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36 Free Food PowerPoint Templates For Delicious Presentations

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By Al Boicheva

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Today is a day for something tasty. Here we have 36 free food PowerPoint templates that cover multiple topics such as restaurants, vineyards, coffee shops, recipes, cooking, diets, nutrition, and everything food-related. We looked everywhere to find and select the best ones and as usual, there is something for everyone and their upcoming projects.

Now let’s gather some delicious ingredients for your upcoming presentation! 🍕🍕🍕

36 Free Food PowerPoint Templates: Overview

• Restaurants and Coffee Shops 
• Food Presentation 
• Cooking Presentation 
• Diet and Nutrition Presentation 
• Food Campaigns

Just as a recipe has no soul and you, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe, even the best presentation templates will fail to capture the audience without your creativity. 🍒

Restaurants and Coffee Shops PowerPoint Templates

We’ll start with 9 free presentations dedicated to restaurant businesses, pizza places, bakery shops, coffee shops, and vineyards. The templates include image placeholders, editable content, infographics, and marketing analysis slides.

1. Food Taste: Rich Free PowerPoint Template Food Service Portfolio

This is a beautiful free presentation of 27 high-quality slides by Indonesian freelancers. It’s a multipurpose presentation, however, it would fit a restaurant portfolio best. Amongst the slides, you will find About Us, Our Service, Our Portfolio, Work Slides, and Mockups. You can download this template from the Behance page that will redirect you to a Google Drive folder containing the PPT files.

2. Mexican Restaurant: Free PPT Template for Company Profile

If you own a Mexican restaurant, this PowerPoint template is perfect to boost your presentation. It has a lovely eye-catching design and 25 different slides that include a table of contents, About Us, History with timeline infographic, company philosophy, location, services, and many more. The slides even include a collection of thematic Mexican icons.

3. Luxurious Vineyard: Free PPT Template for Company Profile

Specially made for vineyards, this free PPT presentation has a very classy thematic design allowing you to share your values, philosophy, the location of your vineyards, and testimonials of loyal clients. The template is rich in infographics and has a very beautiful wine glass stain pattern decorating each slide. It also contains easy-to-edit graphics.

4. Restaurant: Free PowerPoint Template for Restaurant Presentation

This free PPT template for restaurants has 9 brochure design slides with image placeholders. The file doesn’t include the stock images from the preview.

5. Bakery Shop: Free Pitch Deck PPT Template

Bakery Shop is a free template for PowerPoint and Google Slides with a warm-colored design, decorated with soft shapes and flat illustrations. It has a pitch deck structure and humanistic sans serif font.  The presentation includes 30 editable slides and 500+ icons.

• Slides : 30

6. Pizza Restaurant: Full Free Marketing PPT Template

Big and delicious, this free pizza restaurant PowerPoint template includes tasty images, lots of editable thematic infographics, and 48 different slides that cover everything. The template has a color theme and will automatically apply color when copied and pasted. Includes 135 editable icons.

• Slides : 48

7. Brown Stylish: Free Elegant Stylish Food PowerPoint Presentation

Rich and elegant free multipurpose PowerPoint and Google slides template with a calm color palette and delicate typography. It suits presentations about food, cooking, fashion, hotels, travel, cosmetics, and more.

• Slides : 25

8. Coffee Vibes: Free Coffe Shop PPT Template

Beautiful morning vibes that smell like coffee. Here we have a fresh abstract design free PowerPoint template for coffee shops, cafeterias, and breweries. The file includes multiple editable infographics, diagrams, and charts.

• Slides : 31

9. Coffee: Free Barista PowerPoint Presentation

Another rich with infographics and themes free presentation template for coffee businesses and coffee lovers. The design sports a lovely coffee color palette and patterned backgrounds that are also included in the file. Includes image placeholders.

Food PowerPoint Presentation Templates

Proceeding with the next main topic, below are 10 diverse free PowerPoint templates dedicated to food presentations, healthy eating, product presentation, the art of coffee, and thematic cuisine.

10. Modern Food: Free Contemporary Cuisine Presentation

Clean and modern free template for your food presentation in PowerPoint and Google Slides. The modern theme has a dark pink color accent and delicious food and cooking photos. You’ll find 25 editable slides, free infographics, and 80 icons, all customizable

11. Real Food: Free Healthy Food PowerPoint Presentation

Creative free template for multiple purposes like sharing recipes, and talk about healthy eating and nutrition. It has 25 PowerPoint slides with watercolor illustrations of food ingredients, free resources for data visualization, and specific slides for marketing and business plans.

12. Chart Palette: Free Food PowerPoint Presentation Template

This is a free chart template for PowerPoint and Google Slides with a lovely photographic design of vegetables, flowers, plants, and color charts.

13. Barista: Free Coffe Art PowerPoint Template

A sophisticated free PPT template for coffee lovers to author any presentation related to the art of coffee. Including standard and widescreen slide options, the template offers 6 slides with text and image placeholders, backgrounds, and a custom built-in color palette.

14. Fresh Food: Free Minimalistic PPT Template

A more simplistic multipurpose free PowerPoint template for widescreen presentations.

• Slides : 11

15. Special Burger: Free Burger Presentation Presentation

If you’re planning to present a new delicious item in your restaurant’s arsenal, this free presentation template was designed with that exact concept in mind. It includes infographics, such as price tables and mockups. Although the template shows a burger, you can easily replace the images and adapt it to your item of choice.

• Slides : 13

16. Fast Food: Free Multipurpose PowerPoint Template

Modern free PPT template for food presentation where you can add the point branch offices, the steps you use to prepare a plate of food, and info about yourself. The template includes images from Freepik that you can easily replace.

17. Pumpkin Design: Free Simple Multipurpose PowerPoint Slides

Sometimes, less is more. In case you don’t need a big presentation of 20 slides and wish just to list a few things, here’s a simple classic 4-slides pumpkin design template. It’s especially suitable for Pumpkin Day and Thanksgiving.

18. Free Korean Food PowerPoint Presentation

The main concept of this free presentation template is bibimbap, a traditional Korean food. This is good to explain the healthy food culture of Korean food with 48 rich infographic slides with thematic Korean photos and illustrations.

19. Free Local Food PPT Presentation Template

This free template is great for presentations on food, such as fresh organic ingredients and healthy local food. It includes 48 slides with lots of editable charts, diagrams, and tables, and 135 fully customizable icons. Includes image placeholders.

Cooking PowerPoint Templates

Here we have 4 very diverse designs, free presentations for businesses, chefs, recipes, and organic food.

20. Ellen: Free Chef PowerPoint Template

The master chef free template for any restaurant or chef who is looking to highlight their work. It has 25 customizable PowerPoint slides with food cooking graphics throughout the presentation.

21. Cooking: Free Multipurpose Cooking PowerPoint Template

A very simplistic multipurpose free food PPT template that you can use for any design related to cooking, sharing recipes, or business ideas.

22. Granny’s Recipe Book: Free Recipe PPT Template

Nobody cooks better than grandma and you can prove it in a presentation. This vintage vibe, free template offers the hand-drawn elements and recipe scrapbook style you need.

• Slides : 33

23. Free Organic Food Pitch Deck PPT Template

Pitch deck style free template for healthy eating and organic food presentation, with marketing analysis slides. It’s especially suitable for organic food restaurants and companies.

Diet and Nutrition PowerPoint Presentation

7 Free templates for multipurpose nutrition and diet presentations, healthy eating, fitness, and delicious freshly baked bread.

24. Mediterranean Diet: Free Nutrition PowerPoint Presentation

May is International Mediterranean Diet Month which celebrates the cuisine with is a plant-based food plan full of low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids delicious food. In this free PowerPoint template, you will find 12 awesome customizable slides with graphics and mockups.

• Slides : 12

25. Nutrition: Free Healthy Food PPT Presentation

To teach how to have a healthy life through eating fruits, vegetables, and proteins, this free template will do the trick. It has a fresh color scheme and customizable slides that you can adapt to any nutritional or food safety content.

26. Free Diet Plan Nutritionist PowerPoint Template

For dieticians and companies, or educators who wish to present their take on weight loss, detox, and healthy eating, this free template with modern design has 48 slides rich with themes, graphs, charts, and other infographics.

27. Free Freshly Baked Bread PowerPoint Template

If you have a bakery that wants everyone to know about your delicious freshly baked bread and related treats, you have 48 free slides to go wild. It also includes 135 different icons and editable data-driven charts.

28. Venu – Free Nutrition & Health PPT Presentation

By itself, this free PowerPoint template can give you ideas on how to structure your presentation on healthy eating and nutrition. It features infographics, highlighted data, quotes, and other customizable elements. In addition, you will also find awesome flat-style colorful icons of food ingredients.

• Slides : 21

29. Free Organic Food PowerPoint Presentation

A customizable free PPT template with 48 slides for presentations related to healthy food ingredients.

30. Free Fresh Green Broccoli PPT Template

This free powerpoint template is a design of a delicious fresh food concept with various shapes related to food.

• Slides : 60

PowerPoint Templates for Food Campaigns

And last, we gathered 6 free food campaign templates that are ideal for promotion and marketing presentations.

31. Fruits: Free Marketing Campaign PPT Template

Free marketing presentation template with sweet fruity patterns and vector-based illustrations.

32. Food Day Campaign Free PPT Template

Food day campaign free marketing .ppt template with watercolor illustrations and infographics.

• Slides : 27

33. Free World Cocktail Day PPT Presentation

Editable free template with 32 slides and infographics dedicated to the art of cocktail making. It’s designed for PPT and Google Slides.

• Slides : 32

34. Free Festival PowerPoint Presentation

Spargelzeit is a celebration in Germany during spring that honors asparagus and menus are prepared with them as the main ingredient.

35. International Hummus Day Free PPT Template

Hummus-inspired presentation design with photos of hummus dishes and tablecloth background.

• Slides : 34

36. Free Multipurpose Pizza PowerPoint Template

And last, something fun: a free PowerPoint template that teaches fractions with pizza slices.

• Slides : 24

Final Words

Alright, we did it and we feel kinda stuffed with all these delicious free food templates we managed to find. Now you have the ingredients, all it takes is the chef’s kiss of your creativity to deliver an amazing presentation.

In the meantime, if you’re up to some more hunting, why not check other free PowerPoint resources.

• 120+ Free Food Illustrations for Personal and Commercial Garnishing
• 100+ Free Food Vector Graphics and Characters for Tasty Projects
• Modern Restaurant Menu Designs that Boost the Appetite

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Al Boicheva

Al is an illustrator at GraphicMama with out-of-the-box thinking and a passion for anything creative. In her free time, you will see her drooling over tattoo art, Manga, and horror movies.

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The art of food presentation: tips and techniques.

The art of food presentation goes way beyond garnishing. It's a visual way to introduce the meal's culinary story and give the diners a glimpse of the flavor that awaits them. If you've ever heard the phrase “one eats with his eyes first”, in the culinary world, this statement is unequivocally true. If there's one thing hospitality experts agree on, it's that food presentation is crucial to the entire dining experience.

The aesthetic arrangement of food on the plate is a chef's silent message to the diners, inviting them to savor not just the taste but the culinary journey. If you're finding food presentation difficult, you'll want to read this article to the end, as we will unearth everything you'll need to know to make your food presentation a masterpiece.

Importance of visual appeal in food preparation

Having known that we first eat with our eyes before our mouth, it's a no-brainer why visual appeal is as crucial as the food itself. Here are some reasons why it matters:

Influence diners' perception and acceptance of food

The visual presentation of the food is the first thing guests will notice. A well-presented dish often entices eaters and leaves a memorable first impression. Research has shown that plating food in an aesthetic manner makes diners see the food as more sophisticated and, consequently, are ready to pay more.

Enhanced Appetite 

Colors, shapes, and food arrangements can add energy and trigger hunger. Bright colors like red, yellow, and green revive appetite and present food as natural. Also, complementary colors add a visual appeal to the food. When these colors are blended properly, it raises diners' anticipation of the food, and they are ready to eat more. The color of your plateware also highly affects the overall presentation which we will address in this article.

Reflects Quality

The dish's visual appeal speaks volumes about the food preparation, and the level of care to execute the dish.  Also the environment where the guest is, the cleanliness of the linens, glassware or silverware, are elements that will tell a lot about the hygiene of the food and venue. Even if it's a high-end restaurant and food is presented in a shabby manner, or the venue is not well looked after, then diners will go with the notion that the dish was prepared in an unsafe environment using low-quality ingredients and that the standards of the venue are low.

Marketing and Social Shares

We are in an age where a simple post on the internet can go viral and gather over a million views in a few hours. Suppose visitors love their food presentation and dining experience. In that case, they are most likely to take pictures of the food or environment to post on their social media handles, which has a high possibility of attracting first-time visitors and repeat customers if the post goes viral. For the hospitality industry, this is earned marketing and low-cost advertising spreading across the social media network. 

Techniques to Enhance Food Presentation 

Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, your plating process can make a big difference in how it is received. Here are some top food plating techniques to enhance food presentation:

Landscape plating

Landscape gardeners inspire this style of plating. It comprises long and low placement of food across the plate. It also gives a natural and artistic look to dishes, enhancing the flavor and texture of the ingredients. This style can be used on any dish, both main dish, appetizers, and desserts . To get the best output, cut each item into bite sizes.

Classical plating

It is a traditional and symmetrical plating technique that allows diners to see the elements on the plate vividly. This method uses starch, vegetables, and the main for the food arrangement. You'll have to view your plate like a clock. Protein should be placed between 3 and 9 o'clock, carbohydrates/starch between 9 and 12, and vegetables should be placed between 12 and 3.

Free form plating

The free-form plating allows for a more relaxed and asymmetrical food placement. Unlike the classic plating, where each element has a specific place, the free form allows for creativity. You can use cooking methods like smearing, scattering, or stacking to create a visually appealing dish.

Food on organic material techniques

This food presentation style uses natural materials like wood, stone, and slate as plating devices. It gives a rustic and natural feel to the dishes. You can use this technique for different occasions so long the plating and materials are safe, clean, and suitable for the food.

The bathing technique

The bathing technique presents the main dish in a pool of sauce or broth. This food plating style creates a more flavorful and eye-catching look for your dish and also the texture of the food. You can use the bathing technique for Tortellini with shellfish sauce or for a soup consommé, you can place your vegetables in the bowl and pour the soup broth at the table for a wow effect!

Creative Plating Ideas to Impress Your Guests

Whether you're serving up modest fare or fine cuisine, there's no one way to plate food. However, some important factors must be considered when presenting your food. But the rule of thumb is that the food's taste should match its looks. Here are the top food plating ideas that will help you plate food like a chef.

Tailor plating style to your evening’s concept.

You must give diners a more cohesive experience. Ensure your plating style matches your theme. If you have ethnic and casual dining, a hearty presentation using traditional dishware will be most suitable. For a fine-dining feel, using wares that exude luxury and affluence will be perfect, while for a family-style service, you can aim for colorful large plating. To get the most suitable plating for your party, you'll have to study your theme and guests to know what best fits.

Simplicity is key

One way to ensure simplicity is to pick one ingredient to be the spotlight on the plate. Clutters cause distractions, and most times, diners get confused about where to begin. To get this right, you should incorporate negative space. It will help draw diners' attention to the main element of the dish. Also, ensure that the plate complements the dish. Don't be under pressure to fill up the plate. You'll have to get different plates and proportions for different dishes. 

Height and layers

Think of this like a landscape; placing elements at different heights adds depth to grab attention. For example, you can place mashed potatoes as your base and layer a piece of grilled chicken on top, then garnish it with steamed asparagus while standing upright. With this, you'll have starch at the bottom, protein in the middle, and vegetables upwards.

