustry hashtag#FoodTrends2024