Pizza for Millennials Part 3

MiMi’s Pizza for Millennials is an 8 part blog series. We will be discussing the hottest trends dictated by the rapidly growing market segment that shook up the entire pizza industry: the millennials.

In this article, we will discuss 3 dough types that the Grocery and Foodservice industries should consider when planning a new addition to the menu.  Our top 3 addresses the gourmet, healthy eating and fast casual trends.

Top 3 dough types for menu diversification (and what trends they fit with)

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Article Highlights: 

1. Focaccia: the authentic, Italian-style, all time classic that fits with the gourmet eating trend
2. Flatbread: the understated, fine dining, better-for-you choice that fits with the healthy eating trend
3. Panouzzo: the Italian twist on classic sandwich bread that fits with the fast casual trend

Traditional style pizza dough has its own well-known competitive advantage, but when you’re looking to diversify the menu, the type of dough you use can make a world of a difference.

Spicing up the menu comes in many shapes, textures and flavours, so when you’re planning your next best-selling dish, don’t stop at the toppings.

Here are 3 dough types for menu diversification that will work great for the Grocery and Foodservice industries who are looking to attract a new, dynamic kind of clientele: Millennials.

1. Focaccia: the authentic, Italian-style, all time classic

Fits with: the gourmet eating trend

Dive right into this authentic, Italian-style dish! The Focaccia is an all-time favourite and gets the first spot in our top picks due to its versatility; you may tailor it to the menu as an appetizer, entrée, side dish, standalone snack or even as a sandwich bread! Although similar to pizza dough, focaccia is different in texture, with a moist, cakelike interior and is served with fewer toppings.

How to top it: traditional Italian toppings include olive oil, herbs, salt, tomatoes, onions and olives.

MiMi Tip: A non-conventional way of serving focaccia: turn it into sandwich bread!

How to market it: Focaccias appeal to consumers who want to explore authentic Italian dishes and the thousands years of rich history behind them.  Focaccia fits in the gourmet eating trend.

Perfect as: appetizer, entrée, side dish, or snack

MiMi’s focaccias: Pomodoro Sauce, Greek (feta cheese, kalamata olives, tomatoes), potato/ rosemary, pepper medley and sizes: (6 x 9, 7 x 7, 12 x 9, 14 x 7)

MiMi’s stuffed focaccias: jalapeno & cheddar/ mozzarella, black olives/ onions & mozzarella and Pomodoro Sauce & Mozarella in sizes 12 x 4 and 6 x 9.

2. Flatbread: the understated, fine dining, better-for-you choice

Fits with: the healthy eating trend

This versatile piece gets the second spot in our countdown since it not only reduces baking times significantly, but it can completely transform even the most traditional dishes. Serving pizza on a thin, flatbread crust instantly creates a sophisticated dish.

How to top it: For a crust as simple as the flatbread, try bold, gourmet toppings like: artichokes, jalapeno peppers, arugula, avocado, Gouda cheese, steak or chorizo.

MiMi Tip: Put an understated, artisan-style spin on the classic Margherita pizza by serving it on a flatbread crust!

How to market it: Flatbreads fit perfectly with the health conscious consumers, since they are considerably thinner and lighter than traditional pizza dough. Flatbreads are also a wonderful choice to upgrade your menu for a fine dining experience.

Perfect as: appetizer, entrée, dessert

MiMi’s flatbreads: white, whole wheat, multigrain, garlic & rosemary, sundried tomato & basil, jalapeno & cheddar

3. Panouzzo: the Italian twist on classic sandwich bread

Fits with: the fast casual trend

Panouzzo is the combination of Focaccia and Calzone, turned into the perfect sandwich bread. Our very own Panouzzo has the same texture and delightful aroma of our famous award winning Focaccia!

Take the sandwich menu to a whole new level of crispiness by replacing traditional sandwich bread with this flavourful alternative.  Put your own spin on this purely Italian invention from the Campania region!

How to top it: use your choice of fresh meats, cheeses and an array of vegetables! Just like with any sandwich bread, the sky is your limit.

How to market it: The Panouzzo is a great match to the growing fast casual trend. Elevate your on-the-go sandwiches with this gourmet bread!

Perfect as: appetizer, entrée, dessert

MiMi Tip: Use your imagination to turn sandwich bread into an irresistible dessert item! Here’s our take on it: stuff the Panouzzo with Nutella, vanilla ice-cream and bananas!

MiMi’s Panouzzos: Sliders 2” x 2”, Burger 4” x 4”, Sandwich 4” x 6”, Hot Dog 3” x 6”, Long 5” x 18” and Garlic Spread 12” x 4”.

Bottom line? Dough is an essential element in menu diversification, as it can help your business stay in line with the latest trends of the industry! For best results, put your own creative spin on these versatile products!

For more information regarding MiMi Foods products, contact us at artisticdough@mimifoods.ca or 905-660-0010.