In French cuisine, the selection of tableware is vital to the overall presentation of the dish. Carefully choose plates, bowls, and platters that not only match but elevate the aesthetic qualities of the food. The design of the tableware is often minimalistic, directing attention squarely on the culinary creation itself. For your tablewares you can use white or light shades; they'll blend well with garnishes and sauces.

Use suitable tools

Using the right tools is crucial when plating food. It helps elevate the presentation of your dish to match the effort you've put into the meal preparation. Some of the common tools you'll need include a precision spoon, sauce squeeze bottle, tweezer, brush, round cutters, and spatula. These tools allow for greater control and finesse.

Utilizing Colors and Textures in Food Presentation

Colors and textures elevate the dining experience. When applying to food placement, you must ensure that there's a balance. Aside from this, it would be best if you considered contrast. When contrasting colors are used, the presentation stands out—for example, using a bright red color on a bed of green lettuce. There are no rules. You're free to use any style, seasonal colors, or color wheels, but you must ensure that the colors are harmonious, i.e., they blend perfectly. Garnishes add texture, and cooking techniques like grilling or broiling can add texture to your dish.

The Role of Garnishes and Edible Decorations

Add textural contrast and flavors: Some garnishes, such as crouton on soup or fried onions and shallots, toasted nuts on salad, add textural contrast that makes food taste better. Also, garnishes like fresh herbs or citrus zest add a complementary taste to the dishes.

Signals ingredients and culinary creativity: Garnishes give visual clues about the ingredients used to prepare the dish . For example, if a diner picks up the menu and sees Rosemary on a lamb dish or a mint leaf on a dessert, they know what flavors to expect. Garnishes let chefs show off their creative and artistic skills when presenting food.

Edibility: Unlike inedible decorations like toothpicks and ornamental skewers, garnishes could be eaten along with the dish. This offers an exquisite dining experience where every element on the plate contributes to both the flavor and presentation.

Final thought

Mastering the art of food presentation is akin to narrating a story that engages the guests’ senses even before the first bite. It's about harmonizing the aesthetics with the flavors, creating not just a meal but an immersive dining experience that will be complete by considering elements such as linen, tableware, "art de la table," flowers, music, and lights.

Also, incorporating BBQ grill ideas and popular French gourmet items can introduce a unique and savory element to your presentation. French cuisine is celebrated not only for its exquisite flavors but also for its artistic presentation, providing valuable insights into elevating your plating style. 

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How to Beautifully Plate and Present Food

Last Updated: May 25, 2024 Approved

Starting With Beautiful Food

• Plating a Meal

Presenting Tricky Dishes

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci . JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 613,307 times.

Things You Should Know

• Cook meals with a variety of colors and complementary textures to give your meal some visual appeal even before plating.
• Default to white plates, leave 1/3 of the plate empty, and add different foods in odd numbers to achieve a balanced look.
• Layer proteins or main courses on top of filler foods like rice or noodles, and use herb or sauce garnishes to add finishing touches.

• When you're planning meals, think ahead about the colors you want to feature on the plate. You might not be able to represent all the colors of the rainbow at every meal, but challenge yourself to have as much color as possible.
• If you realize you're about to serve several like-colored foods, like grilled chicken and mashed potatoes, adding a serving or two of fruits and vegetables is a fantastic and easy way to add pops of color. The richest greens, oranges, reds, purples, blues, pinks, and yellows on your plate probably take the form of fruits and vegetables.
• If you're not sure how to add color, utilize garnishes. [3] X Research source Nearly any savory dish is well-served by a sprinkling of fresh chives, parsley, dill, or mint. Lemon and lime wedges are welcome alongside poultry and seafood dishes.

• Lightly steam them instead of boiling them. [4] X Research source Steaming vegetables makes them look appetizing and flavorful, while boiling creates the opposite effect. [5] X Research source Take broccoli, for instance: steaming broccoli turns it a fresh, bright green, and each floret retains its shape and texture. Boiling broccoli results in a mushy texture and a paler color, which isn't as pretty on the plate. The same holds true for asparagus, carrots, green beans, and many other vegetables.
• Roast or sauté them with a little oil or butter. Roasted or sauteed vegetables look quite appetizing when they're allowed to caramelize a little in oil or butter. The bright orange or green of the vegetable is offset by brown, crispy spots. It's a delicious way to cook vegetables.

• There are exceptions to the rule of searing your meat. For example, if you're serving braised beef , you'll have to think of creative ways to make the meat look appetizing even though it doesn't have a crispy crust. Serving it with a sauce is a good way to add visual interest.

• Fried foods often continue browning a bit after they've been removed from the hot oil. Carefully monitor foods as you're frying them to make sure they don't get too dark.
• Take pains to handle the fried foods gently so they look appetizing when you're ready to plate them. For example, if you need to check whether a piece of fried chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, stick the meat thermometer in a place where the resulting hole won't be visible. [8] X Research source

• The way you handle the food just after it has been cooked, and before it is plated, can really affect the texture. Pasta, for example, should be kept in water or tossed in a bit of oil just after cooking so that it doesn't start to clump. [9] X Research source Fried foods should not be covered with airtight lids because the heat from the food will end up steaming the breading and causing the food to get soggy.
• Once the food is on the plate, a spritz of oil or water can improve its visual appeal if it looks too dry.

Plating it With Care

• That said, there are exceptions. If you have a set of special plates with a pattern or a certain color scheme, it's fine to use them. Just make sure they complement the food you're serving instead of vying for attention.
• Don't forget to take the rest of the table into consideration, too. Cutlery, glasses, and linens will enhance the overall appearance of the dish upon the table.
• When looking for interesting tableware, try going to Asian grocery stores, craft or flea markets, and antique stores. You can find some very interesting tableware from all of these sources.

• As a general rule, half of the food on the plate should be comprised of vegetables, one fourth should be comprised of meat or another protein, and one fourth should be comprised of a starch.
• Start plating food in the center of the dish and work outward from there so that the food is centered in the middle of the plate.

• To quickly add some crunch to a dish, try topping it with some crushed, roasted walnuts, almonds or pepitas.
• A dollop of crème fraiche or some pieces of goat cheese can add a soft, creamy texture to savory dishes. Whipped cream or pastry cream is a good way to add a soft element to sweet dishes.

• An easy way to start layering food is to serve the protein on a bed of starch. For example, serve a kabob on a heaping of rice, or serve grilled swordfish on a pile of mashed potatoes.
• You can use sauces to layer as well. Ladle a pool of au jus, marinara, or whatever sauce you're using into the center of the dish, and arrange the other elements of the dish on top.
• Aim to make foods look bigger, not smaller. Fluff up your salads, for example, instead of smoothing them down. Create a little cross-hatched stack of cooked asparagus instead of presenting it in one flat layer. [17] X Research source

Adding Appetizing Touches

• If you serve a dish with lemon or lime wedges, consider creating slender, pretty twists instead of slicing them into thick wedges. This might entice the diner to actually use the garnish instead of scooting it to the side of his or her plate!
• Think outside the box and use garnishes you might not normally consider. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon over a chicken dish, or a handful of pomegranate seeds over an otherwise ordinary salad. Choose garnishes that add a burst of both flavor and color.
• In many cuisines, flowers are an acceptable garnish or a large inedible leaf sitting underneath the food. In broader Western culture, it's recommended that nothing inedible be served on the plate. As well, since certain garnishes can affect the flavor, choose carefully.

• Rather than just pouring a sauce over your food, consider putting it in a squeeze bottle so you can create a pretty swirl or pattern. [19] X Research source If you don't have a squeeze bottle, put the sauce in a plastic food storage bag, cut a small piece off one of the corners, and squeeze the sauce through the bag.
• Don't overdo it. The key is to add a touch of color, flavor, and texture without overpowering the main part of the dish.

• If you're serving the pasta with a protein, arrange it attractively on the heap of pasta. For example, if the dish includes shrimp, place the shrimp on top instead of burying the pieces inside the pasta heap.
• Just before serving, you can mist the pasta with a bit of olive oil to make it glisten attractively.

• Soups and stews tend to splash and run, so it's also important to make sure that the sides of the bowl or plate you're serving them in are wiped clean before serving.
• Casseroles might also come out on the brown side. Serving them alongside a bunch of fresh salad greens is a good way to offset the neutral-looking main dish.

• Use a cookie cutter to create a neat shape. A star or leaf-shaped brownie will look more interesting than your basic square.
• Serve it with mint. Adding a few fresh sprigs is a great way to enhance many desserts, especially fruity ones.
• Sprinkle cocoa, cinnamon or powdered sugar on top. Choose the powder that contrasts in color to the dessert you made.
• Sprinkle crushed peppermints on top. It'll look like you topped your dish with pink glitter.
• Speaking of glitter, add edible glitter to the dish to take it over the top.
• When all else fails, plate it with a swirl of whipped cream. [23] X Research source You can pipe it through an icing bag fixed with a star-shaped tip to create a visually pleasing shape.

• Try keeping all presentation of the food relevant and simple. A nice formal dish is great for a celebration, but even simple meals can be improved with the addition of some herbs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Read current cooking books and magazines for ideas. Your local library is a wonderful resource and many culinary magazines are now available for download, allowing you to read the recipes in the cooking area straight off your iPad, eReader, or other device. This also enables you to decorate a table with the electronic device as a reference! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• There are now plates that keep food hot (patented). An excellent final touch for certain delicious hot recipes (Especially if they are expensive and time-consuming to prepare). Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Food magazines and cookbooks
• Ideal dinnerware and tableware
• Inspiration from recipes and restaurants/cafes that you like

You Might Also Like

• ↑ JoAnna Minneci. Professional Chef. Expert Interview. 23 November 2021.
• ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/13/plating-food_n_1763865.html
• ↑ https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/200/basic-guide-to-food-presentation.html
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-vegetables-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-108512
• ↑ https://www.professorshouse.com/steaming-versus-boiling-vegetables/
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-sear-meat-47333
• ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/learning-to-fry
• ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-a-meat-thermometer-article
• ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/texture-of-food-cheap-spaghetti_n_5b60c302e4b0b15aba9d7d4e
• ↑ https://www.today.com/food/how-plate-your-food-pro-celebrity-chefs-reveal-their-secrets-2D80186757
• ↑ https://blog.kitchenaid.ca/10-tips-plating-food-like-a-pro/
• ↑ https://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-plate-like-a-chef
• ↑ https://startcooking.com/seven-ways-to-present-food-like-a-chef
• ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-reviews/Plate-your-food-like-a-pro/articleshow/32962204.cms
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/tip-for-plating-pasta-perfectly-264049
• ↑ https://www.mirlandraskitchen.com/how-to-decorate-with-whipped-cream/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihxsCYijU20

About This Article

When you’re plating food, try to visualize what the finished product will look like. Only fill the plate about two-thirds of the way, since the negative space will accentuate the appearance of your food. As you add elements, remember that odd numbers look more appealing than even numbers, and try to group foods with different textures near each other. Stacking and layering foods is a good way to play with height, which can create even more visual interest on the plate. For tips on choosing garnishes to finish your dish, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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11 Industry Expert Food Presentation and Plating Techniques

At the peak of social media and food bloggers, food presentation and plating have never been more important. Photos and videos of one single dish and then shared by multiple people online, tempting more customers to dine at your restaurant. The value of sight cannot be overlooked in the overall dining experience.

The plating process is a culinary art but it's not only about how visually appealing your food is either. Excellent food plating techniques can evoke the appetite and feelings of anticipation and excitement. We engage all our senses while dining, not solely relying on taste. When a diner chooses to eat out, they want all their senses invigorated.

Whether you own a casual home-style restaurant or a fine dining venue, our food presentation tips can elevate your culinary expertise.

Why Food Presentation Matters

In a study by the National Library of Medicine , it was concluded that "our subjective sense of taste is significantly influenced by our visual perception". In other words, when food is visually appealing, it can stimulate our appetite and taste buds significantly. This is why we have the common phrase "we eat with our eyes first".

The multiple benefits of food plating and presentation go beyond visual appeal:

• Highlights your high-quality food - Exceptional ingredients and cooking expertise deserve a high-quality finished plate.
• Worth a higher price tag - Customers are willing to spend more when they see the care and effort involved.
• Enhanced flavour perception - Dishes with aesthetic appeal can increase the perception of flavours.
• Competitive edge - Food plating is an art form in which the chefs can express themselves. Your restaurant can stand out from the competition with a unique style.
• Brand image - High-quality food plating demonstrates your brand's commitment to quality, professionalism and attention to detail.
• Improved operations - Consistency and attention to detail are some of the ways you can improve restaurant operations . Setting a benchmark with your staff members enhances customer service.

Key Considerations for Food Plating Techniques

Great food presentation relies on quality ingredients and excellent cooking skills. Roast, fry or braise your food to perfection to stand out on the plate and create textures. Vary your dishes with contrasting colours, different sauces and edible garnishes to elevate tastes and visual appeal.

Equip your chefs with the best tools and plate styles to match your cuisine.

Deciding Your Plate Style

Plating food in a stunning presentation will depend on your plate size and style. It should represent your branding and cuisine to boost your dining experience. With varying sizes and colours, the right plate size should be in proportion to your portion size.

Consider the following plates:

• Classic round white plates - Usually used for fine dining restaurants, white plates offer a clean and sophisticated presentation.
• Square plates - A contemporary option for a simple presentation. A square plate can highlight your food plating through different shapes.
• Platters - For a home-style sharing menu, food plating can scale for large plates or platters. Don't underestimate the importance of food presentation on a larger scale.
• Boards or slates - Food presentation can still be a priority for more casual or grill restaurants by using boards or slates for food plating.

Kitchen Tools You May Need

To create dishes with unique food presentation designs, you may need some extra tools to be precise when plating:

• Precision tongs
• Squeeze bottles for drizzling
• Plating brushes to sauce
• Food tweezers for delicate items
• Plating spoons for decorative designs

11 Food Presentation and Plating Techniques

• Use textures
• Play with colours
• Follow an order
• Make a focal point
• Create height
• Serve small portions
• Fluff up vegetables
• Don't forget your sauces
• Wipe the edges
• Garnish for a finishing touch
• Add service flare

1. Use textures

A combination of smooth and soft or hard and crispy textures creates depth in your food presentation. It's important to balance every element of your plate, including the texture. Create contrasting textures through:

• Puree sauce for a soft base
• Seared protein with a crisp finish
• Crunchy nuts
• Shiny glaze
• Scorched sugar

Once you have prepped the perfect elements with a burst of flavour, be playful in the final presentation.

2. Play with colours

Vibrant and contrasting colours naturally attract interest in any situation. With food plating, colours can make dishes more visually appealing and stimulate the appetite. Bold combined with soft colours can also influence the diner's perception of flavour. A colourful food presentation on a table will set a bright mood and anticipation.

3. Try free-form plating

Free-form plating is the technique of treating the plate like an artistic canvas. The chefs can get creative with splashes of food and colour, smearing, drizzling and drawing for a food presentation masterpiece. By being loose with your free-form plating, every dish will be unique and exciting.

4. Make a focal point

Many food presentation tips from chefs advise to start in the middle of the plate to create a main focal point. Other elements will then support the main ingredient around the plate. It's also important to leave empty space to avoid overcrowding and overwhelming your diner.

5. Create height

Ever heard the phrase "people eat with their eyes"? Creating height gives the illusion of more food and elevates the perception of great value. You can create height with your food placement by:

• Stacking - Placing vegetables on top of each other for an interesting mound.
• Layering texture - Rather than placing food into individual sectors on the plate, layer on top of each other. For example, layer fish on top of mashed potatoes to create a peak.
• Spiralling - Spiral vegetables or twist pasta into a bouncy mound.
• Vertical placement - Plating your main ingredient at an odd angle can add a sharp high point to your dish.

