CHICAGO -- Away-from-home breakfast sales are growing, but remain a major underdeveloped opportunity for foodservice operators, according to new research by Technomic. Even though the vast majority of consumers still prepare breakfast at home, consumers’ demand for time-saving convenience continues to grow, signaling breakfast growth opportunities in both limited- and full-service foodservice segments.

“Breakfast menus are underdeveloped and often lacking in innovation,” Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic Information Services, said in a press release. “Few limited-service restaurants, for example, offer a separate kids breakfast menu or a ‘healthy’ menu.” Tristano said that this spells opportunity, both for chain operators and their suppliers, who often play a key role in bringing menu innovations into foodservice operations.

The report also found that consumers see weekday and weekend breakfast occasions very differently. During the week, convenience and portability play enormous roles. On weekends, however, consumers are looking for quality food, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Breakfast sandwiches are a growing consumer favorite. Since the last study conducted two years ago, the percentage of consumers reporting that they ordered breakfast sandwiches when eating away from home during the week increased from 60 to 73 percent; weekend breakfast sandwich purchases also grew from 55 to 60 percent.

Roughly 44 percent of consumers surveyed would like to see breakfast served all day and 43 percent would order breakfast during non-breakfast hours.