Is your sandwich program in need of a little lift? Are you seeking to elevate foundation ingredients—like breads and buns—to achieve a higher profile in a competitive market? Are you looking to use craveable handhelds to boost interest among Gen Z patrons?

Bread makers have found the young adult (18-34) market historically a tough hill to climb, with bread consumption consistently declining in this group as these consumers age out of eating sandwiches at home. But Gen Z has the potential to turn that tide, especially in the wake of the timely arrival of two retail favorites to the foodservice market: Nature’s Own and Dave’s Killer Bread, both from Flowers Foods.

Research from NPD Group, Inc., finds the young adult market often leans toward many better-for-you options. Even if they don’t specifically cite health as a top motivator, consumers in this age group demonstrate a preference for bread with grains and ingredient profiles that boast the health benefits associated with attributes like organic and all-natural. They top their toast with healthful avocado and natural honey. And they choose Nature’s Own as their top preferred brand, with Dave’s Killer Bread close behind, ranking fourth.*

As these products come into the foodservice market, they present a tremendous opportunity for concepts to take advantage of their brand recognition to promote their use in flavor-forward menu applications. Their premium profiles make these breads and buns ideal carriers for the high-impact ingredients that define attention-getting, next-level sandwiches, burgers and other handhelds. For example, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted^® is an artisan-inspired line of products that will keep up with the foodie trends driving consumer behavior. Dave’s Killer Bread is an organic line of products that lends the novelty of “killer taste and texture.”

On the shoulders of these bread category titans, your menu can rise above the ordinary—and above the competition.

Restaurant patrons, especially brand-savvy Gen Z, are sure to take positive note of Dave’s Killer Bread and Nature’s Own callouts on menus.

• Dave’s Killer Bread is the No. 1 organic bread in the U.S., with a whopping 73% market share and a passionate fanbase of 1.3 million “BreadHeads” following the brand on social media.
• Nature’s Own varieties boast the No. 1 (Honey Wheat), 2 (Butterbread) and 5 (100% Whole Wheat) products in the loaf bread category.
• Both brands top charts tracking loyalty among national and national non-specialty bread brands.
• Dave’s Killer Bread is free of artificial ingredients, preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup, and is packed with whole-grain nutrition. It is certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project-verified.
• Nature’s Own is free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, as well as high-fructose corn syrup. Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted is Non-GMO Project-verified.

Find the right powerhouse brands for your menu at www.flowersfoodservice.com

*Source: NPD Group/National Eating Trends; data for 22 months ending December 2020