Al Farooj, the UAE based fast-casual restaurant chain, has launched “Think Healthy; Think BBQ” consumer awareness campaign and products across its high foot-in outlets in the UAE.

Latest statistics show that theinternationally growing grilled meat trend has led health conscious consumers to change their eating habits and move towards a healthier lifestyle, a companny statement said.

A medium sized grilled chicken piece contains 70 to 80 calories and four to nine grams of fat, compared to the fried chicken which comes in at 110 to 370 calories, and between 7 and 21 grams of fat. Chicken meat itself is healthy and contains 30 healthy ingredients. The charcoal-grilled chicken contains many essential nutrients necessary for maintaining health, it added.

“It is great to see fast-food chains introducing healthy alternatives. We are committed to developing meal options that are nutrient for our health-savvy consumers. The rising consumer growth in our grilled category has motivated us to develop low fat and healthier meals,” said Saleh Abdullah Lootah, MD of Al Islami Foods and chairman of Al Farooj Fresh.

“Charcoal-grilled meat has significantly fewer calories and fat, plus much less sodium, than the fried chicken.”

The new Al Farooj range of grilled products of chicken kebab, mix grill and tawook platter have fewer calories, fewer fat grams and less sodium than fried chicken, he added.

Currently, Al Farooj has 30 branches in UAE and Lebanon. The outlet plans to expand across the Middle East. The new 31st branch will be opened in Kuwait next month.-TradeArabia News Service