If you own a takeaway, then chances are you’re constantly looking for ways you can jazz up your food to keep those customers coming back again and again.
One way to do that is by using spices in your food as these aren’t just delicious but also provide a range of other benefits for you and your customers.
So if you’re considering shaking up your menu, or at the very least adding some excitement to your current dishes, here’s why some spice should do the trick.
It’s Delicious!
First and foremost, adding certain spices can make a massive difference. If you’ve noticed custom dropping and you think it may be down to uninspiring food, adding some spices can really crank up the flavour.
Thanks to their complex blend of aromatic compounds, including essential oils, phenols and antioxidants, spices can enhance the flavour of dishes.
These compounds set to work stimulating our taste buds and olfactory senses, intensifying the overall sensory experience. Additionally, spices can balance and complement other ingredients in a dish, taking its flavour profile to the next level.
It’s Healthy
Spices not only add depth and flavour to your dishes but also offer myriad health benefits, which means we should all be consuming more.
Packed with an abundance of potent antioxidants, spices help combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Many spices, such as turmeric and cinnamon, contain anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate symptoms of arthritis and improve overall immune function. These are also said to be great for autoimmune issues.
As well as ramping up the flavour profile, other spices such as ginger and garlic have been shown to aid digestion and promote gut health, while cayenne pepper can boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
Adding a unique blend of spices to your dishes sets your takeaway apart, creating memorable flavour profiles that distinguish your offerings from competitors. This differentiation attracts customers seeking new taste experiences, positioning your establishment as a go-to destination for exciting and distinctive cuisine.
Customer Satisfaction
By incorporating spices into your dishes, you cater to a diverse range of taste preferences, including those who crave bold and spicy flavours.
If you wanted to really take it seriously, you could set up a system where customers get to choose their flavourings and levels of spiciness, similar to how they do at Nando’s.
This is sure to enhance overall customer satisfaction, creating an interactive and positive dining experience that’s likely to encourage repeat business.
Cost-Effectiveness
Don’t underestimate the potential cost savings on offer, too. By utilising spices in your recipes, this offers a cheap way to elevate the taste of your dishes without significantly increasing food costs.
Compared to vegetables and even some sauces, spices are relatively affordable, allowing you to enhance flavour profiles without having to raise costs to maintain profit margins.
Menu Versatility
As a takeaway owner, you’ll be only too aware that you’re operating in a highly competitive, dare we even say saturated, market. One simple way to differentiate yourself from other restaurants in your area is by spicing up your dishes.
Spices provide a versatile tool for developing and improving your menu, allowing you to create a varied range of dishes using a common set of ingredients.
Using the right spice combinations, you can easily transform basic recipes into diverse offerings, which will help you expand your menu options and appeal to a broader custom base.
Packaging
So those are the main reasons you should consider adding spices to your dishes. Another area you need to consider is the packaging you use for your food items.
Since September 2023, food businesses have been banned from using single-use packaging. The ban includes all online and over-the-counter sales and it covers packaging items from new and existing stock.
Trading Standards departments will have the authority to fine and prosecute any business not complying with the rules. So to avoid hefty fines, it’s best to abide by the rules and stick to biodegradable packaging.
As well as legal compliance, research shows that customers would rather shop with environmentally conscious companies, so boasting your green credentials by purchasing biodegradable wholesale takeaway packaging should foster customer loyalty.
