Spring / Summer 2022 - Mix & Match Meal Solutions

SPRING/SUMMER 2022 - MIX & MATCH // GORDON FOOD SERVICE®

NUTRITION RESOURCE CENTRE

MIX & MATCH MEAL SOLUTIONS SPRING/SUMMER 2022 EDITION

Prepared by Gordon Food Service Nutrition Resource Centre Included: Product Highlights Product Considerations Tips & Tricks Nutrition Information

nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SPRING AHEAD WITH

FRESH MENU OPTIONS At Gordon Food Service we believe in the power of good food—to bring people together and make moments special. Every product, every order, and every decision we make is inspired by the people on the other side of the plate.

Our forward-thinking Nutrition Resource Centre team exists to support our senior living and healthcare customers by creating solutions that ensure you are successful in supporting the people you serve.

In the pages that follow you will find products that have been tested and reviewed by our team of Dietitians and Diet Techs. This process has allowed them to provide you with a curated list of relevant product considerations, as well as practical tips & tricks. While we have tried and tested the specific products included there are many additional options that we'd be happy to recommend based on your needs.

Our Cycle Menu Management software was used to provide the nutrition information labels included below. As you work toward providing seasonal menu options for your clients, consider this easy-touse program, exclusive to GFS customers, to assist you in increasing meal appeal and operational efficiency within your facility!

Warm regards, Cristina Edworthy Manager of Customer Experience, Leading the Nutrition Resource Centre

nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - BEEF

1032988 - BEEF STRIPS, STIR FRY, FROZEN

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $1.50 (100g raw) No trimming required; therefore, reduced waste & labour.

Mild flavour provides opportunity to utilize with various flavours/seasonings.

Excellent source of protein.

Soft texture when optimally prepared.

Product Considerations: Best suited for stews & goulash.

Serve with various sauces/gravies.

Easily pair with a seasonal vegetable and pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

Product is vacuum sealed in 2.5 kg pack size; therefore, whole pack must be thawed at one time.

When choosing recipes, consider that individual pieces may have slight variation in size.

Tips & Tricks: Must be braised and/or cooked 'low & slow' to obtain optimal tenderness.

Use a steam kettle or flat top to sear beef strips in large quantities before braising.

Utilize leftover/unused cooked product to create texture modified beef. Portion & freeze for future use!

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - PORK

7377636 - PORK, LEAN, DICED 1IN MACHINE CUT FROZEN

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.77 (100g raw) No trimming required; therefore, reduced waste & labour.

Mild flavour provides opportunity to utilize with various flavours/seasonings Soft texture when optimally prepared.

Product Considerations: Best suited for stews & goulash.

Serve with various sauces/gravies.

Easily pair with a seasonal vegetable and pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

Product is vacuum sealed in 2.5 kg pack size; therefore, whole pack must be thawed at one time.

When choosing recipes, consider that individual pieces may have slight variation in size.

Tips & Tricks: Must be braised and/or cooked 'low & slow' to obtain optimal tenderness.

Use a steam kettle or flat top to sear diced pork in large quantities before braising.

If not braising, marinate pork to better ensure tenderness of final product (i.e souvlaki).

Utilize leftover/unused cooked product to create texture modified pork. Portion & freeze for another time!

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - FISH & SEAFOOD

1407823 - 3.7OZ PARMESAN CRUSTED WILD SALMON PORTIONS, FROZEN Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $1.66 (each) IQF: pull & thaw portions as needed.

Cook from frozen.

Portion provides excellent plate coverage.

Aromatic & unique flavour profile.

Excellent source of protein.

Crispy breading but overall soft & easy to chew.

Product Considerations: Both a versatile & stand-alone product.

Simple flavours allow for fish to be paired with a wide variety of side dishes.

Serve as is, on a bun or in a wrap.

Slice lengthwise & serve over a lettuce or pasta salad.

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: For best results, prepare product as close to service as possible. Fish may continue to cook & loose tenderness during hot holding period.

Be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature during the cooking process. Overcooking will result in a firm flesh.

Use a combi or convection oven to better produce a golden brown exterior.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - FISH & SEAFOOD

1143754 - MEDITERRANEAN GLAZED HADDOCK PORTIONS, 3.5OZ, MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL, INDIVIDUALLY QUICK FROZEN Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $1.86 (each) Pre-glazed & easy to prepare.

