From Legendary Vendor Partner Simplot Foods
While they love their familiar favorites, Gen Z diners are also known for their adventurous palates. According to a recent survey, half of Gen Z respondents wanted more meals with unique flavors or different cuisines. Moreover, 32% love trying new types of cuisines and foods.1
For menu planners at colleges and universities, this data underscores the need to incorporate unique and global flavors. But it’s a big world out there. Which flavors are trending on campuses in 2024?
Let’s start with the old favorites in college dining.
A review of college and university menus by Datassential found that over the last 12 months, chipotle and jalapeño pepper showed the strongest growth among campus staples, demonstrating the popularity of Mexican cuisine and bold flavors. Meanwhile, dill grew the most over the last four years, illustrating the resurgence of this long-time favorite.
But what flavors are just starting to gain traction in dining halls?
The fastest-growing flavors in college and university dining have relatively low menu penetration now but are important to watch as they’re trending upward quickly. Many are international flavors, like Bang Bang and Sesame Ginger. However, flavors like Homemade Sauce, White Gravy and Nacho Cheese are not. What this suggests is a taste for authentic and bold flavors.
Overall, for collegiate foodservice, it’s all about flavor in 2024.
The flavors shaping college and university foodservice reflect a broader cultural shift towards diversity, health and innovation. From global cuisines to plant-based alternatives, comfort foods with a twist and health-conscious choices, today's students have more options than ever before. As campuses continue to embrace these trends, the dining experience will only become more exciting, inclusive and attuned to the tastes of a new generation.
Click here to read this full article from Simplot Foods and find out more!
1 Keys to food, beverage product success for Gen Z
2 Datassential, MenuTrends, April 2024
3 Datassential, ReportPro College & University Segment Guide, 2023