6. Serve small portions

As a general rule, leaving empty space on the plate will allow your food to stand out. It frames the dish and encourages the diner to focus on the characteristics of the plate. By serving smaller portions, you can be more creative with the balanced placement.

7. Fluff up your vegetables

Fluffing up vegetables can create more texture and appeal on the plate. The fluff process involves gently tossing or separating the vegetable pieces to prevent clumping and to create a more airy and appealing texture. It can also help them to absorb the glaze or sauce you drizzle on, which will enhance the flavour.

8. Don't forget your sauces

Sauces are delicious but can also make your food plating more exciting. Here are some sauce food presentation tips:

• Dollop and Swoop - Place a spoonful of sauce on the plate and use the back of the spoon to drag the sauce to the other side of the plate, creating a swooping effect.
• Squeeze Bottle - Use a squeeze bottle to create artistic designs or precise lines with the sauce. This technique is suitable for thick, smooth sauces that will hold their shape.
• Brushing - Dip a clean brush, such as a pastry brush, into the sauce and brush it across the plate to create elegant designs or patterns.
• Pooling - For larger servings of sauce, such as a red wine pan sauce or crème anglaise, create a pool of sauce on the plate to complement the dish.
• Splatter Technique - Use a squeeze bottle to create splatter designs by applying pressure at an angle to the plate, creating various dot sizes for contrast.
• Zig Zag Technique - Use a squeeze bottle to create zigzag patterns with the sauce, adding visual interest to the plate.

9. Wipe the edges

After taking such care in your food plating techniques, it pays to clean the negative space on the place. This is especially important for fine dining restaurants using white plates. A clean framed plate adds sophistication and quality to your dish.

10. Garnish for a finishing touch

Herbs, edible flowers and nuts can be the "topping on the cake" you need. Garnishes add an extra special quality and texture and enhance the perception of depth and flavour.

11. Add service flare

How you serve your food to your diner is as important as your food plating. This is exceptionally important in the age of social media where diners are looking to share their dining experience online. Consider asking your waiter to finish the final element of food plating at the table in front of the customer. Some ideas include:

• Flambé - The flames from flambéing can create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
• Caramelising - Use a burner to caramelise your sauce or glaze in front of the diner.
• Creative garnishing - Add your herbs or toppings at the table to show the effort put into your dishes.
• Smoking - Use a smoker to add a dramatic presentation and extra flavour.

Focusing on the customer’s experience within the food plating process is what makes a restaurant 5-star quality . 

Grant Chefs More Time For Food Presentation

Careful food presentation takes a lot of time and effort. It requires precision, focus and a steady hand. The last thing you want is a stressful restaurant kitchen environment causing your chefs to rush their plating.

Support your chefs by investing in technology for real-time order management. ResDiary’s restaurant reservation system order feature allows instantaneous communication between customer ordering and kitchen workstations. 

With over 50 integrations including food inventory, kitchen processes can be streamlined for accuracy and speed. Restaurant technology saves time for your chefs and servers so they can focus on food presentation and customer service.

Related Insights

What Makes a Restaurant 5-Star: Secrets to Success | ResDiary

7 Types of Restaurants for New Owners

Top automation tools to streamline restaurant operations | ResDiary

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Top Chefs Share Their 10 Food Presentation and Plating Techniques

• by Lightspeed

minute read

In short, yes. 

The way you present your food is what tempts customers to try a dish. We eat with our senses: what we see, smell, and feel.  And in the age of Instagrammers and food bloggers, plating techniques and food presentation matters more than ever. 

A study from Oxford gastrophysicist, Professor Charles Spence , suggests that the food presentation can actually make a dish taste better. 

In the study, Spence gave 60 people 3 salads and asked them to rate each one before and after they ate them.  The salads each used the same ingredients but presented them in different ways. One salad was put together with no regard given to presentation, one was neatly arranged, and the third was plated to resemble a painting by artist Wassily Kandinsky.

Can you guess which salad diners liked best? 

It was the salad that resembled a painting. 

Diners thought it tasted better (29% tastier to be precise), even though it used the exact same ingredients.  Spence’s study concluded that consumers were willing to spend as much as three times more on a well-plated dish. 

Even basic dishes like a salad can benefit from thoughtful presentation—it makes the dish seem more appetising and valuable. 

So how can you use that information to your advantage? 

We talked to chefs Daniel England, Joyce Tang, Tanner Agar, Jim Solomon, Michael Welch, and Brian Poe to learn their favourite food presentation and plating techniques. Each technique focuses on five key food presentation factors: colour, arrangement, balance, texture, and how easy it is for guests to eat. 

The top food presentation and plating techniques

• Create height on the plate
• Cut meat horizontally
• Play with textures
• Use contrasting colours
• Match presentation to the restaurant theme
• Choose the right plates
• Serve smaller portion sizes
• Use edible garnishes and decorations
• When in doubt, keep it simple
• Express yourself

1. Create height on the plate

Daniel England, corporate chef with San Diego’s OMG Hospitality Group , likes to create height as he plates food. 

“It’s important that you don’t separate the food trying to fill the plate—build from the bottom up,” he says. “If you could use a little structure, you can always purchase a ring mould to start with a base. Simply pack some food in the mould and gently lift it up. Now you have a base to build on.” 

2. Cut meat horizontally

England also recommends “fanning” or shingling out slices of meat to show off its quality. 

“Slice your meats on a 45-degree bias, and also slice against the grain of the meat for a more tender cut,” he says. “Show off that perfect medium-rare steak!” 

3. Play with textures

Joyce Tang, chief baking officer at Oakland, California’s La Chinoserie , suggests playing with textures, foams, and sauces to make the dish look more interesting. 

“I like to play up contrasting textures on my plate,” she adds. “Foams are usually really helpful in plating and can be really easily done, playing around with different sauces and textures.” 

4. Use contrasting colours

Tang also stresses the importance of playing with contrasting colours. She avoids artificial colours and uses matcha, powdered sugar, or natural colours to catch the eye instead. 

“The way you present your food is hyper-important” she adds. “The more time you spend on how you present each dish, the more visual interest you can stimulate in folks.” 

Tanner Agar, owner and chief experience officer at Rye Restaurant in McKinney, Texas, echos that sentiment. 

Agar recommends using bold colours to create appealing visuals. “The easiest way to add colour is to start working with more colourful ingredients. Items like carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, lettuces, beans, and more come in a variety of gorgeous colours,” he says. “The difference a purple cauliflower puree makes on a plate is striking.”

5. Match food presentation to your restaurant theme

Jim Solomon, chef and former owner of The Fireplace in Brookline, Massachusetts, says that the style of plating should match the restaurant’s atmosphere.

“Small ethnic restaurants, where it appears grandma is cooking in the kitchen, can’t serve plates that try to emphasise vertical, architectural compositions,” he says. 

“Your guests expect a simple, welcoming presentation that stresses straightforward flavour cooked with heart and served with an unfussy, rustic quality. At relatively pricey, hip and high-end restaurants, guests want to see a degree of artistry and care taken in constructing the dishes.”

The way you plate your food should directly reflect your restaurant type. 

Solomon adds that “food should have an element of height or visual texture, the balance of colour and thoughtful garnishes—both carefully placed and intentional in flavour and texture.”

6. Choose the right plates

Michael Welch, the executive chef at Backyard Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach, California, preaches using the right plate-size, colour, and style. The colour of plate matters as the plate serves as the canvas for your food. 

“Typically, chefs will stay away from blue plates as there isn’t any naturally blue food and it is thought to be an unappetising colour,” he says. “If you have something with a lot of vibrant colour, it might stand out better on a white plate.” 

Jim Solomon echos the importance of choosing the right vessel to present your dish. “Choose a dish vessel that makes it easy for your guest to eat. This is also an opportunity for your chefs to show their personality in the dishes they create.” 

7. Serve smaller portion sizes

Smaller portion sizes were named by the National Restaurant Association as one of the top five hottest restaurant concepts for 2019. 

Of course, you still want to serve enough food to satisfy your guests and portion sizes can vary depending on the type of establishment you’re operating, but smaller portions are typically easier to style. 

Stick to no more than six elements on each dish to prevent them from looking overcrowded. 

8. Use edible garnishes and decorations

Garnishes and decorations are a great way of styling your dish, but there are some guidelines you should follow when using them.

Whatever you use—whether it’s a herb, spice, or a flower—it needs to be edible. Everything on your plate should be placed with the intention of elevating the dishes taste first, and the way it looks second. 

9. When in doubt, keep it simple

Michael Welch also emphasises the value of simplicity. 

“Overcrowding the plate with unnecessary oils or spices or microgreens just takes away from the food you worked so hard to make,” he explains. “Subtraction is your best ingredient.” 

Rather than piling on a zillion garnishes or swirls of sauce, let the quality of the cooking speak for itself. 

“A properly seared steak with some fresh watercress and perfectly roasted baby potatoes will look better than the fanciest of plates with subpar cookery,” Welch says. “Proper cooking will give you a lot of contrast within your ingredients with both texture and colour.” 

10. Express yourself

There’s an art in plating food; it’s where chefs can allow themselves to be creative and have a high impact on how guests perceive the dishes they’re eating. 

Chef Brian Poe of Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge, and Parish Café and Tip Tap Room in Boston, believes that chefs should approach food presentation and plating just as an artist would approach their next piece. 

“Presentation should be approached just like art, cooking, and music,” says Poe. “Take a moment to relax and look at what the others are doing, learn a bit of the technique and then find your own voice and style.” 

One of Poe’s favourite approaches is to go “Jackson Pollock,” holding out the plate like a canvas and splattering it with sauce. “Other times we might look toward a more linear approach with could either be Picasso or street graffiti style,” he adds. “Other times the negative space technique might work.” 

Time-saving tools to help your food preparation 

Beautifully plating food takes time. While you want it to look great, you need to plate your food fast as possible—especially if it’s a hot dish that you don’t want to go cold before it reaches your guests. 

Now, you can’t help how long it takes to properly cook and prepare a meal, but you can give your chefs more time to prepare dishes by streamlining your ordering process. 

Lightspeed point of sale enables service staff to quickly take a guest’s order and send it to the appropriate kitchen workstation in seconds. 

Kitchen staff see orders in real-time on their kitchen display system and can notify servers as soon as the dish is ready to be run to guests. Over the course of a service, those saved seconds compound and enable kitchen staff to spend time getting food presentation and plating techniques just right. 

The right restaurant technology can streamline your ordering and food preparation, which gives your cooks more time to create dishes with strong visual appeal.

Food plating and presentation matters 

When consumers dine out, they expect their food to taste great and be visually appealing. That, along with your restaurant’s interior design , are all instrumental to the quality of their dining experience. 

When plating your dishes, each element matters equally: colour, arrangement, balance, texture, and how easy it is for guests to eat. If you hit each of these out of the park, you’re setting yourself up to get rave reviews and user-generated content that you can share on your Facebook and Instagram for some extra publicity. 

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The Art of Styling a Dish: How to Create Envy Through Food Presentation?

Vision is the sense that makes us look insistently. This is the sense that reveals envy. The presentation of the dish becomes a paramount importance.

The keys of a great food presentation

Caterers, photographers and advertisers have understood this for a long time! Just look at a picture from a culinary magazine… There are techniques to embellish the dish, evoke emotion, stimulate appetite and encourage the purchase. Without studying the practices of marketers, I drew up some key points you can use to enhance your food presentations.

Here are the components of a great food styling:

• The support
• The focal point
• The garnish

Food Presentation:  The support

he support’s function is to present and reveal the culinary preparation. Its patterns and colors should not interfere with food. Its size should be proportional to the food volume and not give the effect of excess or insufficient food. For these reasons, professionals use most often plain white plates to express their creativity.

Food Presentation: The focal point

The focal point is the thing that will mainly attract the eye. It may be the highest element of the composition. It will be located preferably at the end of the dish so as not to hide the lower items. It can also be the most voluminous. For a main dish, this place is often occupied by the piece of meat or fish.

In all cases, the focal point must be accessible without having to break all the staging.

Food Presentation: The colors

The color is very important because it creates the envy. Green brings coolness and calms down. Red stands for passion and excitement. Black is a sign of elegance. Blue is a natural appetite suppressant and makes food unappetizing.

Vegetables are so important with their contrasts of colors and shapes. Care must be taken to use their geometry and color wisely, in a way that presents them without hiding others.

Food Presentation: The flavors

The flavors can come together because they are close, because they complement each other, or because they confront.

Food Presentation: The textures

Texture is a critical component of good food presentation, just as is the pleasure of eating.

By contrasting firm and soft, silky and rigid textures, the whole dish takes a higher dimension and adds a visual interest. These contrasts are made by different preparation methods. A crunchy texture builds happily on a creamy and smooth cushion while a creamy ganache resting on a foundation of nougatine doubles the pleasure of tasting.

Food Presentation: The decoration

The decoration must be edible and remember the flavors contained in the preparation. It can be herbs, spices or ingredients used in another form. The usual sprig of parsley, leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes or lemon slice should not be exclusive in decoration!

Food Presentation: The garnish

The garnish increases the texture and flavor of a dish. It must be thought about with the two rules of culinary art. Finally, with all these considerations taken into account, the plate must have a balanced and clear appearance. At that time, the eyes “eat” the plate and silence reigns around the table. You have reached your first goal! After the food styling, the next step will be the tasting…

Here are some good accessories that help professional cooks in their everyday routine concerning food plating and presentations, every item is available via Amazon.

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Food plating and presentation: a guide for culinary arts students and aspiring chefs

Are you fascinated by the art of cooking and interested in pursuing a career in the culinary industry? If so, it's important to understand the crucial role that food plating and presentation play in this field . In this guide, we'll delve into what culinary presentation and plating are, their importance, and how you can master these skills to become a professional chef.

What is food plating and presentation?

Food plating refers to the arrangement of food on a plate, while food presentation encompasses all elements of the dish, including plate design, food arrangement, food decoration, and table setting. Together, food plating and presentation form the visual aspect of a dish, creating an experience for the diners going beyond simply taste.

The importance of food plating and presentation in the culinary industry

In the culinary industry, food presentation is a key aspect of a chef's job. A well-plated dish not only appeals to the senses but also showcases the chef's skills and creativity. In a restaurant setting, the way a dish is presented can greatly impact the diners' overall dining experience and leave a lasting impression.

The visual appeal of a dish can sometimes make or break a customer's perception of a restaurant, making it a critical aspect of the experience. For pastry chefs, food display is incredibly important, as the artistry and design of a cake or pastry can be just as impressive as its taste.

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What is the difference between food plating and food presentation?

While the terms food plating and food presentation are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. Food plating refers specifically to the arrangement of food on the plate, while food presentation encompasses the complete visual experience of the dish, from the plate design to the table setting.

What is the plating method?

The plating method refers to the process of arranging food on a plate in a visually appealing manner. A successful plating method should be balanced in terms of color, texture, and flavor. The methods used by chefs for plating food can vary greatly depending on the type of cuisine, the dish, and the chef's personal style.

Food plating is an important aspect of Alain Ducasse's culinary philosophy. His approach focuses on highlighting the natural aesthetics of his ingredients, which are carefully sourced and prepared. This combined with a holistic approach to the customer experience and hospitality makes his restaurants some of the best in the world.

