THE BRIEF
In March 2021, Wagamama presented Cheeky Food with a unique challenge: to develop Gluten Free and Palm Oil Free Crispy Fried Onions.
This request was driven by Wagamama’s commitment to enhance the inclusivity of their menu, specifically aiming to cater to the needs of celiac customers by minimising unnecessary gluten in their ingredients.
THE ACTION
Previously not a product in Cheeky’s lineup, Crispy Fried Onions represented a new venture but aligned well with their expertise in savoury sprinkles and commitment to allergen-free offerings. The development process spanned an ambitious nine months, during which Cheeky meticulously selected the appropriate manufacturing partners and optimised the product on several critical fronts:
1. Flavour – Ensuring a rich, savoury taste that closely mimics traditional fried onions.
2. Crispness – Achieving a satisfying texture crucial for the perfect culinary experience.
3. Shelf Life – Extending the freshness and usability of the product to meet commercial needs.
4. Nutritional advantages – Focusing on creating a healthier option that would offer substantial improvements over existing market choices.
THE RESULT
The development phase culminated in the successful creation of Gluten Free Crispy Fried Onions that excelled beyond the original specifications, showcasing significant nutritional improvements:
1. 22% fewer calories – Offering a lighter option without compromising taste.
2. 50% less fat – Contributing to a healthier diet.
3. 87% less saturated fat – Greatly reducing the unhealthy fat content.
4. Completely free from palm oil – Enhancing the environmental friendliness of the product.
Starting in March 2022, these innovative onions have been featured across Wagamama’s UK menus, aligning with their mission to provide more allergen-friendly choices and ensuring that customers with dietary restrictions do not have to sacrifice flavour for health.
