Every year, people in the United States consume over 10 billion bowls of soup. When you need to grab a quick bite to eat, soup is a convenient, delicious, and nutritious choice for lunch or between-meal snacks. Since many cafes, delis, and bistros offer hot soup to-go, busy people can avoid skipping meals.
The good news is that more deli operations are planning to offer hot soup along with their sandwiches, salads, and other sides. In 2016, for example, 32.1% of delis in operation stated they planed to enhance their soup stations.
While some men do like their soup, women are actually twice as likely to fill a soup container for lunch. For a more filling lunch, it’s likely that many men enjoy a hearty sandwich along with a cup or bowl of hot soup.
In addition to traditional soups, such as chicken noodle, creamy potato with cheddar cheese, and vegetable beef, more establishments are offering multi-cultural fusion options. These include coconut-based soups with a hint of curry along with other types of spicy soups, such as creamy carrot with ginger.
Since many Americans are choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, chefs are rising to the occasion with a variety of meat-and-dairy-free options. These include substituting wheat-based products such as seitan in lieu of chicken or beef. Someone doesn’t need to be vegetarian or vegan, however, to enjoy these meatless soups.
When it comes to lunch or snack-time beverages, coffee is a popular choice. Americans, on average, drink 1.64 cups of coffee every day, according to recent statistics. Even though independent coffee shops sell mostly brewed coffee, 31% of the coffee drinks sold are espresso-based.
Cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty coffee drinks are popular with 50% of the American population. Whether people prefer these beverages hot, cold, or iced, they are enjoyed throughout the day. While 30% of Americans are just occasional coffee drinkers, others enjoy this versatile beverage every day.
Even though 65% of the American populace drinks coffee at breakfast time. 30% enjoy this beverage between meals. The remaining 5% enjoy their coffee with lunch or dinner.
Given that many Americans are constantly on-the-go, enjoying a cup of soup along with their coffee can keep them going throughout the day. Once the colder months arrive, soup and coffee to-go can provide a great way to warm up.