The organic food industry is on the rise due to consumers wanting more control over what it consumed. National food chains that have healthy, organic menu items are on the increase and expected to experience increased growth. Eateries can range from selling nothing but organic menu items to offering a certain percentage of organic foods.
Types
Various types of national food chains that have healthy, organic menu items exist. Some chains offer fast-food style foods such as fruit smoothies, soft-serve ice cream or sandwiches that involve carry out only. Other types offer a combination of fast food ordering combined with a sit-down area, as in buffet-style, organic food market or counter-top ordering. Whole Foods Market is an example of a venue that contains a deli selling prepared organic dishes while offering carry-out or sit-down options. Still other types of food chains consist of only a sit-down meal that offers a wide range of menu items ranging from appetizers to desserts, all using only organic ingredients.
Reasons
There are a number of reasons for eating healthy, organic foods. Whole Foods Market, the first national certified organic grocer and chain, states that agricultural farming promotes a sustainable environment, limits toxic environmental wastage, supports the local farmers and community, increases land productivity and does not compromise future needs.
Benefits
National food chains that have healthy, organic menu items offer many benefits to both the chain owner and consumer. For the chain owner, organic foods has seen increasing sales and demand due to increasing numbers of consumers choosing foods that contain less pesticides and additives. The organic food market provides a very positive and expanding market niche. Profitability increases since consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality organic foods believed to be more nutritious and tasty than other food forms. Consumers benefit by having lower incidences of food allergies caused by pesticides, additives and artificial ingredients. Some national food chains benefit the local community by using only locally-grown organic food.
Amenities
In addition to offering healthy, organic menu items, national chains can serve up a variety of other nutrient-rich, healthy-eating options. Many chains offer smaller serving sizes to help with calorie counting and weight management. Nutritional content can be found on printed menus, in-venue computer kiosks, online or via menu boards, allowing consumers better control over what is consumed. Food chains offer organic foods covering the entire healthy eating spectrum including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, organically-grown lean meat including beef and chicken raised without hormones or antibiotics and cook the foods in a heart-healthy manner by using vegetable oils.
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