Healthy menu items are a mainstream offering throughout our cafés
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 65 percent of adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese. Growing portion sizes and “empty” calories are major contributors to expanding waistlines and health complications including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. As a socially responsible food service company, we knew we had to help our guests make a change.
In 2007, we took action to improve the health and wellness of our customers. In addition to our existing policies of using healthy cooking techniques, wholesome products and trans-fat free oils, we implemented over 25 new guidelines designed to ensure healthy offerings are available throughout our cafés. Bon Appétit’s Healthy Cooking Initiative emphasizes the use of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains as featured ingredients, utilizes “stealth nutrition” to camouflage healthy choices in everyday food preparation, and encourages guests to choose healthy dishes through ease of access and appealing presentation. Portion sizes are based on the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and high fructose corn syrup and trans fats are banned from house-made foods.
To develop and implement these healthy initiatives was no simple task, but Bon Appétit’s existing kitchen principles lent for a smooth transition. Because all of our chefs cook from scratch, we can control every single ingredient of our menu. Ultimately, our goal is to offer our guests great-tasting healthful food options anytime, anyplace.