How to plate food like a chef

• Study the dish and plan your plating method in advance: Before you plate a dish, it's important to understand the dish and think about food placement. Consider how each element will look on the plate, how they will complement each other, and how much white space will be left. This could be a good time to consider plate size.
• Focus on creating the right balance: Consider using a range of shades and textures to achieve balance, such as light and dark, or soft and crisp. Molecular gastronomy techniques, such as spherification and foams, can also add interesting textures and shapes to the plate. You could even consider artificial color, for example, to create blue foods that add a truly vibrant color to the plate.
• Use garnishes and food decoration for added flair: Garnishes can help enhance the flavor of a dish, as well as add visual appeal. Popular plate garnish options include herbs, edible flowers, microgreens, and citrus slices. Used tastefully and in moderation, they can really elevate the food styling of a dish.
• Choose the right plate/receptacle: The choice of plate/receptacle depends on the type of dish proposed and the shape of the components of the dish. Start with a plain white plate or receptacle and choose plain plates that allow for better appreciation of the subtle features of the components. A carefully considered plate color and design, like a dark plate with a modern shape, can also create an eye-catching gourmet presentation.
• Increase the number of receptacles where necessary: To make a dish look less crowded and more sophisticated, consider using multiple plates, bowls, or dishes to arrange the food. This will allow each element of the dish to stand out without looking cluttered.
• Use reminders: Create a captivating presentation of your dish by garnishing the plate with the herbs or spices you used. Not only is it eye-catching, but this will give diners an insight into what type of flavors they should expect in their meal. Edible flowers can also be added for an additional sense of theater; however, make sure that its flavor remains at center stage.

With a little practice and creativity, you can master food art to create beautiful dishes that will delight your diners, and that will also look exceptional in food photography.

Top food plating techniques

The culinary industry is a highly competitive field, and a chef's skill in food presentation and plating plays an important role in creating successful dishes that leave a lasting impression on diners. Here are some of the top modern plating techniques used by professional chefs:

Plate presentation techniques

Presentation is key in high-quality food plating and can be achieved through several culinary techniques. These include the use of:

• Texture / Contrast: The texture of food can also be used to add interest to a plate. For example, a chef might use crunchy elements to contrast with soft and creamy elements, to add contrast to a dish.
• Height: Building height on a plate is a simple and effective way to add interest. This can be achieved by using stacking or overlapping techniques to create layers of food, thereby raising an interesting food sculpture.
• Symmetry: Symmetrical plating gives an impression of serenity and balance, while asymmetrical plating aims to create a surprising effect.
• Position on the plate: Centering the components on the plate will accentuate the impression of volume while playing with contrasts and textures lends itself to stacking the components.
• Color: Using different hues in food plating can make a dish more visually appealing and help to create a harmonious and balanced plate. A chef might choose to use contrasting colors in food to make certain ingredients stand out, or to use complementary colors that work well together.

While there may be a few components to experiment with, remember that the plating must serve the product - and not the other way around. It’s often best to favor a simple and elegant presentation that is easily understandable for guests.

Food arrangement techniques

A well-arranged dish can make all the difference between a good and a great presentation. The arrangement should be aesthetically pleasing and highlight the key ingredients. Some popular food arrangement techniques include overlapping, stacking, fanning, and scattering. It’s important to consider the size, shape, and texture of the ingredients, as well as the overall balance of the finished plate.

Sauce plating techniques

Sauce plating is a key aspect of food presentation that can greatly impact the overall look and taste of a dish. Sauces can be used to add flavor, moisture, and visual interest to a plate. Techniques such as drizzling, swiping, and dotting can add the sauce in a visually appealing way. It’s important to consider the consistency and color of the sauce when plating, as well as how it will complement the other elements on the plate.

Garnishing techniques

The right garnish can add flavor, texture, and visual interest to a plate. Some popular garnishing techniques include herbs, citrus zests, crumbles, and edible flowers. When garnishing, it’s important to consider the flavors and colors that complement the dish, and how the garnish will contribute to the overall look and taste of the plate.

These techniques can help any chef create beautiful and delicious dishes that will wow diners. With practice, the art of food presentation can become second nature and help to create stunning displays that take dining experiences to the next level.

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The role of food plating and presentation in a chef’s career

Food plating and presentation is a vital component of a chef’s career, and essential for success at the top levels of the culinary industry. In a restaurant, the presentation of a dish is the first impression a customer has of the food. A well-presented dish not only looks appetizing but also reflects the chef’s creativity and culinary skills.

Thoughtful presentation can make all the difference in a customer’s dining experience and can help a chef establish a reputation as a skilled and talented chef. Presentation skills can help you progress in your career and even gain accreditation such as coveted Michelin stars.

Studying food plating and presentation is an important part of a successful culinary education, and it can greatly benefit aspiring chefs in their culinary careers .

Whether you are just starting out in the culinary industry or looking to make a career change, a bachelors in culinary arts or a bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts from Ducasse will prepare you with the food presentation skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the culinary industry. If you're still unsure of what can you do with a culinary degree , our culinary careers page can help you explore the possibilities.

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The Art of Food Presentation: Elevate Your Culinary Creations

Uncover the secrets of Food Presentation and learn how to elevate your culinary creations to a new level. Discover the importance of plating and the techniques used by professionals.

Food presentation is an art that marries culinary skills with aesthetics. It's the secret weapon of chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. The way food is presented on the plate can influence our perception of taste, making it an essential aspect of the dining experience. This article will delve into the world of food presentation, providing insights and tips to help you elevate your culinary creations.

Food presentation goes beyond merely arranging food on a plate; it's about creating a visual feast to complement the flavors of the dish. It involves the careful placement of food, garnishes, and sauces to create a balanced and appealing look. The colors, textures, and shapes all play a crucial role in making the dish visually appetizing.

Rules of Food Presentation

The first rule of food presentation is to keep it simple. Overcrowding the plate can make it look messy and unappetizing. Instead, focus on the quality of the ingredients and let their natural beauty shine. Use a clean, white plate as your canvas and arrange the food in a way that highlights its colors and textures.

Contrast is another important element in food presentation. By contrasting colors, shapes, and textures, you can create a visually appealing plate. For example, a bright, crunchy salad can be paired with a creamy, soft pasta dish. The contrast in colors and textures will make the plate more visually appealing and exciting.

Garnishes are the finishing touches that can elevate a dish from good to great. However, they should not be used merely for decoration; they should enhance the flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs, edible flowers, and citrus zest are some examples of garnishes that can add a pop of color and flavor to your dish.

The arrangement of food on the plate is also crucial. As a general rule, the main ingredient should be placed at the center of the plate, with the side dishes and sauces arranged around it. This not only makes the plate look balanced but also allows each ingredient to shine.

Remember, the goal of food presentation is not to create a work of art, but to enhance the dining experience. By paying attention to the presentation, you can make your dishes more appealing and enjoyable. So, the next time you're preparing a meal, take a moment to consider how you can present it in a way that will delight the senses.

Food Presentation In Different Cultures

Food presentation is not a new concept. In fact, it has been a part of culinary traditions around the world for centuries. In Japan, for example, the art of food presentation, or "kaiseki," is considered an integral part of the dining experience. Similarly, in French cuisine, the presentation of food is given as much importance as the taste.

Here are a few examples of food presentation in different cultures:

Japanese Cuisine : Japanese food presentation focuses on simplicity, balance, and minimalism. Plates are often arranged with precision, showcasing the natural colors and textures of the ingredients. The use of bento boxes and compartmentalized dishes allows for the separation of flavors and prevents mixing of different components.

French Cuisine : French food presentation emphasizes elegance and artistry. Dishes are meticulously plated with attention to detail, creating a visually appealing arrangement. Sauces are often used to create intricate designs, and garnishes such as herbs and edible flowers are used to enhance the overall presentation.

Indian Cuisine : In Indian cuisine, food is often presented on a thali, a large round platter with multiple small bowls. Each bowl contains a different dish, providing a variety of flavors and textures. The arrangement of colors and the use of spices like turmeric and saffron add vibrancy to the presentation.

Chinese Cuisine : Chinese food presentation focuses on the balance of colors, textures, and flavors. The use of a lazy Susan allows for communal dining, with dishes placed in the center for everyone to share. Stir-fried dishes often incorporate a variety of vegetables and meats, creating a visually appealing mix of ingredients.

Middle Eastern Cuisine : Middle Eastern food presentation often includes a variety of mezze or small appetizer dishes. These are arranged on a large platter and served with bread, creating a communal dining experience. Garnishes such as fresh herbs, olives, and yogurt are used to add color and freshness to the presentation.

These are just a few examples, and food presentation practices can vary widely within each culture as well. The presentation of food not only reflects cultural traditions but also influences the dining experience by engaging multiple senses and creating a visually enticing meal.

Food Presentation in the Age of Social Media

In recent years, the importance of food presentation has been amplified by the rise of social media. With platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, food has become a visual medium, and presentation has become more important than ever. Chefs and home cooks alike are using these platforms to showcase their culinary creations, pushing the boundaries of food presentation.

While food presentation can seem daunting, it's something that anyone can master with practice. Start by observing how food is presented in restaurants and cookbooks, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine.

Mastering Food Presentation: A Guide for Home Cooks

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, mastering the art of food presentation can take your meals to the next level. A well-presented dish not only pleases the eyes but also enhances the overall dining experience. From visual appeal to showcasing your skills, food presentation plays a crucial role in creating memorable meals. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various techniques, tips, and tricks to help you become a pro at food presentation. From balancing colors to arranging garnishes and making your dishes look as good as they taste, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and creativity to create stunning plates that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your cooking to a whole new level and make your meals a feast for all the senses with our ultimate food presentation guide.

Food presentation is more than just a culinary technique; it's a form of expression. It allows chefs and home cooks to showcase their creativity and passion for food. So, whether you're preparing a meal for your family or hosting a dinner party, remember to pay attention to the presentation. After all, we eat with our eyes first.

So, are you ready to take your culinary creations to the next level? Start experimenting with different food presentation techniques and see how it can transform your dishes. Remember, the key to great food presentation is creativity, so don't be afraid to think outside the box. Happy cooking!

The Art of Plating: Techniques and Tips

The art of plating is a culinary skill that involves arranging food on a plate in a visually appealing way. It's a crucial aspect of food presentation that can enhance the dining experience and make a dish more appetizing. Here are some techniques and tips to help you master the art of plating:

Choose the Right Plate: The plate is your canvas, so choose it wisely. A white, round plate is a classic choice as it allows the colors of the food to stand out. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to add a unique touch to your presentation.

Create a Focal Point: Every dish should have a focal point that draws the eye. This could be the main ingredient or a striking garnish. Place this element in the center of the plate or slightly off-center for a more dynamic look.

Use Color and Contrast: Play with different colors and textures to make your dish visually appealing. Contrast bright and dark colors, and mix soft and crunchy textures. For example, a bright green herb can add a pop of color to a dark meat dish, while a crunchy garnish can add texture to a creamy soup.

Arrange Food in Odd Numbers: Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye, so try to arrange food items in groups of three or five. For example, if you're plating scallops, serve them in a group of three instead of two or four.

Use Sauces Creatively: Instead of pouring sauce over the food, consider using it as a decorative element. You can drizzle it around the edge of the plate, or use a squeeze bottle to create dots or lines. Remember, less is more when it comes to sauce.

Garnish Wisely: Garnishes should enhance the flavor of the dish and complement the presentation. Use fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of spices. Always make sure the garnish is edible and relevant to the dish.

Keep it Clean: Keep the edges of the plate clean for a neat and professional look. You can use a paper towel to wipe off any drips or smudges.

Practice: Like any other skill, plating takes practice. Experiment with different techniques and presentations until you find a style that you like. Remember, the goal is to create a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

By mastering these techniques, you can turn your dishes into works of art and elevate your culinary creations. Happy plating!

What Is a Food Presentation Called?

Food presentation is the art of modifying, processing, arranging, or decorating food to enhance its aesthetic appeal. The way the food looks on the plate is what tempts our eyes and makes you want to taste it.

What Should Be Included In A Food Presentation?

A food presentation should include a balance of color, texture, and arrangement. The food should be arranged on the plate in a way that it is visually appealing, and the colors and textures should complement each other. The plate itself is also an important part of the presentation.

What Are The Three Aspects of Food Presentation?

The three main aspects of food presentation are arrangement, color, and contrast. Arrangement refers to how the food is placed on the plate; color refers to the visual appeal that the food has, and contrast refers to the different textures and flavors in the dish.

What Are The 5 Importance of Food Presentation?

The five important aspects of food presentation are visual appeal, balance of color, enhancement of the dining experience, showcasing the skill of the chef, and making the food look as good as it tastes. A well-presented dish can enhance the dining experience and make the food more appetizing.

Visual Appeal: Food presentation is crucial for creating an enticing visual experience. The arrangement of ingredients, garnishes, and the overall plating style make the dish visually appealing, stimulating appetite and setting the stage for an enjoyable dining experience.

Balance of Color: A well-presented dish incorporates a thoughtful balance of colors. Vibrant and diverse hues on the plate make the meal visually attractive and enticing. The use of contrasting colors can enhance the overall presentation, creating a visually dynamic and inviting plate.

Enhancement of the Dining Experience: Food presentation enhances the overall dining experience by engaging multiple senses. The visual appeal of a well-presented dish elevates the anticipation and excitement of the meal, setting the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

Showcasing the Skill of the Chef: Food presentation is a way for chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills and artistic flair. Thoughtfully presented dishes reflect the chef's expertise, creativity, and attention to detail. It showcases their ability to transform ingredients into visually stunning and delightful culinary creations.

Making the Food Look as Good as it Tastes: Effective food presentation aims to make the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. When food is presented in an attractive and enticing manner, it creates a harmonious balance between visual appeal and taste. The careful arrangement of elements on the plate reflects the care and precision put into the culinary process.

In summary, food presentation holds great importance in terms of visual appeal, the balance of color, enhancing the dining experience, showcasing the skill of the chef, and ensuring that the food looks as good as it tastes. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment and satisfaction to the overall dining experience.

Conclusion: The Art of Food Presentation

In conclusion, food presentation is an essential aspect of the culinary arts that can enhance the dining experience. By paying attention to the colors, textures, and arrangement of food onthe plate, you can create a visually appealing dish that delights the senses. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, mastering the art of food presentation can elevate your culinary creations and make your meals more enjoyable. So, embrace the art of food presentation and let your dishes tell a story.

Remember, the beauty of food presentation lies in its ability to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. It's not just about making food look good, but about enhancing the overall dining experience. So, the next time you're in the kitchen, consider how you can present your dishes in a way that will delight your guests and elevate your culinary creations.

In the world of food, presentation is just as important as taste. It's the first impression that a dish makes, and it can significantly influence our perception of taste. By mastering the art of food presentation, you can create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. So, embrace the art of food presentation and let your culinary creations shine.

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The Perfect Plate: Principles of Food Presentation

A delicious meal appeals to more of your senses than just smell and taste. It must also appeal to the eye. Imagine sitting down at a restaurant, and in front of you is a beautifully plated dish, thoughtfully laid out and presented.

A perfectly plated dish can upgrade your meal immensely. Through the strategic placing of ingredients, you will automatically view the meal as a high-value. You’re also more likely to enjoy the taste and hold a higher opinion of the meal.

Plating the perfect dish is both an art and a science. Chefs and cooking enthusiasts must explore their creativity and play with color and texture while placing foods to create a visual appeal.

How do you create the perfect plate to present your food? We’re covering the basic principles to get you started.

Start with a Canvas

To begin plating the perfect dish, you must start with a canvas, or in this case, a dish. While you may be tempted to pull any old plate from your cabinet, there is more to it than that.

You’ll want to consider the size, shape, and color of the plate you’ll use. Typically, chefs use white dishes because they contrast nicely with food. However, other colored plates can work very well, depending on the color of the food presented.

