Start healthy, finish strong

76% of consumers said starters must look and sound amazing and would appeal more if they included healthy options.*

25% of consumers in full service restaurants are looking for healthy options that still deliver on flavour.*

For maximum appeal your starter and dessert menu should include indulgent AND healthy options.

Here are some tips on boosting flavour, adding excitement and making them healthier.

*2009 American Express MarketBrief – March

Soups are a great low calorie alterative that you can make with virtually any ingredient. Top herbs, seeds, nuts, fresh vegetables or low fat yoghurt
Salads are great starters, they help balance a meal, help towards 5-a-day and appeal to guests looking for a healthy option
Braise broad beans and artichokes in bouillon for extra flavour and as a low fat alternative (bouillons contain salt so cooking instructions must be followed)
When creating risottos use less butter but flavour the rice by simmering in a full flavoured low sodium stock (stocks contain salt so cooking instructions must be followed to avoid over salting)
When serving a carpaccio of beef, add flavour and texture with thin slices of beetroot
Excite guests by mixing tropical fruits with seafood. Try green papaya with shallots and prawns

Use toasted wholegrain bread crumbs as a healthier topping to a favourite pudding
Make a fruit dessert with some stewed fruit, fat free yoghurt. Add currants to the dessert for sweetness
Use sweet fruit or raisins to flavour cakes and biscuits
Sorbets are light, quick and can give a real flavour hit. Try creating a fruit sorbet with an extra unusual ingredient such as tea. Try Orange sorbet with chamomile, or mango sorbet with Earl Grey
Offer puréed stewed fruit with custard or yoghurt
Garnish your desserts with fresh fruit and mint leaves. It adds colour and appeal