Vegetarian options increase as a third eat less meat

According to new research carried out for the Vegetarian Society over the last 12 months, just under a third of those spoken to said that they have reduced the amount of meat they were eating. An additional 10 per cent said that they were thinking about cutting down on the amount of meat they currently eat, or even wanted to stop eating it entirely.

The report was produced by NatCen, one of the leading independent institutes on social research, and it revealed that 44 per cent of those surveyed were either eating less meat, no meat, or strongly considering reducing the amount of meat they were eating.

The main reason for most people making this decision came down to health, with 58 per cent of those asked saying that this was the main factor. Other influences included a desire to save money, concerns over animal welfare, and concerns over food safety. These views were shared by roughly a fifth of the participants. A final reason for one in ten was in relation to environmental concerns.

This change in dietary trends has led to restaurants and catering agencies offering more vegetarian options to reflect the shift in public opinion. New research reveals that of all new menu items introduced, 30 per cent are vegetarian, and in some leading pub chains, 19 per cent of all choices are aimed at those choosing not to eat meat.

The chief executive of the Vegetarian Society, Lynne Elliot, said that: “there is an increasing awareness of the issues relating to our food choices, and that has resulted in a large number of people reducing the amount of meat they eat or cutting it out altogether.”

Kick out unhealthy snacking

You know how it goes, it gets to 2pm and you’re feeling tired and craving something sweet to lift you up and get you through the afternoon at work. So you reach for the biscuits. Or the doughnuts that someone has brought in...you get the sugar hit but inevitably an energy slump afterwards and a guilty feeling to go with it.

What if there was a healthier way you could get that energy boost? One which boosts your immune system too? One that is proven to reduce stress hormones, defend against free radicals and help keep your heart healthy? A boost that makes you feel better in your body and your mind?

Heart Research UK says that 80% of heart disease cases can be prevented by making changes to diet and lifestyle and recommends preparing for the afternoon office slump with a handful of nuts, seeds and fruits, "packed with those healthy mono-unsaturated fats while satisfying that craving for something sweet."

Thanks to Jasper’s there is an easy way to get these in your workplace and at your fingertips. Our Snack Shacks and Snack Boxes offer 24 different snacking items designed to kick out those unhealthy, energy-draining snacks for good! From blueberries and olives to raisins and raspberries, popcorn to pumpkin seeds, if you install a Snack Shack or Box in your workplace you’ll never by left grabbing for the biscuits again.

It couldn’t be easier to install Snack Shack or Snack Box in your workplace and support the health and well-being of your team:

• Free trial for three weeks, no commitment or risk
• Products sold on an honesty basis or as otherwise agreed by your representative
• Service charge will apply if you wish to continue with the service

Visit www.jaspersonline.co.uk/snack-shack and contact your local Jasper’s for more details.

Catering tips for early starters

Over the years we have catered for all sorts of companies, events and people. It used to be that ‘events’ and ‘meetings’ were the main occasions which required buffet catering – until the last couple of years when employers have realised more and more that employee loyalty and enthusiasm is invaluable – and rarely achieved by a pay rise alone.

We have found that breakfast clubs are increasingly popular. This is where businesses are providing breakfast catering for employees who want to miss the rush hour and arrive at work with some time to relax and enjoy a decent breakfast.

The rushed bowl of cereal or half-finished toast at home inevitably means that people are not exactly eating like kings before they leave home which leaves them under-fuelled and hungry way before lunch and that’s when the biscuits come out! The sugar boost then results in a crash and the cravings and lack of fuel genuinely impacts on mood and efficiency!

The solution provided by some organisations is to provide a great range of fresh fruits, muffins, cereals and yoghurts with juice and fresh complimentary coffee to those employees who can get into work early. They can then enjoy a satisfying and relaxing breakfast with friends and colleagues and start the day fully fuelled.

The great thing is that a breakfast club stacks up commercially. A recent report in the Telegraph showed that lateness costs business in the UK £9 billion, with the average late employee costing their company £305 per year. Rush hour traffic was the biggest reason given for lateness.

Imagine not wasting days of your life sitting in traffic but turning up to work before the rush hour… grabbing a cappuccino, pot of fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and a muffin, then sitting back for half an hour and relaxing before starting work on time well fed and ready to go – a much calmer and more productive start to the day.

If you would like us to help you set up a work place breakfast club then please let us know - just get in touch with your local Jasper’s.

Mix it up Spanish style

For event catering, party catering or a different kind of group lunch at work, try Jasper's Tapas Buffets.

Whether you need catering services at home or at work, tapas style dishes are a treat for your guests. Offering a variety of dishes to taste, Jasper's Tapas range is served in traditional ceramic cazuelas and our own custom-made oak boards. Dishes come hot like patatas bravas, meatballs in Spanish style sauce and sticky chicken wings. And chilled like our tapas salad, stuffed olives and hummas with flatbread. Party platters of crostini and wraps are ever popular options that always impress.

You can choose our Tapas fixed menus - like the 'Fiesta' for your party catering, or build your own by selecting your favourite individual dishes. Our Tapas range is extensive and every dish looks and tastes fantastic. So go on, mix it up Spanish style!

The Ultimate Caterer

Renowned national buffet caterer Jasper’s has extended its choice to customers by adding three new food concepts to its portfolio. Along with traditional buffet catering, Jasper’s now offers the Bamboo, Tapas and Picnic ranges all available to self select from a brand new platform at www.jaspersonline.co.uk

Bamboo offers something truly unique – contemporary buffet food to share presented in beautiful Bamboo serving bowls. Inspired by mid-atlantic cuisine, Bamboo customers can select from the likes of baked corn on the cobs, spicy chicken wings and nachos with jalapenos, through to Boston doughnuts and mini muffins.

Tapas brings Spanish cuisine to the buffet table. Presented in traditional ceramic cazuelas, the perfect party food for friends or colleagues includes appetisers such as stuffed olives and peppers through to mixed platters and crostini boards.

The Picnic range is buffet food on the go! Put together by you and delivered by Jasper’s, it has all the classics such as Scotch eggs, quiches, potato salad, crisps and of course strawberries and cream!

With four inspiring food ranges to choose from, along with Hot Food and a boxed fruit and snacks delivery service, Jasper’s has taken its position as the ultimate caterer for choice in buffet catering. Go to www.jaspersonline.co.uk

Why choose Jasper's?

Every branch of Jasper's Catering is run by local people who are passionate about food and service. They run their own catering operation from a professional kitchen where they employ and train local team members who are dedicated to the Jasper's ethos. All food is prepared in certified and fully insured premises that are registered with the relevant local food teams. Every team member is trained in Jasper's food production methods, carry at least a level two food safety certificate and allergen awareness. Food quality and safety is paramount. We understand that you need your catering when YOU need it which is why your Jasper's delivery driver is trained in the art of punctuality! Your food will always be delivered by a Jasper's trained, uniformed and name badged driver in a Jasper's branded temperature controlled vehicle.

Everything we do is professional but most importantly it is underwritten with the Jasper's Guarantee. If you have any customer service questions that you would like to ask us then please email customer@jaspersonline.co.uk with your company name and details and one of the team will contact you within 12 working hours.