Your plate’s size should be large enough so your meal doesn’t crowd the plate, yet small enough to make the portion sizes look fairly filling but not too small. Pick a plate that’s too large, and your meal will seem insufficient. Pick a plate that’s too small, and your meal will seem like too much.

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The Perfect Placement

Now that you have your canvas, it’s time to make some art. The placement of your ingredients is crucial for a perfect plate. This is where scientific facts come in to create aesthetically pleasing dishes.

The Clock Guidelines

Pretend your plate is a clock. Imagine the numbers along the edges to help guide where you should place certain foods. By following these rules, your meal will be evenly plated.

• Between 12 and 3, you should plate your vegetables.
• Between 3 and 9 is where your meat will sit.
• Between 9 and 12, you’ll present any starches included in the meal.

Stay Symmetrical

According to science, people find things that are symmetrical more attractive than asymmetrical. Use this principle to your advantage and make sure that your plate boasts symmetry.

Utilize White Space

Don’t underestimate the power of using white space on your dish. To create the perfect plate, spread out your food and leave parts of the dish empty. This will make your meal look cleaner, more elegant, and overall more professional.

Moist Ingredients First

Creating the perfect plate means paying attention to every detail. This also applies to what foods to present first.

Place moist ingredients, such as mashed potatoes or purees, on the dish before other elements. You can then place the rest of your meal on top of or beside these moist ingredients to keep them from shifting and ruining your perfect plate.

Always Use Odd Numbers

When serving individual foods, always plate them in odd numbers. While we recommended staying symmetrical with the entire presentation, the human brain finds odd numbers more pleasing than even numbers.

For example, if you’re serving ravioli, plate five instead of four or six to achieve the perfect plate.

The Details

To achieve a well-plated dish, you must pay attention to the details. Your guests may not notice these intricate details, but these little considerations make a world of difference if ignored.

It’s time to bring back those memories of elementary school art class and the color wheel. When creating the perfect plate, use complementary colors. A colorful, bright meal will look more attractive and taste better than a dull, colorless dish.

Create a focal point and add a burst of color. You can use herbs, vegetables, or fruit as accent colors if the main dish seems a little bland. Lastly, utilize your white space by adding some color to pull the entire meal together.

A variety of textures on your plate will help present your meal attractively. Accentuate the different textures used through strategic placement.

For example, if serving creamy mashed potatoes, add sprinkled chives to create more depth and add another texture. You can do the same with meat by adding crushed nuts on top.

Create Tasteful Bites

While getting caught up in the perfect plate principles of food presentation, you can’t forget that your meal still has to taste good. Amplify the flavors in your meal with careful arrangements on the plate. You want the ingredients to go well together when someone takes a bite.

This thoughtful placement will give your guests a delightful flavor experience while adding another sense of beauty to your plate.

The Final Touches

You have your ingredients flawlessly placed on your dish to accentuate colors and texture and to amplify the flavors, but you aren’t done just yet! To achieve the perfect plate, you must consider some final touches.

Drizzle Your Sauces

Remember how we mentioned the importance of little details? Now it really shows when you simply drizzle sauce over your plate and pull it all together.

Think of your squeeze bottle as your paintbrush, adding the final touches to your canvas. Add accent dots to the white space, drizzle your sauce across the food, outline a ring on the plate’s outer edges, or create a unique design.

Let your inner artist shine through!

Thoughtful Garnishes

Adding a garnish to your plate can be a complete game-changer. However, you must be careful and strategic when using them. Some cooks tend to overdo it with garnishes.

While it’s a great way to add some more color and texture to the plate, they should be ingredients that will go well with your meal. You’ll want to avoid garnishes with a strong, overpowering smell, so as not to ruin the main dish.

A Quick Touch Up

They say a messy cook is a great cook. Unfortunately, that does not apply to perfect plating.

Before serving your dish, take a napkin to clean up any splotches or smears that may have accidentally shown up. Once you have cleaned up with crisp edges, you will have created the perfect plate using food presentation principles.

More Than Just a Pretty Plate

Cooking a great meal is more than just presenting an entree on a pretty plate. Embrace your enthusiasm for cooking and learn to make home-cooked gourmet meals in our online classes . With 320+ courses, you can learn the trade secrets and get one-on-one help from a professional Escoffier culinary school Chef Instructor.

Or take your passion further and earn an online culinary or pastry arts degree or diploma from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.

If you enjoyed this article, read these next:

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• 4 Tips to Become an Artist in Plating

This article was originally published on March 06, 2019, and has since been updated.

• 4 Tips To Become An Artist In Plating
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8 Modern Food Plating Trends & Presentation Styles

In the restaurant business, food plating can be critical, especially when guests are ready to post and share on social media. Our chefs curated a list of the top food plating techniques that helps to elevate the guest experience.

1. Landscape Technique

Taking inspiration from landscape gardens, this linear arrangement of food is usually kept low and long. 

3. Food on organic materials Technique

Using organic materials such as wood, slate and stone as a plating device lends a more rustic and back-to-nature feel to dishes. 

5. The Nordic Look Technique

Make ribbons or chunks of vegetables and scatter herbs on a dish to garnish for seemingly effortless style. ‘Gone Fishing’ by the Danish chef and food stylist Mikkel Karstadt is a good place to look for inspiration; follow him on Instagram

7. Bathing Technique

Bathe fish in broth or sauce. For example, these tortellini with a shellfish sauce or coquilles with chicory, truffle foam, goat cheese and shrimps.

2. Free-form Technique

Like many modern paintings, free form plating may seem carelessly strewn across a plate, but each stroke and food placement is carefully thought out to create an abstract yet intriguing “painting” on a plate. 

4. Futuristic Technique

Making use of sleek materials like metal, glass and steel, futuristic plating creates a cutting edge and futuristic plating like the example below.

6. Hide and Seek Technique

Layering adds an element of playfulness and surprise to the dish. Think a puffed rice cracker covering crab meat, thinly sliced radishes hiding a yummy sea bass tartare... 

8. Super Bowl Technique

Bowl food is a massive trend, with cookbooks and restaurants to match.

Try a more elegant styled bowl; used for smaller dishes, like starter or entremets. 

FINDING THE RIGHT PLATE

Which plate you choose can make or break your dish, says South African Chef Jack Coetzee. Try to avoid symmetry, it’s not very interesting. And you need to create some height on your plate. However, if you are blatantly going for symmetry,  then you can get away with it because it’s your intention. But the plates do look very average if you’re trying to do something and you end up with it looking symmetrical. You can follow his course on plating in our UFS Academy for a more visual explanation.

Here are a couple of take-outs he shares on the different shapes of plates you can use and their possibilities to present your food. 

Rectangular or elongated plate

Using a rectangualr plate is effective if you have lots of small little garnishes that can wind their way through the length of the plate, making it look like a garden.

Square plate

This is not the easiest shape to work with. You have to use the Rule of Thirds, which is a theory dictating how an image (in this case your plate) should be composed in order to create an aesthetically pleasing result. You basically break your plate up into a grid system of 9 block and try to avoid using the bull’s eye itself because that’s a so-called dead spot. Also try not to use any of the spots in the corners.

Round plate

These are most commonly used. The same rule applies to your grid system on this plate, except you don’t have to worry about all the dead corners. Try not to get anything in the middle unless it’s deliberately in the middle. 

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Top 7 Food Presentation Templates with Examples and Samples

Sarnali Dey

Navigating the vast expanse of the food industry? Dive in as we unravel the essence of the sector through a series of expertly crafted PowerPoint templates. From the dynamic tides of the frozen food market to strategies that make your restaurant's voice resonate, our presentations aren't mere slides - they're your beacon. Whether you're kickstarting a food venture, unveiling a revolutionary product, or painting the tapestry of your brand's journey, we've got the perfect blueprint tailored for clarity, precision, and impact. Why wade through the waters of uncertainty when you can sail with authority? Discover the roadmap to your food industry success, one slide at a time.

Navigating the intricacies of the food industry demands structured planning and insightful examples. This blog explores the top 10 food plan templates that can transform your culinary strategy.

Template 1: Frozen Foods Industry Report PowerPoint Slides

Unlock crucial insights into the booming frozen food sector with our in-depth Frozen Foods Industry Report template. Discover astonishing facts, like the rapid market expansion in European countries and emerging consumer behaviors shaping the frozen food domain. The presentation dives deep, clarifying market players like Nomad, ConAgra, and General Mills with their five-year financial summaries. Grasp strategies like risk mitigation and go-to-market approaches backed by robust analytical tools like SWOT and Porter's Five Forces Model. This functional, content-rich template isn't just aesthetically engaging but a treasure trove of information for researchers and business professionals. Download this comprehensive report now

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Template 2: Marketing Activities For Fast Food Restaurant Promotion

Elevate your restaurant's promotional endeavors with our all-inclusive Fast Food Restaurant Marketing Activities template. Imagine having an edge by employing strategies meticulously crafted for both the digital space and traditional avenues. This deck highlights pivotal online marketing maneuvers, from impactful social media campaigns to targeted email outreaches. Delve into offline gems like billboards and TV commercials, each adding a unique flavor to your promotional mix. The cherry on top? An integrated calendar for streamlined content distribution and dashboards to gauge campaign efficiency. Let your restaurant's voice resonate louder and clearer. Dive in and see the magic unfold!

Template 3: Fast Food Business Plan PowerPoint Presentation Slides

Equip yourself with our definitive Startup Fast Food Business Plan template. Delve deep into essential realms, from an exhaustive market analysis to razor-sharp financial forecasts. This comprehensive deck will serve as your compass, guiding you through marketing dynamics, operational nuances, and financial intricacies. Whether strategizing customer engagement or understanding the financial trajectory, our blueprint ensures you're not navigating the competitive waters blindfolded. Curated with precision and practicality in mind, it’s more than just a presentation; it’s your roadmap to success. Set your fast-food dream in motion!

Template 4: Launching New Food Product PowerPoint Presentation

Unveil your new food product with panache and maximize sales and profits using our comprehensive Launching New Food Product template. This deck provides actionable insights, from highlighting recent Food Manufacturing industry trends to understanding key competitor moves. It’s not just about the launch; it's about anticipating challenges and turning them into opportunities. Demographics, objectives, risks - our presentation touches every facet of a successful product launch. Equip your team with a robust strategy that ensures your product reaches its target audience and resonates with them. Embrace the future of vacuum-packed food with a launch that makes waves!

Template 5: Business Pitch Deck for Food Start-Up

Kickstart your food venture using our well-crafted Business Pitch Deck for Food Start-Up. Tailored to elevate your business proposal, this presentation deck accentuates key components every investor seeks: market trends, competitive analysis, financial projections, and more. Delve deeper into your unique selling proposition and stand out amidst the crowded food industry. With 56 logically structured, content-ready slides, this pitch deck is not just a tool but a launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey. Seize this chance to captivate your investors and mold your food startup's future.

Template 6: Food Company Profile PowerPoint Presentation

Illuminate your food business's journey with our content-rich Food Company Profile template. Offering a 360-degree view, this deck delves into your business, from operations and key achievements to financial robustness. Let stakeholders and customers resonate with your vision, mission, and core values. The deck boasts of your global footprint and magnifies financial insights from various business units. Dive deep into SWOT analysis layout plans and underline your social responsibilities. With 42 expertly crafted slides, captivate your audience by revealing what truly sets your company apart. Enhance your company narrative and let it echo with credibility.

Template 7: Food and Beverage Company Profile PowerPoint Presentation Slides

Navigate the rich tapestry of your Food Business Promotion and Beverage business with our detailed Company Profile template. This deck highlights pivotal insights and reveals your firm's ethos, vision, and mission. Showcase your products, brands, and geographical reach, spotlighting manufacturing prowess. Analyse product success with revenue growth metrics and flaunt a rich timeline from 1992 to 2021. This presentation offers a comprehensive business model, emphasizing sustainable strategies and vital financials. Dive deep into CSR initiatives and value creation while offering potential investors a lucid view of export opportunities. With 51 impactful slides, this template is your narrative sculpted to perfection. 

Bonus Template: Food Product Pitch Presentation PPT Template

Craft a compelling narrative for your food product with our strategically advanced pitch presentation template. Addressing the heart of your product, it pinpoints the problem it solves, its market potential, and projected revenue. Within its concise span of 10 to 20 slides, every detail, from your mission statement and marketing strategies to yearly milestones, is showcased precisely yet impactfully. Dive deep into your product's unique selling proposition, backed by informative graphs and charts that fortify your pitch. Tailored for clarity and persuasion, this template is your key to leaving an indelible mark on potential investors. Engage and convince; kickstart your success journey now!

The Endnote

In the constantly changing food sector, possessing the appropriate tools can be the dividing line between prominence and oblivion. Our collection of PowerPoint Templates, from in-depth industry reports to strategic pitch presentations, is a testament to the power of precise, impactful, and well-structured information. Each template is designed to cater to specific needs, whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring entrepreneur. These aren't just presentations; they are strategic roadmaps, guiding you to make informed decisions and resonate with your target audience. The food industry's landscape is vast, but with these tools, you can navigate it with confidence and authority. Harness the potential of these templates and chart a path to success in the culinary world. Embrace the journey and let your culinary vision come alive.

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• Top 10 Must-Have Food Startup Pitch Decks to Get Investors’ Attention
• ‘How to Setup a Food-Related Business’ in SIX Steps – Food And Beverage Firm Pitch Deck Included
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Feb 15, 2024

Elevating Your Dish: The Latest Trends in Food Plating

Table of Contents

When it comes to food, we all know that presentation is key. However, you may not have realized the immense thought and dedication that even the simplest dish requires to make it look its best. From arranging spices like a pro to understanding the essentials of modern food plating trends, this blog post has it all – no matter what level of experience you have with turning basic dishes into works of art. We’ll start by exploring the roots of food plating and discuss why it can effectively make a lasting impression at dinner parties or special events.

With some simple tips that anyone can follow and plenty of creative ideas for more experienced chefs and restaurateurs alike, you’ll soon be mastering this vital cooking skill in no time. So settle in for an enlightening ride as you learn how to plate any dish artfully.

History of Food Plating

Food plating has a rich history, originating in the French court in the 1600s when Louis XIV instructed chefs to present food in the most elegant way possible. Since then, the goal of food plating has been to create visually appealing designs that satisfy the palate. While food presentation has been a part of culinary history dating back to ancient civilizations, it wasn’t until the 19th century that French chefs like Auguste Escoffier refined and formalized food presentation, raising its importance in the culinary world.

Today, food presentation has evolved into an art form where plates are transformed into canvases, with culinary experts using various techniques to create stunning displays. This transition has made food more than just a functional necessity and has turned it into an impressive visual experience.

Thankfully, fancy food presentation is no longer exclusive to high-end restaurants, as anyone can create a visually appealing display with a few simple tips. So let’s grab a palette knife and explore the art of food plating. After all, we all eat with our eyes first.

Present-Day Trends in Food Plating

“Present-day trends in food plating have evolved significantly, making food presentation more crucial. Restaurants worldwide are taking food plating to a new level by using bold colors, unusual shapes, and unexpected fun ingredients like edible flowers, interesting herbs, and even gold leaf.

With the rise of Instagram-worthy dining experiences , contemporary cuisine offers an array of visually stunning options, from classic restaurant dishes with artfully drizzled sauce to trendy bento box designs.

As a result, diners and chefs alike are enthusiastic about experimenting with creative plating ideas. Whether arranging a stack of pancakes symmetrically, placing the chicken on a bed of vegetables, or sculpting edgy ingredients, each style highlights a distinct visual appeal. With each new style, chefs worldwide continue discovering new and exciting ways to serve meals.

