School cafeteria management company Chartwells checked in with school chefs and dietitians to come up with a list of the top 10 food trends for kids this year. The company undertook the research to discover what kids want to see not only in their lunchrooms but on their tables at home. That’s where grocers come in.
“Today’s young diners are more adventurous than ever, embracing bold flavors, global cuisines and creative presentations that rival what’s trending for adults,” said Chartwells, which serves 2.2 million meals a day to students at 4,500 schools across the country.
“From spicy dishes that pack just the right kick to build-your-own bowls and Instagram-worthy healthy treats, the latest food trends for kids are all about blending fun, flavor and nutrition.”
Chartwells’ top 10 trends for school kids in 2025:
- Bowl’d over – Warm bowls mix ingredients like grains, proteins, vegetables and sauces, “layered in a way that’s colorful and exciting to eat, while a cold bowl offers nutrient-rich acai or a smoothie base with unlimited toppings.”
- Inclusive ingredients – From halal taco meat to vegetarian Sopes Polenta, “inclusive ingredients honor diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor.” This could include plant-based entrees, nut-free options and dishes inspired by cultures worldwide.
- Crunch time – “In addition to adding fun texture to foods, crunchy options provide stimulation and even health benefits,” Chartwells noted. But instead of chips and pretzels, offer a different kind of crunch with a Veggie and Hummus Bento Box and Roasted Beet Crisps or a Mixed Berry Yogurt Parfait with granola.
- (Healthy) little treats – “‘Little treat culture’ has trickled down to Gen Z and Gen Alpha thanks to social media, and who can blame them for wanting a little reward for completing a hard task or making it through the school day?” Chartwells said. “This trend puts a healthy twist on the viral concept, swapping added sugars for nutritious ingredients.” Examples: Black Bean Brownie, Apple Cranberry Crisp or Sunbutter Banana Pizza.
- Earth-conscious eats – Eating fresh, local foods benefits the planet as much as people, and it’s fun for kids to learn about what grows right in their area or community, like apples in the fall or strawberries in the summer. Eating local makes meals more exciting and helps kids understand where their food comes from.
- Global flavors – “Taking a cue from restaurant trends, kids are no longer bound to the cuisine they’re used to at home, expanding their palates through a variety of global flavors,” the company said. “From exploring the spices of Korea with a Daikon Radish Salad and the Kimchi Tofu Grain Bowl to trying Mexican-inspired comfort foods like the Brisket Tostada, they’re choosing their own culinary adventure.”
- Putting the “fun” in functional – Today’s busy kids need “snacks and meals that taste good and help them stay alert, calm and confident for whatever the day may bring.” Options might be a Cucumber Apple Salad or a Strawberry Spinach Salad.
- “Newstalgic” recipes – The newstalgic trend “brings a fresh twist to the comforting classics kids know and love by reimagining familiar dishes with creative updates, keeping the nostalgic warmth while adding a modern flair,” said Chartwells. “Think mac and cheese elevated with barbecue pulled pork or sandwiches reinvented as bite-sized Buffalo chicken sliders with a spicy kick. Newstalgia is all about honoring cherished food memories while embracing today’s flavors and techniques.”
- Spice is nice – Spices like chili, paprika and sriracha are finding their way into kid-friendly dishes. It’s not so much about heat but allowing them to explore new flavors in a fun and approachable way. Chartwells recently introduced its “What’s Shaking” spice station to cafeterias, “giving kids a chance to add a hit of flavor to their lunchtime favorites without any extra sodium,” the company said.
- Bold and briny – Packed with probiotics, pickled and fermented foods are both gut-friendly and tasty. Examples are pickled red onions or spicy pickled vegetable slaw.
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