Potatoes are more than a delicious addition to healthcare menus––they can be an essential foodservice solution for operators at hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and more. Incorporating Simply Potatoes® from Michael Foods into healthcare menu development and hospital menu planning allows foodservice operators to boost health benefits and patient meal satisfaction.
Potatoes: A Staple in Foodservice Solutions for Healthcare
Potatoes offer unmatched versatility in hospital menu planning. They are among the most consumed vegetables in the United States. They are also widely incorporated in multicultural cuisines, making potatoes’ widespread appeal an excellent item for healthcare menus. They can be used in dishes from breakfast to dinner and are perfect for both comfort food menu options and health-focused dishes. Plus, potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways to accommodate patients’ different chewing and swallowing abilities.
Breakfast is an important meal for patients, and potatoes are a popular choice. Over 50% of U.S. consumers love hash browns, breakfast potatoes and potato casseroles. However, breakfast doesn’t have to be limited to morning hours, and these items can be served in patient meals throughout the day.
Comfort food remains popular, with the National Restaurant Association ranking it as the third “hottest culinary trend,” and potatoes are at the forefront. At least 40% of consumers describe comfort food as something they ate growing up. Mashed potatoes top the list of most consumed foods in this category, along with french fries and baked potatoes. Many patients have nostalgic associations with these foods, contributing to a positive mindset, which is crucial for their satisfaction during hospital stays.
Nutritional Benefits of Potatoes for Patients
Potatoes provide significant nutritional benefits that are essential for patient health and well-being. They offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates and nutrients, which can aid in patient recovery and overall health. They are a rich source of vitamin C and potassium, with one 5.3-ounce potato containing more potassium than a medium banana. Their high fiber content helps patients feel and stay full while also keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Potatoes also offer calcium, magnesium, folate and antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Including Simply Potatoes® in hospital menu planning can help ensure patients receive these benefits and vital nutrients.
Healthy Potato Recipes for Patient Meals
Potatoes are a versatile and naturally gluten-free menu option that are easy to incorporate in a range of recipes. For example, boiling potatoes will reduce their potassium content, making them safer for patients with kidney disease, and seasoning them with herbs and spices rather than salt can satisfy low-sodium diets. Simply Potatoes® Refrigerated Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes are perfect for minimizing salt in recipes and can be enhanced with seasonal herbs. Recipes like baked potatoes can be tailored to various diets by topping with steamed vegetables, lean meats or low-fat cheese. A potato salad with a light dressing provides a refreshing side dish, and potato soup is a nourishing option that can be fortified with vegetables and protein.
Ease of Prep in Healthcare Settings
Michael Foods offers reliable, high-quality foodservice potato products in convenient formats, ensuring healthcare facilities can meet the needs of their patients effectively. It’s easier than ever to prepare menus in large-scale environments with Michael Foods’ wide range of potato products, from diced, sliced and mashed to wedges and hash browns. Cut labor and costs by eliminating time-consuming prep tasks with pre-prepared ingredients while serving patients satisfying meals.
Source:
Michael Foods. Potatoes & Your Menu. Online continuing education course, 2024.
