Behold the Power of Pumpkin

Pumpkin may be on the verge of a breakout moment, and we’re not talking pumpkin-spice mania. This famed fruit offers hidden talents that perform far beyond the fall season. With its slightly sweet flavor, superfood status and surprising versatility—pumpkin has the power to level up a whole range of menu offerings. And with menu versatility becoming increasingly important to compete in today’s foodservice landscape, discovering the potential of pumpkin could help you carve out benefits all year long.

Squash Your Preconceptions

Think pumpkin—but forget pie, bread, and lattes. In recent years, non-pie applications made up 90% of pumpkin mentions on restaurant menus.¹ But the possibilities of adding in or swapping ingredients with pumpkin for savory dishes have not yet been fully realized.

Consider this: today’s diners demand healthy, plant-based options. In 2023, the number of U.S. citizens eating plant-based foods was at 70%.² Yet diners also crave new spins on savory flavors and dishes that dial-up indulgent traits like creaminess. Pumpkin delivers all of this and acts as an alternative to butter, sugar, and flour. Nestle Professional Solutions Culinary Innovations Manager, Chef Scott Popovic, notes, “Pumpkin is gluten-free, a good source of fiber and low in fat. It offers an earthy sweetness that can bring balance to dishes. It also has a great, creamy mouthfeel and satiates the appetite.” The takeaway? Incorporating pumpkin into applications like dips, sauces, stews, smoothies, and a multitude of savory dishes may give your menu a delicious edge.

Flexible Flavor Across Your Menu

“For both savory and sweet recipes, pumpkin doesn’t necessarily have to be used as the dominant flavor, like in traditional fall desserts,” says Chef Scott. “It can be toned down in dishes where you simply want a hint of sweetness, a slightly richer taste, or a smoother texture.”

Using pumpkin as an enhancement or partial replacement for ingredients can upgrade existing dishes or inspire entirely new ones. Use it to add a richness to butter, a viscosity to sauce or depth to dressing. The list goes on.

Using shelf-stable canned pumpkin puree offers distinct advantages for operators. It means less prep time and less need for fresh ingredients, which equates to both reduced costs and reduced waste.

Unearthing the Possibilities

Chef Scott along with the Nestle Professional Solutions Culinary Team recently conducted a deep dive into recipes that incorporate pumpkin, experimenting with flavor profiles and ingredient ratios, using the #1 pumpkin puree,³ LIBBY’S® brand. From a robust BBQ sauce with a sweet undertone to a light and vibrant vinaigrette—the team developed a range of recipes ideal for multiple-season menus, including spring and summer. “We loved discovering the versatility of pumpkin and how it can be used in every season and every aspect of the dining experience, from breakfast to late-night snacks.”

“LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin puree is great for its consistency in quality, texture and flavor,” he added. The brand is committed to producing the freshest products possible. We strive to pick and pack our pumpkins within 24 hours. LIBBY’S brand is also committed to supporting farmers using sustainable practices.”

When asked which recipes the team found particularly exciting, Chef Scott notes, “The pumpkin in our smoothie added a delicious richness that coats the mouth, while the pumpkin essence in our empanadas lines up wonderfully with rich South American tastes. But they’re all great examples of how pumpkin can truly inspire and enhance menus.”

To see some tips on how to add or substitute ingredients with pumpkin, download our Pump It Up Guide.