If you want to add a unique touch to your next dish, explore the exciting world of food plating and let your creativity run wild.

Essential Tips for Elevating Your Dish Through Food Plating

It’s no secret that the presentation of a dish is almost (if not equally) as important as its taste. Fortunately, there are some ways to take your food plating game to the next level.

Choose the Right Dishes

The type of dish you use for plating says just as much about a dish as its ingredients. Use specific plates, bowls, or serving dishes that will enhance or contrast the colors of a dish, or pick something that complements the flavor profile. The choice of a specific dish can also be great if you’re trying to make a statement on the table – think bright colors or unique shapes.

Remember the Rule of Odd Numbers

When arranging elements on a plate, odd numbers such as 3 or 5 tend to look better than even numbers like 2 or 4. This arrangement helps create visual interest and breaks up any flat areas on the plate. Using this rule for added visual appeal, you can also mix textures (such as soft and crunchy).

Use a Variety of Shapes and Textures

Even if you’re sticking with one type of ingredient for a dish, try adding different shapes and textures for an interesting contrast in texture, shape, and color. For example, serve grilled vegetables with sliced or diced vegetables, which adds depth, variety, and visual allure to your dish.

Add Garnishes or Herbs

A few strategically placed fresh herbs can help bring out flavors in a dish while adding extra visual appeal at the same time. You can add edible garnishes such as edible flowers or slices of citrus fruits for added color and texture contrast.

Play with Colors and Contrasts

Color plays an essential role in food plating — it’s all about creating contrast between different elements on the plate so that each component stands out. Consider playing around with different colors and shades when putting together your dish, including things like contrasting sauces/dips against lighter-colored ingredients such as fish or vegetables.

Keep It Clean

Ensure your plate is clean before you serve. Even if you’ve created perfect contrasts between elements within a single dish, a dirty plate can easily detract from those efforts due to smudges or fingerprints still visible on the surface of the plate itself.

Creative Ideas to Try Out When Plate Up Your Dishes

Creating a dish that looks delicious and irresistible can be a challenge— fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get creative with plating. Whether you’re a professional chef or an amateur home cook, trying out the following ideas for plate presentation will make your dishes look irresistible.

Edible Flowers

Adding edible flowers as a garnish to your dishes can make them look more elegant and delectable. Choose blooms in season, such as roses, lilies, chamomile, lavender, or marigolds. Cut them into small pieces and sprinkle them on the dish before serving. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add an unexpected burst of flavor and color.

Colorful Garnishes

Take advantage of the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables to create garnishes for your dishes that will make them stand out. Slice tomatoes into thin discs and arrange them around a plate; sprinkle fresh chives over a dish for a pop of green; grate carrots into ribbons for a splash of orange; or dice some mango into cubes for a hint of yellow.

Seasonal Arrangements

Incorporate seasonal ingredients into your presentation to give it an extra special touch. For example, using sprigs of rosemary or thyme during the winter months will make your dish look cozy while adding herbs like basil or parsley during the summertime will freshen up the platter.

Creative Shapes

Have fun with creating shapes when you plate up your food – use cookie cutters to cut vegetables like zucchini and squash into stars, hearts, or crescents; shape mashed potatoes into fun figures like hearts or animals; or serve the risotto in rounds with an imprinted swirl on top for an extra touch of style.

Sauces & Drizzles

Use sauces and drizzles as accents to tie all elements together on a plate – drizzle balsamic vinegar over salad greens; spoon crème fraiche onto fish dishes; add pesto sauce to rice dishes; pour melted butter over steamed vegetables; or spread mayonnaise on sandwiches.

Vertical Presentation

Elevating food off the plate can be done in many different ways – stack foods high on top of each other (like sliders); place small portions in shot glasses sitting atop larger plates; build cheese towers with multiple layers of cheese and crackers arranged on sticks; create cone-shaped mousses by freezing cream in tall shot glasses placed inside bigger ones filled with ice cubes — the possibilities are endless.

Examples of Plating Techniques and Styles

As a host, you can use several plating techniques and styles to create beautiful and delicious plates of food. In the following examples, you can find some of these techniques and styles in detail:

• Minimalist: This style of plating emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. It typically features one or two main ingredients arranged cleanly and straightforwardly on the plate. The goal is to showcase the natural beauty and flavors of the food without overwhelming the diner.
• Deconstructed: This plating style breaks down a dish into its components and presents them separately on the plate – allowing diners to experience each element of the dish individually rather than combining them.
• Landscape: This plating style involves arranging food on the plate to resemble a natural landscape or scene. For example, arrange a dish to resemble a garden or a mountain range. This style comes in very handy for dishes that feature a variety of different ingredients.
• Stack: This plating style involves stacking ingredients on top of each other to create a visually striking presentation. This technique is ideal for dishes comprising multiple layers or components.
• Color blocking: This plating style involves arranging food on the plate in blocks or stripes of different colors – creating a visually striking presentation pleasing to the eye and enhancing the dish’s flavors.
• Garnish-focused: This plating style heavily emphasizes using garnishes and other decorative elements to enhance the dish’s presentation. This garnishing can include edible flowers, herbs, or small sculptures made from food.
• Asymmetrical: This plating style involves arranging food on the plate in an asymmetrical or off-center manner. Such a plating technique can create a visually interesting presentation that draws the eye and adds a sense of movement to the dish.
• Interactive: This plating style involves presenting the food in a way that encourages interaction from the diner. For example, a dish may be presented with a small hammer and chisel to encourage diners to break open a shellfish, or you can pour sauce over a dish at the table.

The science and art of food plating have come a long way since its conception. We have shifted from the classic plating of centuries ago to today’s newer and more creative designs that would have amazed our ancestors. Whether you are plate-stacking for your next five-star meal or just trying to figure out a way to make lunch a little more appetizing, these tips can help you play with the latest trends in food plating. Throw in a splash of creativity; before you know it, you’ll turn any ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Co-Founder & CEO

Sabah Drabu is a foodie, engineer, and the Co-founder & CEO of CookinGenie. She created the platform in 2019 to connect local chefs with at-home diners, making hiring personal chefs more accessible. Sabah's idea has evolved into a service people use for parties, vacation rentals, and family gatherings.

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21 Types of Food and Their Nutritional Properties

There are many different types of food that we consume daily.

This article will categorize these foods into major types and look at notable examples (and lesser-known options) from each group.

Additionally, we’ll look at the common major nutrients typically found in each group.

Table of contents

Cocoa products, cooking oils and fats, fermented foods, festive foods, herbs and spices, plant-based proteins, processed foods, ultra-processed foods, final thoughts.

Although it should really come under ‘dairy,’ there are just so many varieties of cheese with their own unique characteristics to explore.

Cheese is delicious, and it is one of the most versatile foods, featuring in everything from cakes, sandwiches, and cheese platters to pizza, pasta, and burgers.

While most of us have our own favorite, there are literally thousands of different types of cheese from around the world .

Cheese tends to be one of the best dietary sources of calcium, and it is generally a rich source of protein too ( 1 ).

• Notable examples: Brie, Cheddar, Cottage cheese, Edam, Gorgonzola, Parmesan
• Lesser-common options: Gammelost, Paneer, Quark, Stilton
• Key nutrients: Calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin A

The most notorious cocoa product—chocolate—is among the very most popular foods in the world.

However, there is a surprising number of different cocoa-based foods available.

These foods range from typical milk and dark chocolate to brewed cocoa, cocoa butter, and even cocoa nibs, fragments of the whole cocoa bean.

Perhaps surprising to some people, cocoa is packed full of essential nutrients and contains particularly high amounts of fiber, magnesium, and various minerals.

There is a list of almost every cocoa product here for more information.

• Notable examples: Chocolate milk, dark chocolate, hot chocolate, milk chocolate
• Lesser-common options: Brewed cocoa, cacao nibs, cocoa butter, ruby chocolate
• Key nutrients: Copper, magnesium, manganese

Condiments are supplementary foods (often sauces or spices) that help to enhance the flavor of foods/meals.

Some of the most common condiments include ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. That said, the ‘condiments’ classification can include everything from guacamole and red wine vinegar to sweet sauces.

According to recent sales data, mayonnaise is the most popular condiment in the United States, with annual sales worth $2 billion ( 2 ).

For more information on condiments, see this list of 34 condiments and their nutritional values .

• Notable examples: Guacamole, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard
• Lesser-common options: Kypolou, muhammara, ssamjang
• Key nutrients: Widely varies, but condiments are often high in sodium from salt

There are dozens of different cooking oils used in kitchens around the world.

Among these, the biggest differences tend to relate to the fatty acid ratio of each one – the amount of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.

Some cooking fats are mainly saturated fat, such as butter and coconut oil ( 3 , 4 ).

On the other hand, cooking oils like soybean oil and sunflower oil are predominantly polyunsaturated fat ( 5 , 6 ).

Finally, some oils such as Canola and olive oil primarily offer monounsaturated fatty acids ( 7 , 8 ).

This review of all the different cooking oils lists their precise nutrition facts and a general summary of their properties.

• Notable examples: Butter, coconut oil, olive oil, soybean oil
• Lesser-common options: Macadamia nut oil, red palm oil
• Key nutrients: Vitamin E

Dairy is a wide-ranging food group that features everything from ghee to low-fat milk and protein-rich cheese. Thus, dairy foods can fit into a wide range of diets.

In this regard, dairy can have attributes such as low-fat (skim milk), high-fat (butter), fermented (kefir), and high in protein (whey).

For more on dairy, see this wide range of dairy products .

• Notable examples: Butter, cheese, milk, yogurt
• Lesser-common options: Ayran, clotted cream, skyr, uunijuusto

Although many people think of eggs as just one food, there is actually a surprising range of different eggs we can buy.

These eggs include regular chicken eggs, (tiny) quail eggs, and (rather big) turkey eggs. Fish roe, too, is a kind of egg product.

Among the many nutrients they contain, eggs tend to be an excellent source of protein, choline, selenium, and vitamin D.

Find out more here: the nutritional differences between different types of eggs

• Notable examples: Chicken eggs
• Lesser-common options: Goose eggs, turkey eggs
• Key nutrients: Choline, riboflavin (B2), selenium, vitamin D

Fermentation is the centuries-old, traditional approach to preserving food.

Cultures around the world all have their own fermented foods, such as kimchi (Korea), natto (Japan), sauerkraut (Germany), tempeh (Indonesia). These foods can be desirable in both taste characteristics and nutritional properties.

On the nutritional side, recent research has suggested that fermented food consumption may have some benefits.

For instance, biologically active peptides, which are byproducts of fermentation, may have various positive effects, including potentially lowering blood pressure ( 9 , 10 ).

Many fermented foods around the world are made from soybeans, and there is a list of these foods here .

• Notable examples: Cheese, kimchi, natto, sauerkraut, yogurt
• Lesser-common options: Brem, cheonggukjang, cincalok, douchi,
• Key nutrients: Often a good source of probiotics, but the vitamin and mineral content depends on which food is being fermented.

There are also several different types of fermented cabbage .

While festive foods are not one distinct group, and they can vary around the world depending on the culture and the specific celebration.

Some of the most famous festive foods include roast turkey and stollen at Christmas, rice cakes for lunar new year, and shemai and handesh for Eid.

Here is a list of traditional Christmas foods .

Flour is mainly used for baking purposes and thickening sauces. Most flours tend to be created from finely pulverized grains, nuts, seeds, or tubers.

Wheat flour is by far the most popular flour in the world, but over recent years, various options have increased in popularity.

Some of the most notable of these include almond flour and coconut flour. However, even flour made from insects—cricket flour—has increased in popularity recently.

See this full guide to all the different flours for more information.

• Notable examples: Almond flour, rice flour, rye flour, wheat flour
• Lesser-common options: Acorn flour, potato flour, tapioca flour
• Key nutrients: Manganese, phosphorus (but mostly depends on variety)

Fruit is popular worldwide, but the types of fruit that grow from place to place depend on the local climate.

For example, fruits like avocados, bananas, mangos, passion fruit, and pineapple can grow in warmer climates.

In contrast, fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and plums grow in temperate climates, as they require a cold season during the year ( 11 ).

Most fruit is a good source of vitamin C, particularly tropical and citrus fruits like lemon, lime, oranges, and mangos.

For more on the nutritional values, see this guide to the different types of fruit .

• Notable examples: Apple, banana, mango, orange, strawberry
• Lesser-common options: Cherimoya, dragon fruit, durian, star fruit
• Key nutrients: Potassium, vitamin C

Most countries tend to have a few staple grains that are a regular part of the average diet.

In much of the Western world, wheat enjoys the most popularity, but oats and rice are also common. In contrast, rice is the staple grain for much of Asia.

Whole grains tend to be associated with health benefits, including lower cancer, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality ( 12 ).

They can also be a rice source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

On the other hand, diets containing excessive amounts of refined grains (such as white bread, flour, white rice) are often associated with negative health effects.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that replacing refined grains with whole grains improves various health markers, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and markers of inflammation ( 13 ).

For anyone confused between refined and whole grains, here is a list of genuine whole grains alongside their nutritional properties.

• Notable examples: Oats, rice, rye, wheat
• Lesser-common options: Fonio, freekeh, sorghum
• Key nutrients: Magnesium, manganese, phosphorus

Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to home-cooked foods and thus make a healthier way of eating more enjoyable.

The word ‘herb’ tends to be used to describe leaves of a plant (e.g. basil, rosemary, and thyme), whereas spice refers to other parts of the plant, such as turmeric (root) and cumin (seed).

Herbs and spices are also extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. However, since they are used in relatively small amounts, they don’t contribute a large proportion of essential nutrients to the average diet.

Here are 50 herbs and spices to consider using .

• Notable examples: Basil, cumin, rosemary, turmeric
• Lesser-common options: Grains of paradise, nigella, sumac
• Key nutrients: Variable depending on variety, but usually high in manganese and potassium.

The word ‘legume’ refers to the edible fruit or seeds of species in the Fabaceae family of plants ( 14 ).

Some commonly consumed foods within the legume category include chickpeas, edamame, lentils, peas, and soybeans.

Interestingly, legumes can have varying nutritional properties, with some being high in fat and protein (soybeans) and some being very low in fat and high in carbohydrate (adzuki).

Long-term observational research and controlled human trials both strongly suggest that legumes positively impact human health ( 15 , 16 ).

For more information, here are the nutritional values for all legumes .

• Notable examples: Chickpeas, lentils, soybeans
• Lesser-common options: Adzuki beans, black-eyed peas, lupin beans
• Key nutrients: Copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus

Meat refers to the flesh of animals used for food.

The most common options in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States include beef, chicken, lamb, and pork.

However, different options that might be considered unusual in these countries enjoy popularity elsewhere, with kangaroo and rabbit being notable examples.

All varieties of meat offer an excellent source of protein and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. However, observational research has suggested red meat might slightly increase the risk of certain health conditions.

For more on meat, here are the nutritional values for every common variety .

• Notable examples: Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey
• Lesser-common options: Bison, kangaroo, rabbit, venison
• Key nutrients: B vitamins (especially B12), iron, selenium, zinc

Mushrooms are unique in that that they are neither animals nor plants. Instead, they have their very own category – fungi ( 17 ).

Around the world, people use mushrooms in various dishes due to their taste-enhancing ‘umami’ properties. Furthermore, they offer a distinctive and broad range of common and lesser-common nutrients for very few calories.

Mushrooms with UV exposure (whether from natural sunlight or UV lights) are also a significant source of vitamin D ( 18 ).

