IHOP has launched several new menu items to appeal both to guests who are looking for more indulgent items as well as lighter ones, and also has removed high-fructose corn syrup from its famous pancake syrups.
Chief marketing officer Kieran Donahue said the new dishes were the result of research they started more than a year ago.
“With the pandemic and off-premise and so many things changing, we thought it was really important to do comprehensive research. In fact it’s the most comprehensive we’ve ever done,” she said.
They found that the most important aspects of food to IHOP customers was quality first, followed by affordability. They also were looking for what Donahue called “two sides of craving:” Indulgent items, but also items that fit a wider variety of diets.
IHOP customers also are looking for customization and choice.
The new items are:
Thick ‘N Fluffy French Toast: An improved version now made with fluffy challah bread dipped in a new vanilla cinnamon batter. It’s available topped with whipped butter and powdered sugar; with glazed strawberries, banana slices and powdered sugar; or with lemon ricotta, mixed berry compote and powdered sugar.
Berry Compote: Donahue said the compote is also new to the menu, made from blueberries, raspberries and blackberries that they bought, cooked and stored in anticipation of reduced availability as the weather cools.
The compote is also available on IHOP’s crêpes and pancakes.
Plant-based sausage: Made for IHOP by Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods, they’re available in a new Plant-Based Sausage Power Combo that includes two plant-based sausage patties, scrambled egg whites, seasonal fruit and choice of two protein pancakes or multigrain toast.
Classic Avocado Toast: Grilled multigrain toast topped with avocado slices and roasted cherry tomatoes that can be customized with an egg or choice of breakfast meat
Egg white options: IHOP has expanded its egg white options to its omelettes and breakfast combos
New dinner side dishes: Steamed broccoli, yellow & green beans, loaded mashed potatoes, and bacon mac & cheese
All-Natural Salmon: A six-ounce grilled Atlantic salmon fillet served with choices of accompaniments including the new side dishes
Sirloin Salisbury Steak: Chopped sirloin steak with freshly sautéed mushrooms and onions and beef gravy.
Jalapeño & Cheese Bites: Six breaded and fried croquettes of cheddar cheese and jalapeño peppers served with buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.
Chicken Quesadilla: Diced grilled chicken breast, roasted poblano and red bell peppers, and melted cheddar and Jack cheeses in a grilled tortilla, served with salsa, pickled jalapeño peppers, and sour cream.
Donahue said the process of removing high-fructose corn syrup from its pancake syrup took several years, but now “you can’t tell the difference,” she said.
IHOP, a family-dining concept based in Glendale, Calif., is a subsidiary of Dine Brands Global. As of March 31, 2022, there were 1,751 IHOP restaurants around the world
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
