April 08, 2025
Gluten-free and vegan lifestyles have been growing. As a restaurant owner, it’s important—and profitable!—to think about incorporating common dietary requests in your everyday menu.
Thankfully, gluten-free and vegan ingredients are readily available at your wholesale restaurant supply store, and some you might even have in-house.
Learn more about diner habits and exciting dishes below.
What is a Gluten-Free Diet?
31 percent of U.S. citizens are gluten-free. Gluten-free diners avoid grains that contain gluten protein, such as wheat, barley, and rye. Consuming gluten poses serious health risks for customers with gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease. Other diners abstain from gluten-laden grains as a lifestyle choice.
Including GF options on your menu helps reduce the chance of food-related reactions and boosts patronage, which is a win-win.
Food Diners Can Enjoy on a Gluten-Free Diet
While shifting your menu to include GF dishes might seem like a challenge for menu development, a wealth of ingredients is available to create dynamic dishes. Check out these everyday restaurant staples—from proteins to fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy—to help curate unforgettable meals.
Gluten-Free Grains: While grains might seem off-limits for gluten-free guests, there are plenty of GF options to enhance menus.
- Buckwheat: Despite its name, it’s completely GF! Great for pancakes, crepes, and soba noodles.
- Rice: A versatile kitchen staple used in a variety of cuisines.
- Millet: A mild, nutty grain ideal for porridge, pilafs, and baking.
- Corn: Main ingredient in polenta, tortillas, cornbread, and porridge.
Dairy Options: Most dairy products are naturally gluten-free, making them a versatile and reliable choice for your menu. From creamy cheeses and rich butter to fresh milk and yogurt, these ingredients add depth, texture, and flavor to a variety of dishes.
Veganism and Its Role in Restaurants
Veganism is a lifestyle that prioritizes plant-based foods over animal products and is typically driven by health, sustainability, and ethical concerns. 30 percent of Americans eat plant-based meat alternatives weekly. With plant-based dining surging in popularity, updating menus with vegan options can attract new customers and boost sales.
The Most Popular Vegan Foods for Restaurant Menus
Curating plant-based dishes doesn’t have to add additional food costs or be too complicated. Like GF ingredients, many vegan ingredients are likely already in-house, making adding plant-based options to any menu easy.
Fruits and Vegetables A plant-based menu is built on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep dishes vibrant and exciting by incorporating colorful, fresh options such as:
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
- Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets
- Flavorful fruits, including berries, citrus, mangoes, and avocados
Plant-Based Proteins While many people associate protein with animal products, there are plenty of plant-based sources that restaurant owners can use to craft high-protein meals:
- Soy-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, and edamame
- Legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, and black beans
- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds
Check Out these Recipes to Inspire Your Plant-Based Menu
Gluten-Free & Vegan Menu Staples
Maximize in-house food inventory and create dinners that are both gluten-free and vegan. These everyday ingredients offer versatility and flavor without compromising dietary needs:
- GF Grains
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Plant-Based Proteins
Final Food for Thought
Prioritize these steps to ensure a safer, more enjoyable dining experience.
- Always use dedicated prep surfaces, fryers, and utensils to prevent contamination.
- Train staff on dishes that aren’t gluten-free or vegan-friendly.
- Check all pre-made sauces, seasonings, and processed foods for hidden gluten, meat, and dairy.
- Consider labeling menus with straightforward dietary info.
Save on Gluten-Free & Vegan Ingredients at CHEF’STORE
Looking to expand your menu with high-quality vegan and gluten-free ingredients? CHEF’STORE has you covered with a wide selection, from fresh produce and plant-based dairy alternatives to gluten-free grains, pantry staples, and more—all at competitive wholesale prices. Whether you're catering to dietary preferences or creating new menu offerings, we make it easy to find the ingredients you need.
Visit your local CHEF’STORE today and discover the best options for your kitchen!