Cook from frozen.

IQF: pull & thaw portions as needed.

Glaze stays on throughout cooking process.

Cold plate/retherm compatible.

Simple yet impactful flavour profile.

Gluten-free & lower in sodium.

Soft & flaky.

Product Considerations: 'Center of the plate,' stand-alone product.

Simple flavours allow for fish to be paired with a wide variety of side dishes.

Consider featuring product as an open face sandwich with fresh greens and diced tomatoes/onions.

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: Using a combi or convection oven will help the glaze develop a golden brown colour.

Be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature during the cooking process. Overcooking will result in a firm flesh.

For increased acceptability within senior living, particularly LTC, consider removing the term 'Mediterranean' on the menu to reduce uncertainty.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - FISH & SEAFOOD

4560808 - BREADED MULTIGRAIN TILAPIA FILLETS, 3-5OZ, FROZEN

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $1.99 (each) IQF: pull & thaw portions as needed.

Cook from frozen.

Cold plate/meal delivery compatible.

Mild flavour & appealing golden brown breading.

Whole oats in breading provide 'whole grain' and 'homemade' appearance.

Portion provides excellent plate coverage.

Streamlined ingredient deck.

Controlled sodium content.

High source of fibre & protein.

Crunchy exterior with a soft & flaky interior.

Product Considerations: Mild flavour profile allows for fish to be paired with a wide variety of side dishes.

Recommend pairing product with sides that are both colourful and flavourful.

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Breading is crunchy so product may not be suitable for clients requiring a 'soft' diet. Testing at a facility level is recommended.

Tips & Tricks: For best results, prepare product as close to service as possible. Breading may lose crunchy texture during hot holding period.

Be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature during the cooking process. Overcooking will result in a firm flesh.

For increased acceptability within senior living, consider replacing 'tilapia' with a more familiar term such as 'white fish.'

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - POULTRY

1961447 - LOVE ME TENDER BREADED CHICKEN STRIPS, 80-90CT, FROZEN Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $1.39 (2 strips) Made in Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario & Quebec).

IQF: pull & thaw portions as needed.

Cook from frozen.

Quick & easy preparation.

No artificial flavours & preservative free.

Halal food certified.

Well seasoned with fibrous, soft texture.

Product Considerations: Suitable as a finger food & easily dippable.

Serve as is, on a bun or in a wrap.

Slice lengthwise & serve over a lettuce salad.

Dice & serve as part of a poutine or folded into a tomato sauce.

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: Can be prepared using a deep fryer or a combi/convection/conventional oven whichever is best suited for your facility!

For best results, prepare product as close to service as possible with minimal hot holding.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - POULTRY

2667506 - BONELESS SKINLESS FULL MUSCLE TURKEY BREASTS, COOKED, FROZEN Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $1.50 Produced & packaged in Montreal.

Fully cooked - thaw, slice & serve!

Minimal to no waste.

Sliced portion provides excellent plate coverage.

Excellent source of protein.

Soft, moist & easy to chew.

Fibrous, 'real turkey' texture.

Product Considerations: Utilize for both hot & cold applications Hot: Slice & serve with gravy. Dice and incorporate into soups, casseroles or pot pies.

Cold: Dice & use to make sandwich fillings or creamy spring/summer salads. Dice and sprinkle on top of lettuce salads.

Pack size allows suitability for facilities of all sizes.

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Tips & Tricks: To maintain moisture level, cover when reheating or hot holding and ensure product is submerged in broth or gravy.

Utilize leftover/unused product to create texture modified turkey. Portion & freeze for future use!

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - STARCHES

1428515 - 2.5OZ MARGARINE CROISSANT, LARGE, SLICED

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.99 Thaw & serve.

IQF: pull & thaw portions as needed.

Pre-sliced & easy to handle.

Golden brown in colour.

Portion provides excellent plate coverage.

Made with margarine to better meet healthcare nutritional standards.

Soft texture & easy to chew.

Product Considerations: Use instead of bread when making sandwiches.

Consider utilizing as an open face sandwich to minimize cost/portion.

Serve on it's own with a variety of spreads for breakfast or snack.

Pairs well with hot beverages (coffee/tea/ cocoa).

