ROSEMONT, Ill. – US Foods Holding Corp. just made hard-to-find niche ingredients easier for foodservice operators to source with the company’s US Food Direct e-commerce platform.

The exclusive service provides foodservice operators access to more than 40,000 specialty products, and the list of offerings continues to grow, according to the company. Specialty spices, seasonings, herbs, pastas, flours, sauces or oils, and on-trend items such as plant-based proteins, dairy-free or vegan alternatives and gluten-free products are available through US Foods Direct.

“As diner preferences evolve, so must operators’ menus. That can be difficult when operators are looking for niche, specialty products that are harder to source,” said Nick Underhill, senior director, corporate strategy for US Foods. “US Foods Direct helps operators address these challenges. Whether it’s fine quality olive and balsamic oils from Europe, milk alternatives made from rice, oat or hemp, or a specialty pasta that stars in a new best-selling dish, operators can now source the specialty products they need with the click of a button.”

Customers can search for ingredients using categories such as “Finest Essentials,” featuring infused oils and cooking wines, and “Inclusive Dining,” which helps operators cater to diners with allergies and specific diets. US Foods said the specialty items arrive within five days.