With the growing appeal of plant-based eating, today’s health-conscious consumers are looking for nutritious meals that focus more on vegetables and less on meat. 36% of American consumers identify themselves as flexitarian, meaning they choose to eat vegetarian meals at least some of the time.¹ Fresh-dried potato ingredients are the ideal foundation for plant-based menus due to their nutrient-dense nature, ability to satiate, and versatility in the kitchen.

According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which focus on increasing the consumption of nutrient-dense vegetables, potatoes support the Healthy Vegetarian eating pattern.² A key concern of vegetarian and flexitarian consumers is obtaining enough high-quality protein in their diets. One serving of potatoes contains 3 grams of plant-based complete protein, more than almost any other commonly consumed vegetable. Notably, with immune support currently top-of-mind for many consumers, potatoes are considered an excellent source of Vitamin C, providing 30% of the recommended daily value in just one serving. Potatoes are also a good source of Potassium, providing 15% of the daily value per serving. What’s more, a single serving of potatoes contains 26 grams of high-quality carbohydrates, helping to fuel an active lifestyle and keeping customers feeling fuller for longer.³

Due to their versatility, fresh-dried potatoes can easily be customized to fit into meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across a variety of cuisine types. Potatoes provide a filling, plant-based alternative to meat ingredients in many traditional favorites. Put a vegetarian twist on breakfast and brunch by replacing meat with fresh-dried hash browns in a savory frittata or breakfast burrito. Try using fresh-dried potatoes in any of their forms to beef up a plant-based pizza. Highlight fresh flavors by creating unique potato salads or vegetarian tacos. Any way you slice it, fresh-dried potatoes are a crave-worthy addition to any vegetarian dish.

Click here to learn how fresh-dried potatoes can create exciting vegetarian dishes.

Content courtesy of Idahoan Foodservice

¹Flexitarianism on the Rise in U.S., Reports Packaged Facts, Cision US, 29 Oct. 2020, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexitarianism-on-the-rise-in-us-reports-packaged-facts-301154622.html.

²“Make Every Bite Count with Potatoes.” Potatoes USA, 30 Dec. 2020, potatoes.usa.com/news-events/make-every-bite-count-with-potatoes/.

³“Potato Nutrition Info: Label, Data, Carbs, Calories, Health Facts.” Potato Goodness, 5 Feb. 2021, www.potatogoodness.com/nutrition/.