Looking for simple menu solutions that are hearty, healthful, and travel well? We recommend versatile bowls, which work with any daypart or type of global cuisine. These craveable creations fit with the way consumers are eating today, showcasing balanced flavors and textures in one convenient package.

Even though bowls may feel more casual than traditional composed dishes, they’re sparking innovation across the industry, from quick-service outlets to more upscale eateries. Interestingly, bowls are growing 20% across restaurant segments but are up 48% within the fine dining category alone! And it’s not just restaurants—bowls make it easy for C&U, healthcare, and other noncommercial operators to serve up meals that are easily scalable, transforming popular favorites into a format that’s ideal for carryout or off-premise dining.

The bowl trend may have originated in the health and wellness space, but it’s since evolved to take on the flavors of classic comfort foods, indulgent ingredients, and international street fare. Whether it’s incorporating a plant-based protein, adapting a family-style offering into a single portion, or showcasing a signature sauce, marinade, or glaze, innovation comes easy when you think inside the bowl!

Inspiration for bowl meals can come from any flavor profile, any protein preparation, and any type of global cuisine. Here are some of the chain operators, large and small, showcasing bowls as part of their carryout- and delivery-friendly menu offerings.

California Tortilla
The Cubano Bowl features a mix of sweet and savory flavors: mesquite chicken on a bed of rice and beans, topped with homemade tostones, fresh mango salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

Pret a Manger
For a bold vegan option, the Curried Cauliflower & Chickpea Grain Bowl is served on a warm bed of quinoa and brown rice, topped with fresh greens, avocado, red onion, and lime.

Denny’s
Capitalizing on the demand for comfort food, Mama D’s Pot Roast Bowl includes slow-cooked pot roast atop red-skinned mashed potatoes with roasted carrots, celery, and onions, covered in a rich brown gravy.

California Corner Bakery
Breakfast bowls move away from the expected with the Power Breakfast Egg Bowl, featuring scrambled eggs, ancient grains, chickpeas, oven-roasted tomato, fresh mozzarella, pesto, and power greens.

Content courtesy of Conagra Foodservice