The Mediterranean diet is a flavorful fusion of culinary traditions from more than 20 countries. From the sun-drenched beaches of Morocco to the rolling hills of Italy, you can expect vibrant herbs, fresh vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats.
It's a cuisine that not only delights your palate but also nourishes your body. And in 2024, Mediterranean restaurants in the U.S. generated a whopping $33.4 billion in revenue,1 proving there’s more to this international cuisine than simply hummus and pita bread.
Bar Bites and Beyond
Want to spice up your bar menu? Take your patrons on a flavor-packed vacation to the Mediterranean with these international snacks and sips.
- Crunch Time: Ditch the bar nuts and serve crispy roasted chickpeas instead. Toss canned garbanzo beans in olive oil and Magellan® spices like paprika and garlic powder. Then, roast at 425°F for 20 to 30 minutes for a crunchy treat.
- Sip Happens: Infuse your cocktails with Mediterranean flavors by adding fresh herbs, citrus, or pomegranate juice. For a savory splash, try olive brine, olive oil, or even marinated feta.
- Savory Starters: To accompany your boozy beverages, offer easy-to-prepare appetizers like Zebec® Spanakopita or Zebec Feisty Feta Dip with pita chips.
Veggie Vibes: In 2023, about 60% of U.S. households purchased plant-based foods.2 Appeal to your omnivorous guests with veggie-forward Mediterranean fare.
Deli Done Right
According to a report by Mintel, the dips and spreads market is expected to reach $7.4 billion by 2027.3 Boost your deli’s grab-and-go section (and profits) by stocking these Mediterranean crowd-pleasers.
- Baba Ganoush: Smoky roasted eggplant meets tahini and lemon for a dip that’s impossible to stop eating. Best served with warm pita.
- Muhammara: Roasted red peppers and walnuts serve as the base for this Middle Eastern spread. Pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper amp up the flavor.
- Piperade: A Basque classic made with peppers, tomatoes, and a dash of hot paprika, this savory spread packs a punch. It’s crusty bread’s best friend.
Labor Saver: Order pre-made dips like Zebec Original Hummus and Tzatziki. These ready-to-serve options amp up flavor while cutting labor costs.
Grill to Thrill
Since your grill is already slinging classics that keep guests coming back, there’s no need to overhaul the menu. Instead, introduce a few Mediterranean-inspired twists.
- Marinades Make Magic: Elevate your proteins with Mediterranean marinades. For a Moroccan touch, blend aromatic spices like mint, coriander, garlic, and paprika. For Syrian flair, opt for sumac, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Gyro Glory: Looking to level up your grill game? Serve Zebec Sliced Chicken Shawarma in a warm pita with tangy tzatziki sauce for an entrée option that’s big on flavor and light on labor.
- Side Dish Sensations: Three in four Americans want to eat healthier this year.4 Brighten your menu with health-conscious sides like tabbouleh or Peak Fresh Produce® crudités with hummus.
Industry Insight: Almost 60% of consumers worldwide crave excitement and adventure in their meals.5 Mediterranean cuisine is the perfect way to satisfy those adventurous appetites.
1. https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/mediterranean-restaurants/6342/
2. https://gfi.org/marketresearch/
3. https://www.thepacker.com/news/products/consumers-dive-dips-and-dressings
4. https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/heres-what-we-resolve-2025
5. https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/top-flavor-trends/