Customisable snacks, gluten-free schnitzels and the return of a fryer favourite: the best new products for QSRs

In the crowded quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, staying ahead of competitors is a constant endeavour. Standard burgers, chips or chicken wings just won’t cut it any more – there has to be a unique pull to entice diners.

So to ensure your venue’s menu and kitchen operations remain ahead of the curve, we have rounded up the latest and most innovative food and equipment options aimed at QSRs.

Find new options to refresh your QSR menu and ensure consistency below.

Fully customisable snack bases

Santa Maria has added Crispy Rings to its Snack Bases range, joining Lentil Waves and Corn Cones. Snack Bases are fully customisable and can be cooked, flavoured and served in under a minute. The snacks, which are similar to crisps and delivered as pellets, expand up to five times when fried for 14-20 seconds. The range is vegan and gluten-free and has a two-year shelf life.

Price Case of three 3kg packets, £97.21

Safe oil storage and transportation for fryers

Valentine Equipment and Vito UK have introduced the Vito T-Series oil storage and transportation system. The unit, designed for large sites, those with multiple fryers or with external waste oil collection systems, uses a vacuum system to extract oil from the fryer, removing debris using an internal crumb filter, and then stores the oil in its 40-litre tank. Operators lock the brakes, and with the press of a button, the oil (at up to temperatures of 200°C) is quickly removed from the fryer without the need for any human contact. From there, it can be transported either to disposal or to be cleaned and then pumped back into a fryer.

Price £3,900

Gluten-free chicken schnitzel for burgers

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has added a new gluten-free product to its Golden Valley Foods poultry range. The breaded chicken schnitzel is made with 100% pure breast meat and coated in gluten-free breadcrumbs. The schnitzel can be served on a plate with veg, salad or fries, or in a bun as a fast-food option. It is 125g in size and is available in boxes of 12.

Price £1.65

Fryer favourite’s return

Middleby UK has reintroduced the Pitco 35C fryer. The fryer is known in the industry for its robust durability and can fry a variety of foods where a limited amount of space is available. The 35C has a single tank with two baskets and a 28.6kg per hour chip output. It also features a removable basket hanger for quick and easy cleaning.

Trade price £1,840

Protecting Panasonic high-speed ovens from spills

Microsave has launched MicroMats teflon base liners specifically for Panasonic high-speed ovens (models SCV2, SCV3 (MIB-SCV) and NE-C1275 (MIB-1275)). The liners are tailored to prevent costly damage caused by food spills in commercial ovens. The custom-fit liners completely cover the base, preventing food from reaching vulnerable oven components, as well as trapping spills, drips and crumbs. The heavy-duty, non-stick liners can be wiped with a damp cloth or placed in the dishwasher.

Trade price £16.99