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: If using for a sandwich, choose a wet filling for additional moisture.

Cut sandwich in half for easier handling.

Not suitable for hot holding. Serve at room temperature.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - CONDIMENTS, SAUCES, GRAVIES & DRESSINGS

1193904 - GARDEN HERB VINAIGRETTE DRESSING, GLUTEN FREE

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.15 (30mL) Shelf-stable container for long-term storage.

Emulsified dressing with minimal separation.

Herbaceous aroma.

Familiar flavours (basil/oregano/thyme/garlic).

Gluten-free.

No artificial flavours or ingredients.

Product Considerations: Versatile - more than just a dressing!

Consider using as a marinade ingredient for chicken, pork or vegetables.

Incorporate into various cold salads (lettuce/pasta/grains/bean).

Use as inspiration to create a sauce for fish.

Large pack size may be more suitable for larger facilities to ensure product is consumed before expiry.

Tips & Tricks: Once opened, product must be refrigerated.

For easier handling, portion product into smaller jars or food safe containers. Don't forget to label and date each one!

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - CONDIMENTS, SAUCES, GRAVIES & DRESSINGS

1221933 - CULINARY CREAM BASE, GLUTEN FREE

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.08 per 60 mL (7.3g dry mix) Shelf-stable, dry storage.

Prepares in minutes - simply whisk into water and heat for service.

Withstands heat and resists breakdown (even when mixed with acids) better than a 'fromscratch' base (i.e béchamel).

Acceptable for hot holding.

Smooth, creamy texture with a rich flavour.

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Product Considerations: Each unit (715g) yields approx. 5.5L of cream base.

Consider utilizing in a senior living facility with food service staff that carry minimal cooking experience.

A great foundation for multiple applications including white sauce variations (i.e cheese sauce), casseroles, pot pies, baked pastas, soups & chowders.

Could even be used as a cream sauce for pizza (replacing tomato sauce)!

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: To minimize waste, prepared cream base can be frozen & thawed for reuse at a later time.

During preparation, add mix gradually to water to minimize clumping and better ensure a smooth and consistent final product.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - CONDIMENTS, SAUCES, GRAVIES & DRESSINGS

1349589 - GRAVY MIX, LOW SODIUM, INSTANT POULTRY

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.10 (6g mix) Vegetarian!

Shelf-stable, dry storage.

135 mg of sodium per portion.

No added MSG. Certified gluten-free, no eggs & no mustard.

Velvety smooth texture.

Product Considerations: Versatile choice - can be paired with chicken, turkey, breaded cutlets, poultry stews & even roast beef!

Use as a sauce base and incorporate additional flavours and seasonings to create new variations.

Consider using a small amount of product as a thickener for soups, stews & pan sauces.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: Product can be prepared with either hot or cold water.

If preparing product in advance, choose to mix with cold water and refrigerate until service.

During preparation, add mix gradually to water to minimize clumping and better ensure a smooth and consistent final product.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - DESSERTS

1283145 - MINIATURE YEAST PILLO DONUTS

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.18 (each) Made in Ontario.

IQF: pull & thaw portions as needed.

Uniform shape provides portion control.

Yeast-forward flavour & not too sweet.

Soft texture & easy to chew.

Product Considerations: Can be served as is OR used in sweet & savoury applications Sweet: Roll in cinnamon sugar.

Drizzle with dessert sauce or berry coulis.

Dip in a glaze.

Fill with pudding.

Sprinkle with ground cookies or nuts.

Savoury: Cut in half and use as a slider bun.

Bake with cheese & seasonings for a 'pullapart' bread.

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: Spread out on a sheet pan for easy application of drizzle or toppings.

If rolling in cinnamon sugar, utilize a stainless steel bowl to toss and evenly coat large quantities at one time.

The flavour combinations are endless. Get creative & use your imagination!

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - SNACKS

1050864 - WAFER COOKIES, VANILLA, NO SUGAR ADDED, TRANS FAT COMPLIANT Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.35 (3 wafers) Baked with real vanilla.

Familiar brand and flavour profile for senior living population.

No artificial colours or flavours.

No high-fructose corn syrup.

Sweetened with sorbitol & aspartame.

No evident taste of sweetener(s) .

Crisp, flaky texture, yet soft & easy to chew.

