In today’s fast-paced foodservice environment, one trend that continues to dominate is the rising demand for protein. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing meals that are high in protein, whether for health, fitness, or simply flavor. And among all protein options, chicken is the top choice because it’s a staple that’s as versatile as it is beloved.
What’s Fueling the Protein Demand?
Protein has become more than just a nutritional buzzword; it’s a key driver of consumer choice. From fitness enthusiasts to families on the go, diners are seeking meals that deliver on both satisfaction and sustenance.
This shift is also being fueled by broader trends:
- Health-conscious eating: Consumers are looking for leaner, cleaner meal solutions. In particular, people who are using GLP-1 weight loss medications (like Ozempic or Wegovy) are seeking high-protein foods to align with their health goals and maintain muscle mass.
- Flexitarian lifestyles: While plant-based options are growing, many diners still prefer animal proteins like chicken for their taste and nutritional value.
- Global flavor exploration: As consumers increasingly crave global flavors, protein fits perfectly into international cuisine-inspired dishes because culinary traditions from across the world heavily feature protein as the center of their dishes.
Why Chicken Still Rules the Roost
Chicken’s popularity isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a long-standing favorite that continues to evolve with consumer tastes. According to the National Chicken Council, chicken has been the most consumed protein in America for over three decades. Here’s why it remains a menu mainstay:
- Versatility: Chicken is the infinite canvas for chefs – it works across cuisines, formats, and dayparts. From breakfast burritos to late-night wings, it’s an open invitation for creativity.
- Health appeal: A nutritious staple that supports a healthy lifestyle, chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein and is rich in B vitamins and minerals.
- Comfort and familiarity: Chicken dishes evoke nostalgia and comfort, while still allowing room for innovation and trend-forward twists. With the inclusion of chicken, chefs can create meals that nourish the body and soul alike.
Whether it’s grilled, breaded, shredded, or sauced, chicken adapts to nearly any culinary concept, making it a must-have on modern menus.
Brakebush: A Century of Chicken Innovation
Behind many of the chicken dishes served across the country is a name that’s been trusted for generations: Brakebush. Founded in 1925, Brakebush has grown from a small Wisconsin poultry business into a national leader in chicken products for foodservice. For kitchens large or small, Brakebush has the chicken to suit any culinary need – from raw filets, tenders and chunks that allow for invention to par-fried or fully cooked varieties for quick preparation and consistent results.
What sets Brakebush apart is their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and partnership. As a family-owned company, Brakebush blends traditional values with forward-thinking solutions to help operators succeed in a competitive market. Their team of chicken experts works diligently on product innovation and food safety, while their culinary team and menu researchers give operators menu ideas to stay on top of ever-changing food trends.
The Future of Protein Is Chicken—and Brakebush Is Leading the Way
As consumer demand for protein continues to grow, chicken will remain a cornerstone of the American diet. And with Brakebush as a trusted partner, foodservice operators can confidently deliver the flavor, nutrition, and convenience today’s diners expect—today and into the future.
To see the full selection of Brakebush ingredients we offer, click here.
