Adored by diners, much menued by operators, shellfish is today’s top protein.

[INFOGRAPHIC]

CRUSTACEANS ARE CRUSHING IT

Adored by diners, much menued by operators, shellfish is today’s top protein.

Restaurant menu trend experts at Dasstasential report that more consumers love shellfish — especially shrimp — than most varieties of fish, even the most popular salmon and tuna.

• 50 percent of consumers love shrimp.
• 37 percent of consumers love lobster.
• 36 percent of consumers love crab.

71 percent of operators offer shellfish

• Entrées are the most common shellfish offerings by a long shot, leaving opportunity for other applications.

Shrimp is the most-menued shellfish with crab, scallops, calamari, clams and lobster making up the second tier. Of restaurants that menu seafood:

• 65 percent menu shrimp.
• 35 percent menu crab.
• 27 percent menu scallops.

 Shellfish --- lots of ways

The most-menued shellfish prep terms:

• Sautéed.
• Fried.
• Grilled.
• Breaded
• Steamed

Looking for more inspiration?

See our blog to learn more about these growing trends! Or download our Vegging-Out White Paper, to learn what consumers expect from meatless meals plus fresh ideas for adding vegetable-centric items to your menu.