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Satisfy Consumers With This Popular Protein
Written by FSR Magazine
Published: January 21, 2025
Affordable Way to Add Smokiness, Flavor and Fattiness.
The increase in fast food chains and urban lifestyles is boosting meat production and consumption in North America, according to Meticulous Research. This trend is leading to a wider variety of meat products available, including dinner sausages, which are becoming a favorite among chefs for their versatility. In 2024, Statista forecasts that the sausage market will grow at an annual rate of 5.42 percent from 2024 to 2028.
Despite the growing market, the influx of new products can make it challenging for restaurant operators to find high-quality sausages, as not all new entries maintain high standards. Consumers show a preference for natural sausage casings made from animal intestines over synthetic alternatives due to their authentic flavor and texture. The market for natural casings in North America is expected to reach over $1 billion by 2025, growing at a rate of 3 percent annually.
“Skinless options and natural casings are huge for consumers these days,” says Chef Steven Bell, Executive Chef at Tyson Foods. “We have those options without jeopardizing flavor and texture. Chefs can be creative while staying on trend with the dishes they're serving.”
Hillshire Farm® brand is distinguished by its 85 years of experience and a strong reputation for quality and innovation in meat production. Offering sausages that come in natural casings and skinless links, Hillshire Farm® brand is a reliable choice for operators seeking high-quality sausage products in a competitive market.
The vast portfolio of Hillshire Farm® dinner sausages includes a variety of cut sizes and flavors. From a natural hardwood smoked blend with undertones of beech, birch, maple and hickory to sausage with jalapeño and cheddar inclusions, there are options that will catch the attention of any guest.
According to the National Restaurant Association's 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry report, customers are increasingly seeking greater value for their money. Sausages, particularly those from Hillshire Farm® brand, offer a cost-effective solution to enhance meals with protein and heartiness, elevating customer satisfaction. The unwavering quality and texture of Hillshire Farm® sausages build customer trust, which is essential for securing repeat business and cultivating brand loyalty.
“I know a lot of sausages on the market today have a hard time with quality, consistency and flavor,” Bell says. “One time it may be peppery and next the flavor has changed. Our company does a great job producing a consistent and quality product.”
Sausages vary in size and thickness, which can cause uneven cooking times when comparing raw to fully cooked ones. This can mean some sausages end up undercooked while others are overcooked, resulting in a less enjoyable dining experience for customers. Additionally, cooking raw sausage takes more time, which can slow down kitchen operations and lead to longer wait times.
Hillshire Farm® sausages are fully cooked, so they are quick and easy to prepare. Whether served in handheld formats, bowls, or as the centerpiece of a plate its ability to fit into a variety of dishes in all dayparts allows chefs to explore a range of culinary directions.
“Sausage is a blank slate, and whatever you build on top of it makes it more flavorful and beautiful,” Bell says. “Bowls are hot right now, and sausage works great in them. I also love it with wraps, pizzas and flatbreads.”
The increasing demand for sausage presents an opportunity for restaurants to enhance their menu. “It is going to add a whole bunch of smokiness, flavor and fattiness to dishes that customers are looking for,” Bell says. By serving versatile sausage offered by the Hillshire Farm® brand, chefs can use their creativity and cater to evolving consumer tastes. “Be innovative with it,” Bell says. “Take the flavor profiles of the sausage and go wild with your imagination while keeping up with trends.”
Discover more of the possibilities and stay ahead of the culinary trends—just visit the Hillshire Farm® brand page.
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