Consumers are still dining out, but instead of higher-priced entrees, many are ordering more appetizers.

As food inflation and affordability dominates the conversation about the U.S. consumer, new restaurant purchasing data shows even among Americans who are going to restaurants, many are in the mindset of cutting back.

"Appetizer orders are up 20% year over year, even as entrees and desserts are largely flat or declining," said Jim Pazzanese, executive vice president of global strategic procurement of Buyers Edge Platform , which tracks supply chain data within the food service industry. "The shift is visible at the item level," he said, with some popular appetizer sales to restaurant operators experiencing growth rates north of 30%.

Top-growing appetizers

Mozzarella sticks, up

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