What constitutes a cycle menu?

A cycle menu is characterized by a structured plan that offers a selection of dishes that change daily or weekly but are repeated over a predetermined period. This style of menu is particularly advantageous in settings such as schools, hospitals, and other institutions where it is essential to provide variety and balance in meals while still keeping costs in check and managing inventory effectively. By utilizing a cycle menu, food service operations can ensure that patrons experience a range of meals while streamlining the preparation and ordering processes.

In contrast, a menu featuring the same items year-round lacks the variety and rotation that defines a cycle menu. A menu with all items available daily potentially overwhelms both the kitchen staff and customers with too many choices, lacking the structured repeat pattern of a cycle menu. Finally, a menu with limited seasonal items focuses on a specific selection based on the time of year, rather than the rotating, predictable format seen in a cycle menu.