Product Considerations: Product is most suitable for only those seniors requiring a diet with minimal to no sugar intake.

Can be provided as either a dessert or snack .

Incorporate cookies into a trifle or crumbled on top of ice cream.

Consider providing a dip along with the cookies.

Any flavour of pudding mixed with whip makes for a great dip & interactive experience!

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

NOTE: Excess consumption may cause a laxative effect in sensitive persons Tips & Tricks: For best results, consume cookies once package is opened to prevent product staleness and/or softening.

Handle product with care as flaky texture contributes to increased fragility.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - SNACKS

3510347 - COOKIES, SHORTBREAD SWIRL, NO SUGAR ADDED, TRANS FAT COMPLIANT Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.53 (2 cookies) Familiar brand and flavour profile for senior living population.

No artificial colours or flavours.

No high-fructose corn syrup.

Sweetened with maltitol & acesulfame potassium (4mg per cookie).

No evident taste of sweetener(s).

Crispy at first bite. Overall, easy to chew.

Product Considerations: Product is most suitable for only those seniors requiring a diet with minimal to no sugar intake.

Can be provided as either a dessert or snack.

Consider decorating cookies with a drizzle of dessert sauce (i.e caramel, butterscotch or chocolate).

Consider utilizing product for an emergency menu.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

NOTE: Excess consumption may cause a laxative effect in sensitive persons.

Tips & Tricks: For best results, consume cookies once package is opened to prevent product staleness and/or softening.

Handle product with care as buttery texture contributes to increased fragility.

If decorating, lay cookies out on a sheet pan to minimize handling and prevent cookies from breaking.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - BEVERAGES

1382919 - DRINK, ORIGINAL OAT, UNSWEETENED

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.56 (250 mL) Free of dairy, soy, lactose, gluten & carrageenan.

Canadian grown & harvested oats.

0g of sugar per serving.

No artificial colours or flavours.

Creamy texture - closely replicates the viscosity of dairy milk.

Product Considerations: Can be substituted for dairy milk in a variety of sweet & savoury recipes.

Best choice for hot beverages (tea/coffee) since product is unlikely to curdle.

Consider large pack size if purchasing for a smaller facility.

Tips & Tricks: Once opened, product should be consumed within 7 days.

Use for dessert recipes that are 'spoonable' (i.e pudding). Product may not work as well in recipes requiring a firm texture (i.e layered desserts).

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - BEVERAGES

1318312 - DRINK, SILK ORIGINAL, ORGANIC SOY

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.46 (250 mL) Free of dairy, lactose, gluten, casein & carrageenan.

7g of protein per serving.

As much calcium as dairy milk.

No artificial colours or flavours.

Nutty & slightly sweet.

Product Considerations: Can be substituted for dairy milk in a variety of sweet & savoury recipes Stable at high temperatures - best dairy milk alternative for cooking.

Consider large pack size if purchasing for a smaller facility.

Tips & Tricks: Once opened, product should be consumed within 7 days.

If using for cooking, add at the end of the recipe to minimize risk of separation.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca

SECTION - OTHER/FORTIFIED PRODUCTS

1331855 - PROTEIN POWDER, EZ-PROTEIN, CAN

Product Highlights: Approximate cost per portion: $0.27 (7g/scoop) Provides 6g of protein per portion.

Protein source(s) = whey concentrate & soy lecithin.

Certified gluten-free & vegetarian.

Kosher & Halal food certified.

Unflavoured Product Considerations: Blends easily & instantly into hot or cold liquids.

Consider incorporating into foods such as mashed potatoes, hot cereal, pancakes, gravy, soup & puddings.

Protein intake contributes to the maintenance of nutritional status and body weight.

May help prevent muscle loss and treat frailty.

Suitable for facilities of all sizes.

Tips & Tricks: When mixing into a hot product, ensure temperature does not exceed 70ºC. Always stir until fully dissolved to better ensure final product is smooth & consistent.

These nutrition facts were pulled from our industry-leading menu software, Cycle Menu Management.

Contact us to learn more!

All items shown represent serving suggestions.

Please note that some items included may have unexpected supply issues and lead times may vary by region.

For more information on product alternatives, please contact your Gordon Food Service Healthcare Sales Specialist.

Questions? Reach out to our experts at nutritionrc@gfs.com www.gfs.ca