There are many different mushrooms with their own unique taste characteristics: here are some of the most common edible mushrooms .

• Notable examples: Button mushrooms, cremini, enoki, portobello, shiitake
• Lesser-common options: Lion’s mane, morel, matsutake
• Key nutrients: B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus

Not all nuts are botanically true tree nuts. For instance: almonds and pine nuts are technically seeds, and peanuts are legumes.

However, the foods that we refer to as ‘nuts’ tend to be a rich source of nutrients and phytonutrients. In addition, most nuts are also a significant source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the existing evidence demonstrate that nut consumption is strongly associated with reduced all-cause mortality (especially cardiovascular mortality) consistently across multiple long-term observational trials ( 19 , 20 , 21 ).

For more information, see this guide to the nutritional values of the most common nut varieties .

• Notable examples: Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts
• Lesser-common options: Baru nuts, hickory nuts, pili nuts
• Key nutrients: Copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin E

While oily fish belong to the broader ‘seafood’ food group, their intake is recommended by numerous health authorities for their omega-3 content.

These authorities include the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the American Heart Association, and the UK’s National Health Service ( 22 , 23 , 24 ).

In addition to its omega-3 content, oily fish tends to be an excellent source of other important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, and selenium.

See this ranking of oily fish with the most omega-3 for more information.

• Notable examples: Herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout
• Lesser-common options: Anchovies, sprats
• Key nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12

Plant-based proteins are not a unique category, and they merge with other types of food, such as legumes and nuts.

However, there has been a rapid increase in plant-based protein products on store shelves in recent years, so it is important to categorize them accurately.

Some of the most famous of these products include branded items like ‘Beyond Meat’ and ‘Quorn,’ both of which market several products as ‘meat alternatives.’

See this full guide to all the major plant-based protein sources for more information.

• Notable examples: Beyond Meat, Mycoprotein, soy protein, tofu
• Lesser-common options: Seitan
• Key nutrients: Fiber, protein

While ‘processed foods’ sometimes get a bad rap, the truth is that most foods have been processed somehow.

Cheese is processed, pure tomato paste is processed, and foods like guacamole and peanut butter are processed too.

In this regard, it is worth pointing out that minimally processed foods don’t have the same association with poor health outcomes as ultra-processed foods do.

For instance, the foods on this list of reasonably nutritious processed foods provide a good range of nutrients and are mostly based upon whole foods.

• Notable examples: Cheese, chocolate, peanut butter, tomato paste
• Lesser-common options: Anchovy paste, ginger paste, goose fat
• Key nutrients: Variable depending on the original food source

This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses shows that fish consumption is consistently associated with improved health outcomes across a wide range of studies ( 25 ).

However, it is not only fish that provides beneficial nutrients: a range of seafood (including shellfish and sea vegetables) does.

Shellfish like crab, lobster, mussels, and oysters provide a broad range of vitamins and minerals alongside protein for very few calories.

Additionally, sea vegetables like the different varieties of seaweed are a rich source of minerals, particularly iodine.

See this list of healthy seafood options for more information.

• Notable examples: Cod, crab, oysters, salmon, seaweed
• Lesser-common options: Conch, eel
• Key nutrients: B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, zinc

Seeds are the reproductive component of plants, and they contain all the nutrients the new plant requires to grow.

For this reason, they also tend to be very nutrient-dense and provide a range of important vitamins and minerals.

In fact, seeds tend to offer a little bit of everything and provide fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and a range of healthy fats.

For more on the different varieties, here’s a guide to all the common types of seeds .

• Notable examples: Chia, sesame, sunflower
• Lesser-common options: Lotus, poppy, watermelon
• Key nutrients: Copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, vitamin E

As previously mentioned, there is a difference between ‘processed’ and ‘ultra-processed’ foods. Whereas the former can be as simple as cheese, guacamole, or tomato paste, ultra-processed food contains a wide variety of refined ingredients.

According to the NOVA food classification system, ultra-processed foods are “ formulations of ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use, typically created by series of industrial techniques and processes (hence ‘ultra-processed’)” ( 26 ).

These food products are typically made by multi-national food corporations and include packaged foods like potato chips, candy, donuts, etc.

Recent research by Kevin Hall and his team has demonstrated that ultra-processed food consumption may cause weight gain ( 27 ).

In this randomized controlled trial, two groups of participants consumed either an unprocessed or ultra-processed diet, with calorie-matched meals that participants were told to consume “ as much or as little as desired .” Interestingly, the group consuming the ultra-processed food menu consumed approximately 500 calories more per day, which led to weight gain.

Thus, it would seem a good idea to base a healthy diet around whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.

• Notable examples: Cheetos, Mars confectionary, donuts
• Key nutrients: Variable, but generally not a healthy source of nutrients.

For more information, see this guide to ultra-processed foods and some reasons why we should limit our intake .

There are hundreds of different vegetable varieties to explore, so there should be something for everyone regarding taste preference.

The most common vegetables include foods like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, onions, and potatoes.

Nutritionally, the vitamin and mineral content of vegetables varies somewhat depending on the specific variety. However, most vegetables offer a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium for few calories.

Here are the nutritional values for 56 different types of vegetables .

• Notable examples: Cabbage, carrots, kale, potatoes
• Lesser-common options: Artichoke, kohlrabi

As shown in this guide, there are numerous different foods that we can consume as part of our diet.

Almost all of these foods have their own unique nutrients and potential pros and cons.

Lastly, for anyone looking for foods to eat for specific aims, such as increasing protein intake or getting more fiber, see this guide:

What To Eat: Nutrition Tips for 5 Common Goals

Related Posts

Michael Joseph, MSc

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A macro, detailed portrait of the face of a Dalmatian dog staring straight ahead with bright blue eyes on a solid pastel blue, out of focus background. The portrait is realistic with studio lighting.

A yellow sun with orange rays rises over white and purple clouds in a pop art style. There should be a halftone effect and screen printing aesthetic. The orange rays radiate outward and fill the background.

A group of assorted donuts in a pink bakery box.

A portrait of a man in a digital collage style. The man is wearing thick red glasses with circular patterns in blue and orange on the inside of the frames. The man is in a red polka dot shirt with a background of thick, brightly colored lines in pink, blue, and red. Collaged into the background is a ferris wheel and a circus tent.

A profile view of a caterpillar crawling on a moss-covered rock with the lush, green forest in the background, macro view, detail, close-up.

Cartoon style woman with a blue hat, fishing on a river near a forest.

A colorful street scene in the style of Mexican mural art. The street has adobe-colored shops on both sides with striped awnings. There is a fountain in the center and trees and mountains in the distance.

A single pink ranunculus in the style of a vintage botanical drawing.

A unicorn stands on a wooden pier looking out over clouds below, with a starry night sky above.

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How to Make an Infographic in 5 Easy Steps (2022 Guide)

Written by: Orana Velarde

Stop stressing over the idea of creating an infographic — it’s not as difficult as it seems.

Believe it or not, you can make an infographic in 5 steps. All you need are the right tools plus an easy-to-follow guide. As long as you have these down, your infographic strategy is on the right track.

Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit infographic templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

Before we start, here’s a quick overview of the sections.

• Set a goal and choose an infographic type
• Plan and create the content
• Organize and visualize your data
• Choose a template or a set of content blocks
• Add engaging design elements

Below is an infographic with the five steps, just to show you that you can pretty much create one from any type of information. It’s just a matter of visualizing engaging content for the reader.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Set a Goal and Choose an Infographic Type
• Step 2: Plan and Create the Content
• Step 3: Organize and Visualize Your Data
• Step 4: Choose a Template to Start With
• Step 5: Add Engaging Design Elements

Bonus: Tips to Improve Your Infographic Design

1. set a goal and choose an infographic type.

Before you do anything towards designing an infographic, you need to know why you’re doing it in the first place. Adding infographics to your content marketing strategy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the communication you’re creating with your readers.

What would you like them to gain from seeing your infographic? How would you want them to react to it? What value will your infographic add to their lives?

Start by setting attainable goals for your infographic design. If you don’t know what you want the results to be, you’ll have difficulty putting it all together into a cohesive infographic design.

Use a SMART goals approach to pinpoint what you wish to achieve:

• Specific: I want my infographic to inform the reader about the positive rise in remote working.
• Measurable: My infographic will inspire businesses to embrace remote possibilities for workers.
• Achievable: I will distribute my infographic on a blog, social media, and outreach strategies.
• Relevant: The data in my infographic is less than six months old.
• Time-Bound: I must publish my infographic in two weeks.

Use this SMART goals template to draft these ideas out with your team.

Define your infographic's purpose.

A big part of setting goals is to define a purpose.

For example, will it be part of a blog post, or are you planning on distributing only on social media? Is the purpose of the infographic to be informational or purely entertaining? If informative, is it an academic infographic, or a corporate or casual one?

Maybe your infographic is part of an annual report or training manual. If so, it’ll need to match the rest of the design, both in visual composition and tone. Not to mention, branding qualities like color and font must be the same as the other pages.

Is the purpose of your infographic to print, laminate and put up on the wall of the employee restroom? Or maybe it’s meant for an event booth where you’ll hang up posters. Are you creating the infographic fully immersive as a scrolling web page?

Now is the time to make these decisions.

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Select an aspect ratio and file type.

According to the purpose of your infographic, you’ll need to select an aspect ratio and final output. As you might already know, vertical infographics are not the only option. Their square, horizontal and multipage counterparts are quickly growing in favor, mostly on social media.

Not to mention all the other places where infographics make appearances like proposals, onboarding documents, school bathrooms and more.

Aspect Ratio

The first decision is the aspect ratio. Here are your options and where their use is most suited.

• Vertical: Blog posts, Instagram Stories, TikTok, Pinterest, infographic curation sites, printed event posters, magazines, interactive websites and documents. Vertical can be as tall as you want, depending on the final output.
• Square: Blog posts, social media posts, Instagram carousels and documents.
• Horizontal: Blog posts, presentations, videos, printed postcards, billboards, printed posters and documents.

The final output is all about the file type of your finished infographic. Select the option that makes the most sense with your goal and purpose. Here are your options and use cases.

• Image: Download as an image if you plan to include the infographic in a blog post or document. As an image, JPEG or PNG, an infographic will be static and have no interactive elements.
• PDF: You’ll only really need a PDF if you plan on printing the final design. But ask your printers first, as they might just want an image.
• Carousel or Multi-Page: If your infographic is a carousel or multipage, download a zip file of each slide as an image or share via a live link with Visme.
• Video: Infographic videos are usually horizontal or sometimes square. They’re downloaded as .mp4 and uploaded to your website or YouTube.
• Interactive: Interactive infographics are best shared as a live link or embedded into your website. If your infographic is a page on its own, download it as an HMTL5 and include it on your website.

Here’s an example of an interactive infographic embedded into the page. This technique is easy, and it’s the best solution when sharing live data or if you might need to make a change in the near future. You could say it’s the most agile way of making infographics.

Choose an infographic type.

Next up, it’s time to decide on exactly what type of infographic you’ll be making.

This choice is all about the content; assess accordingly to pick the perfect one. Combine with the selected aspect ratio and final output, and you’ve got a winning infographic.

In this section, we'll take a look at some of the most common infographic content types you can create with Visme.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, here's a video where Mike from Visme sums up the different types and shows examples of each.

Informational

The informational infographic is the most common and versatile for blogs and social media purposes. There are various ways to compose an informational infographic, depending on the content.

It could be a list, a collection of information blocks that repeat visually or a highly interactive composition of bite-sized content.

Here's an informational infographic template you can use:

Statistical

The second most common type of infographic is statistical or multi-chart. These are infographics with layouts that include information made up of numerical data. The combination is usually any mix of pie charts, arrays and data widgets.

Here's an example of a statistical infographic template:

Use a mind map style infographic to share how you came up with an idea or teach others how to do it. This infographic content type is excellent for client proposals, academic research posters, and anything involving thought processes.

Here's a mind map template as an example:

The list infographic is easily one of the most common infographics out there, which is not surprising since it’s so easy to make quickly. You know the listicle blog post and the listicle video? The list infographic is of the same family.

Below is an example of a list infographic template:

If our Google Analytics is any inspiration, timelines are super popular!

They’re also relatively easy to make. The trick to timeline infographics is to make sure each content piece is the same size in terms of word and character count; this way, it stays balanced.

Here's a timeline infographic template you can customize:

Every ‘How To’ blog post or guide deserves its own infographic. Select the perfect combination of icons to help visualize the steps in a fun and interesting way. How-to infographics are an excellent option for interactivity as well.

Here's an example of a how-to infographic template:

There are so many uses for a process infographic, from training guides to explainer videos. Adding animation and interactivity can take a process infographic to the next level. Use icons and lines or the Visme flowchart tool.

Below is an example of a process infographic template:

Are you looking for an infographic to help you visually compare data sets ? Great comparison infographics are the ones that have apparent differences and an organized layout — an exceptional option for review sites that publish comparisons between products.

Here's a comparison infographic template as an example:

Geographical

The geographical infographic isn’t as common as others but is still quite practical for visualizing choropleth maps with all sorts of data. You can also use a map infographic to show location concepts from large regions to smaller country areas.

Here's an example of a geographical infographic template:

Visme Flowchart infographics use our flowchart maker , an intuitive tool that grows with your content. The different shapes are customizable, and the lines are mobile even once connected to a shape.

Here's a flowchart infographic template you can use right away:

Hierarchical

Hierarchical infographics are ideal for visualizing information with a size or importance decrease or increase. For example, food and nutrition charts or sales funnel explanations.

Use this type of infographic with a pyramid or cone chart to optimize hierarchy. Here's an example of a hierarchical infographic template.

Single Chart

Single chart infographics are smaller than regular infographics and include only one chart. These are ideal for visualizing a simple data set with a bar graph, pie chart, line chart, map or radar chart.

Include a legend for easy visualizing. Single chart infographics are also great for sharing bite-sized data on social media. You can also create them from longer infographics.

An anatomical infographic is all about describing the essential features of a person, object or idea.

The central element is surrounded by shapes and lines, including the content for each feature. This style of infographic is more creative than others.

Here's an anatomy infographic template you can use:

Organizational Charts

Organizational charts are essential in business building and planning.

A branded organizational chart can be included in the About Us page of your website, an annual report or a pitch deck to get funding. Use attractive images of your team to make it personal.

2. Plan and Create the Content

With step 1 complete, it’s time to plan and create the content for your infographic. According to your strategic planning and goal setting, you selected a type of infographic to make. Align your content with the purpose and overall layout of the infographic .

For example, if you chose a timeline infographic, set up the content in chronological order. If you’re creating a statistical infographic, it’s essential to outline the data and content in their proper order and sections. Let’s look a bit deeper.

Create an outline that matches the infographic style.

The best way to start writing the content is an overview outline. Create this outline following the infographic style you chose. Take a look at the example infographics to analyze how the visuals work and set up the content to match.

When writing infographic copy , use strategies to make the message easy to grasp with the least words possible. Infographics are not the place to get wordy or overzealous with vocabulary.

Use the KISS method and “Keep It Simple, Stupid!”

Create clusters from the main outline.

Infographics have sections; that’s why they’re easier to read. Most people will skim an infographic rather than read it. In general, infographics are not detailed data visualizations with deep data sets that you need a legend to understand. Keep it simple! (remember, KISS).

Use the outline as a guide to separate the content into clusters. Try to keep the word and character count even; that way, you won't end up with a huge text box next to a tiny one, throwing the infographic design off balance.

Take note of where you can add data visualizations.

As you create your content clusters, look for opportunities to use data visualization.

A spreadsheet with data is a clear indicator that you could turn that into some type of chart. But what about percentages, comparisons, and statistical snippets? Those can all be visual.

