Crispy & Crunchy: Why Texture Is a New Driver of Craveable Menus

When it comes to craveable restaurant menu items, texture is now just as important as taste. Chefs and foodservice operators everywhere are tapping into food texture trends by serving crispy, crunchy dishes that keep customers coming back for more.

The Rise of Multi-Sensory Eating Experiences

We’re all familiar with the phrase “you eat with your eyes.” Well, today’s diners aren’t only seeking menu items that look good—they are drawn to thoughtfully crafted experiences—layered with flavor, texture, and visual intrigue. This increased interest in multi-sensory meals has been swayed by social media, particularly ASMR-style TikToks featuring influencers and viral “crunch tests” that let diners hear food before they taste it.

According to FoodService Director, menus are featuring more and more descriptors related to texture, with consumers consistently ranking “crunchy” and “crispy” foods as top picks. Additionally, Datassential’s 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Report reveals that 37% of consumers are intrigued by foods with unique textures—giving chefs more reason to focus on foods that bring the crunch.¹

Meet a Versatile, Texture-Forward Ingredient for Foodservice Menus

One of the easiest ways operators are tapping into this trend is by building texture directly into menu items using ingredients already stocked in the back of house.

Make some noise for hash browns—the perfect pick for crunchy dishes that diners crave. Hash browns have it all: they’re crispy, golden-brown, and loved by nearly everyone—87% of consumers, to be exact.² Arriving peeled, shredded, and partially cooked, Refrigerated Hash Browns remove the back‑of‑house labor while ensuring consistent quality in every application.

While shredded hash browns for foodservice are typically associated with breakfast, there are so many ways to serve them across all dayparts. Layer crispy hash browns under proteins, add them to handhelds like sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos. Need to top things off? Bring craveable crunch and visual appeal to salads, burgers, and bowls.

More Menu Inspiration Starring Hash Browns

Try these signature sensory dishes that shine throughout the day:

• Buffalo Chicken Hash Wrap: This handheld pick blends creamy, spicy, and a little crunch for the ultimate addition to your lunch or dinner menu. It features deep fried, shredded hash browns, buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy blue cheese dressing.
• Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Fried Hash Brown Topping: Even upscale dishes can benefit from a crispy twist. This recipe gives a familiar menu item an unexpected upgrade by replacing traditional croutons with hash browns.
• Loaded Birria Hash Browns: Golden hash browns make a mouthwatering base for tender, juicy birria beef—proving this versatile ingredient is so much more than a classic breakfast side dish.

Tips and Tricks for Textural Triumph

If you’re looking to save labor and stay on trend, shredded hash browns are a no‑brainer ingredient for new dishes. Smart menu language—like ‘crispy,’ ‘crunchy,’ or ‘golden‑brown’—helps highlight their appeal, while adding them to build‑your‑own bowls or salads gives guests an easy way to explore new textures.

Need a little guidance? Our team is ready to help with additional labor-saving products, on-trend recipes, and handy resources for foodservice operators.

Sources:

¹2026 Food & Beverage Trend Report, Datassential, 2026

²Trendspotting, Use ubiquitous items as a vehicle for innovation, Datassential, Dec 2024