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Delivering Protein-Packed Success
Written by Restaurant Business
Published: June 23, 2026
Consumers are craving protein, and they are opting for takeout and delivery throughout the day.
These two growing trends might seem unrelated, but they both present opportunities for foodservice establishments. Operators that meet demand for protein-rich foods that travel well can find success during all dayparts and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Incorporating trending flavors and ingredients is the perfect way to help appeal to customers who are looking for innovative and exciting options. Here are a few ways to approach it.
The challenge for operators is that they face rising labor costs, plus the increasingly difficult tasks of recruiting and retaining kitchen crews. The right ingredients can play a crucial role in developing innovative menu items, while also enabling busy kitchen crews to cook on-trend foods quickly during the busiest times of day.
1 in 3 U.S. consumers say they have increased their protein intake over the past year.
International Food Information Council, 2025 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions of Protein
Protein is top of mind for many consumers, according to the International Food Information Council report, 2025 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions of Protein. Among the survey highlights: one in three U.S. consumers say they have increased their protein intake over the past year. They did this throughout the day: 56% prioritize protein at dinner, while 44% do so at breakfast and 42% at lunch.
The IFIC Spotlight Survey also found that 66% of respondents said taste was the top factor they consider when choosing protein sources. Animal proteins are the most desired, with 65% of survey respondents saying that was their preferred protein source.
The trend has been well documented, with the keto diet, carnivore diet and everything from protein shakes to energy bars exploding in popularity. Foodservice operators have to develop delicious protein-focused menu items that meet this growing trend. Also, the protein has to retain moisture and travel well to meet demand for delivery and takeout.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Off-Premises Trends Report, the convenience of takeout and delivery are now essential for foodservice operators’ success. The report found that 47% of adults say they pick up takeout from restaurants, coffee shops, snack places or delis at least once a week, 42% use the drive-thru each week and 37% order delivery once a week.
The report noted that 65% of limited-service operators now offer delivery, and while delivery is less popular among full-service eateries, 43% of these operators expect curbside pickup to grow and 31% anticipate more dedicated takeout counters.
65% of limited-service operators now offer delivery.
National Restaurant Association, 2025 Off-Premises Trends Report
Operators know that it’s not enough just to offer food to-go, as consumers have certain expectations. The report found that 94% of consumers said speed is critical, and 90% said they would order a greater variety of items if the food maintained the same quality as on premises, even after being packaged and delivered.
As operators develop protein-forward strategies to meet these consumer demands, they need innovative ingredients that can help streamline kitchen operations. One solution is ibp Trusted Excellence® brand value-added, pre-cut and pre-trimmed proteins. They are versatile for a variety of menu items, and they decrease prep time because the raw proteins are available in cuts that help reduce the need for expert knife skills and time-consuming prep work.
ibp Trusted Excellence® brand is the foodservice industry’s trusted source for high-quality, fresh beef and pork and for menu optimizing solutions. The diverse range of boxed offerings and specialty cuts enable kitchen crews to prepare menu items efficiently and with less food waste.
For more information and menu inspiration, visit the ibp Trusted Excellence® brand page.
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