Take note of your content where you can take advantage of this tool.

RELATED : 17 Best Infographic Tools for 2024 (Full Comparison Guide)

3. Organize and Visualize Your Data

Content and data are different, yet you can visualize both. For example, a list can be content blocks with icons and colored numbers. Similarly, statistical snippets make for great data widgets.

Let’s take a look at all your options below.

Bonus: Watch this video to understand how data visualizations work and help tell stories visually.

Select the best data visualization types for your content.

Choosing between a line graph or a pie chart — or many others — depends on the kind of data you have on hand.

You have various data visualization options when you create an infographic with Visme. Here's an infographic summarizing all the charts and graphs available in our editor.

• Area Charts
• Cone Charts

Dual Charts

• Funnel Charts
• Gauge Charts
• Line Graphs
• Mekko Charts
• Pyramid Charts
• Radar Charts

Let's take a closer look at each one and when to use it:

A dual chart combines a line chart and a bar graph.

This combination chart enables you to visualize two data sets that change over time and compare their differences. Color the dual chart with contrasting colors.

Radar Chart

The radar chart is a circular grid where you can plot one or more data series.

For example, the aspects of a group of restaurants, service, food flavor, ambiance and location — each plotted on a point in the radials.

The main reason to use a cone chart is to visualize hierarchical data or a hierarchical flow.

For example, you can visualize numerical data from largest to smallest or a process that diminishes in size or importance as it progresses.

Pie charts are perfect for comparing parts of a whole, most commonly percentages. The thing about pie charts , though, is that the data should differ enough, so it’s easy to understand.

For example, if the data includes three values, 28%, 32%, and 40%, the wedges will look too similar to each other.

A line chart is ideal for comparing changes over time, even with minor variations.

They’re also helpful in comparing differences between groups with lines in different colors. This is a perfect opportunity to KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

Use bar graphs to show changes over time, but it will make more sense when the variations are large and more evident (use a line chart for smaller variations).

Bar graphs also help compare statistics between different groups.

Data Widgets

A data widget is a small visualization for data that stands alone, for example, percentages and parts of a whole unit. These are perfect for statistical, informational, multi-chart, single chart and minimal data visualization infographics.

A data array is a visualization using icons of two different denominations.

The comparison is between two or three groups. Each group is color-coded, and each icon represents a full amount. Include a legend for better understanding.

Maps are a great addition to an infographic when any information has to do with location or geographic data.

Choose from continents to countries to regions and color code the map to match the rest of your design. A map data visualization can be part of an informational infographic or used on its own.

Venn Diagrams

Use a Venn diagram to compare groups and visualize what they have in common and what they don’t.

Generally, Venn diagrams are created with circles but can also have ovals, triangles or elaborate designs. The data has two groups but can have as many as 6 or 8. A simple diagram fits well in a large infographic or on its own.

Including tables in an infographic isn’t very common, but they can help if you’re comparing a list of features or maybe a short pricing table.

Use the integrated Visme tables with formatting and layout options or create your own using shapes, lines and formatted text. Make sure to complete the table in a way that matches the rest of the infographic.

Mind maps make for great infographics inside blog posts because they help readers understand the content better. These visualizations are the best for conceptual content with no numerical data or blog posts about how to do things, create processes or brainstorm ideas.

Visualizing your content as a mind map can take many forms, from bubble maps to brace charts. These are also called graphic organizers, and their best use is as their own infographic or as part of a creative, informational infographic.

This video walks you through all the types available.

4. Choose a Template to Start With

Now that you know what type of infographic you want to create, it’s time to figure out the technicalities. Browse the template gallery for the style you need.

Additionally, here are some things you can do to make sure you choose the right infographic template to start with:

Look for inspiration.

When you’re not sure what you’ll like your infographic to look like, looking at inspiration is a great help.

The templates in this article are a great place to start, but you can also look on Pinterest, infographic curation sites and Behance. The video below also has tons of inspiration to give you some ideas.

Choose an infographic template.

The most straightforward way to create infographics is to use a template. Sometimes it’s the templates themselves that give you the idea for an infographic in the first place.

Other times you have the idea, and you just need a template to start. The most important thing to remember is that you can either stick to the layout a template offers or customize it.

Visme templates are 100% customizable and include a draggable bar at the bottom that helps you make the infographic longer or shorter according to your content.

Use Visme's ready-made content blocks.

Aside from the ease of using templates, you also can use content blocks. Imagine a content gallery of pre-designed blocks that you can mix and match however you want on a blank infographic canvas.

The magic of Visme content blocks is that they’re all in grayscale with basic fonts, so it’s easy to apply your branding to all content blocks at once.

Here’s a rundown of the Visme content blocks.

These are the essential headline designs for the topmost part of your infographic. There are different visual options.

Icons & Text

Icons & Text content blocks are perfect for visualizing small content clusters like on a list or informational infographic.

Images & Text

Try the images and text content blocks with creative image crops if you’d like to use images in your infographic.

Statistics & Figures

The statistics and figures content blocks are a variety of data widgets and small data visualizations, including percentages and gauges.

Charts & Graphs

This gallery section is all about data, including bar graphs and pie charts in different layouts and compositions.

Comparison content blocks are perfect for informational infographics that need to visualize content side by side.

The content blocks with diagrams include pyramids, Venn diagrams and other visualizations to help you build an infographic.

Timelines are great content blocks for small infographics in any aspect ratio, from vertical to multi-slide documents.

This content block category is about processes and the flow of information from one step to the next.

Anatomicals

Anatomical infographic content blocks are a bit different from the others. These are all about describing the features of a person or object.

Geographical content blocks are next in a collection of ready-to-use layouts and compositions for your infographic.

The last section of the content block collection is the footer. It’s here that you add your logo and information sources.

5. Add Engaging Design Elements

When your infographic has all the content it needs and is edited to the point of including only what’s essential for relaying the message, it’s time to make sure it’s also visually appealing.

Adding design elements is important but requires a degree of consciousness that can be difficult for non-designers.

Here is a video with some tips that can help you understand the essential aspects of infographic design . These will help you make your infographic interesting and easy to understand.

A great way to get things right is to know what will make things go wrong and avoid them. As you can see below, errors like mistakenly chosen color palettes make text difficult to read.

Shapes are your best design tool when creating infographics. They help separate content and improve the flow from top to bottom.

There’s also a more profound use to shapes, as they can impart feelings and thoughts to the viewer. Viewer perception is important, and shapes play a big part in that.

Check out this article detailing types of shapes and how they’re used in graphic design .

Color Palette.

Choosing the colors for your infographic is all about contrast and legibility. The color palette must have one primary color and another to complement it.

Use two or three other colors to finish the color scheme. Contrast is indispensable for text over a background color or texture; the text must be easy to read and not hurt the eye to look at it.

You can use Visme's color palette generator to instantly create a color palette from an image that defines the mood or tone of your infographic. Here's a quick GIF showing how that works.

When creating infographics, the fonts you choose should support the content and data without distracting or taking away from the flow. Use no more than two fonts or variations of the same font.

Stay away from novelty fonts that are difficult to read, unless the content truly needs it. Don’t use too many colors on the text and keep it balanced.

Here's an infographic showing some examples of great font pairs.

Icons are the magic potion when it comes to infographics. They help visualize the story in the content, separate it into sections, create visual flow and help balance the design as a whole.

Use the same icon style throughout to maintain an ideal composition. For added visual depth, use 3D icons color-coded to match the design.

Animation & Interactivity

Have you considered creating an interactive infographic?

You can add all sorts of animated and interactive elements to your infographics in Visme, including links and popups, animated icons, characters and illustrations, videos, quizzes and GIFs.

Here’s Mike showing you the best options for adding animation to your infographics.

Making an infographic is as easy as the five steps outlined in this guide. But you also need to have good design. That’s why we offer you so many templates in different styles to get you started.

If you still feel like you don't know about design enough to create an infographic, don’t worry. With the design tips in the video and the list below, you’ll be right on track to create a great infographic.

Avoid clutter.

There’s nothing worse than a cluttered infographic — too much text mushed together, visuals without air to breathe and no space between titles and body text.

Yes, indeed, space on an infographic is usually limited, but part of that space needs to be empty areas, margins, spaces and what designers like to call “white space.”

Again, here’s Mike with lots of practical tips to help you figure it out.

Establish visual hierarchy.

Make sure that your infographic has a good visual hierarchy. The main title must have the largest text of the entire design, then the subtitle a bit smaller.

Here are some additional visual hierarchy principles to keep in mind:

Every section must follow a set of rules that you repeat throughout the design. These rules include the size of the section title, the size of the body text and the size of any icons or visuals.

Keep it balanced and ensure a flow to how the infographic reads.

Keep it on-brand.

If you're a business creating an infographic for marketing or internal communication purposes, it’s critical to make sure your infographic is on-brand. If you’re making the infographic for a client, then it’s their brand that must be front and center.

Brand elements include the color palette, font pairing, brand icons, tone and voice. Don’t forget to add your logo and website URL in the footer of your infographic.

Additionally, for SEO and readability purposes, when you add the infographic to your site, make sure to include your brand name in the file title and descriptive alt tags.

• Keep your logo, brand fonts and brand colors all in one place
• Generate a bundle of automatically branded templates
• Easily create visual content that strengthens your brand with Visme

Create Stunning Infographics Online for Free

That's it — you're ready to create an infographic with engaging content that will attain the goal you set for it. Sign up for a free Visme account today and create beautiful infographics online easily.

Take advantage of 1000's of ready-made templates, drag-and-drop design tools, free images and icons, animation and interactivity, and much more.

Don't forget to brush up on all the different ways you can promote your infographic and how to use infographics as part of your marketing strategy so you can get maximum results out of your efforts!

Bring information to life with a stunning infographic .

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?

Advanced age and some health conditions can raise the risk of serious COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) illness.

Many people with COVID-19, also called coronavirus disease 2019, recover at home. But for some, COVID-19 can be a serious illness. Some people may need care in the hospital, treatment in the intensive care unit and the need for breathing help. In some people, severe COVID-19 illness can lead to death.

What raises the risk of severe or critical COVID-19 illness?

The risk for serious COVID-19 illness depends on your health status, age and activities. Your risk also depends on other factors. This includes where you live, work or learn, how easy it is for you to get medical care, and your economic stability.

If you have more than one risk factor, your risk goes up with each one.

Age raises the risk of serious COVID-19

People age 65 and older and babies younger than 6 months have a higher than average risk of serious COVID-19 illness. Those age groups have the highest risk of needing hospital care for COVID-19.

Babies younger than 6 months aren't eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, which adds to their risk. For older people, the challenge is that the immune system is less able to clear out germs as people age. Also, as people age, medical conditions that raise the risk of severe COVID-19 are more likely. In the U.S. as of March 2024, about 76% of all deaths from COVID-19 have been among people age 65 and older.

Aging plus disease raises the risk of serious COVID-19

Severe COVID-19 disease is more likely for people who have other health issues.

Some common diseases linked to aging are:

• Heart disease. Examples are heart failure or coronary artery disease.
• Diabetes mellitus. The risk is higher for both type 1 and type 2.
• Chronic lung diseases. This includes airway disease and conditions that damage lung tissue.
• Obesity. The risk goes up as body mass index (BMI) increases, with the highest risk for a BMI of 40 or greater.
• Chronic kidney disease. Especially if you are on dialysis.

These diseases become more common as people age. But they can affect people of any age. The risk of serious COVID-19 illness is linked to having one or more underlying medical condition.

Asthma, COPD, other lung diseases raise risk of severe COVID-19

Your risk of having more severe COVID-19 illness is higher if you have lung disease. Having moderate to severe asthma raises some risks of serious COVID-19 illness. It raises the risk of needing care in the hospital, including intensive care, and needing mechanical help breathing.

The risk of serious COVID-19 illness also is higher for people who have conditions that damage lung tissue over time. Examples are tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis or COPD, which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These diseases raise the risk of needing care in the hospital for COVID-19. Depending on the condition, the risk of needing intensive care and the risk of death from COVID-19 also may go up.

Other lung conditions, such as a history of pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary embolism affect a person's risk of serious illness after COVID-19. The risk of death may be higher after these conditions.

Cancer raises the risk of severe COVID-19

In general, people with cancer have a greater risk of getting serious COVID-19. People who have or had blood cancer may have a higher risk of being sick for longer, or getting sicker, with COVID-19 than people with solid tumors.

Having cancer raises the risk of needing care in the hospital, intensive care and the use of breathing support. Having blood cancer and getting COVID-19 raises the risk of death from the illness.

Treatment for blood cancer may raise the risk of severe COVID-19 but the research is still unclear. Cancer treatment may also affect your COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your healthcare professional about additional shots and getting vaccinated after treatments that affect some immune cells.

Other conditions that raise the risk of severe COVID-19

If an organ or body system is already weakened by disease, infection with the COVID-19 virus can cause further damage. In other cases, medicine for the original condition can lower the immune system's response to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Many different diseases can raise the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

• Brain and nervous system diseases, such as strokes.
• Chronic liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis.
• HIV not well managed with medicine.
• Heart disease, including congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies.
• Mood disorders or schizophrenia.
• Having received an organ or stem cell transplant.
• Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia blood disorders.

Other risk factors for severe COVID-19 are:

• Not getting enough physical activity.
• Pregnancy or having recently given birth.
• Use of medicines that lower the immune system's ability to respond to germs.

Also, as a general group, disability is linked to an increased risk of severe COVID-19. The risks are different depending on the disability.

• Down syndrome is linked to a higher risk of needing care in the hospital. The risk of death from severe COVID-19 also is higher than typical for people with Down syndrome.
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is linked to an increased risk of needing care in the hospital from severe COVID-19.
• Cerebral palsy is linked to an increased risk of needing care in the hospital from severe COVID-19.

These are not the only conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions about your health and risk for getting a serious COVID-19 illness.

A COVID-19 vaccine can lower your risk of serious illness

The COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of death or serious illness caused by COVID-19. Your healthcare team may suggest added doses of COVID-19 vaccine if you have a moderately or seriously weakened immune system.

How else can you lower the risk of severe COVID-19?

Everyone can lower the risk of serious COVID-19 illness by working to prevent infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms, if possible.
• Use fans, open windows or doors, and use filters to move the air and keep any germs from lingering.
• Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. For example, clean doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters regularly.
• Spread out in crowded public areas, especially in places with poor airflow. This is important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear a mask in indoor public spaces if COVID-19 is spreading. This means if you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital. They suggest wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly, that fits well and is comfortable.

These basic actions are even more important for people who have weakened immune systems, and their caregivers.

The FDA also has authorized the monoclonal antibody pemivibart (Pemgarda) to prevent COVID-19 in some people with weakened immune systems.

People can take other actions based on their risk factors.

• If you're at a higher risk of serious illness, talk to your healthcare professional about how best to protect yourself. Know what to do if you get sick so you can quickly start treatment.
• Lower your risk of COVID-19 complications by making sure that any health issues are well managed. This includes staying on track with managing medical conditions, going to all healthcare appointments and planning ahead to avoid running out of medicine. Keep taking medicines as suggested by your healthcare professional.
• Stay up to date on vaccines. This includes vaccines for flu, pneumonia and RSV. These vaccines won't prevent COVID-19. But becoming ill with a respiratory illness may worsen your outcome if you also catch COVID-19.

You may consider making a care plan. In the care plan, write your medical conditions, the medicine you take, and any special food or diet needs you have. The care plan also includes who you see for care and your emergency contacts.

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• Goldman L, et al., eds. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, community prevention, and prognosis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 5, 2024.
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