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Food and beverage producers are adapting items to the idiosyncratic and diverse tastes of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012. This generation is disrupting traditional cuisine distinctions and embracing a wide variety of flavors from around the world. Chef Joe Labombarda of Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services notes that the availability of authentic international flavors has influenced this shift. The rise of “chaos cuisine” and viral food trends on platforms like TikTok are inspiring new meal combinations that were previously overlooked.
Gen Z’s love for spicy food is evident, with snacks like Frito-Lay’s Flamin’ Hot products gaining popularity. Over half of Gen Z consumers are fans of hot sauce, and Mexican cuisine is preferred over Italian by this generation. Mexican food is projected to see significant growth in the coming years. Additionally, Asian flavors that are not yet familiar to American consumers are increasingly being incorporated by food manufacturers. Ingredients like ube, a purple root with a sweet nutty taste from the Philippines, have been declared as upcoming flavor trends.
Looking ahead, Chef Labombarda anticipates continued interest in health-conscious food choices, driven by the next generation, Gen Alpha. This cohort, born after 2012, is expected to prioritize the benefits of food as they grow older, focusing on consuming proteins for energy and clarity. The culinary landscape is evolving to cater to the ever-changing preferences and tastes of these new generations.
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Lara Heller graduated from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands with a degree in New Media and Communication. During her studies, she specialized in digital media, social media strategies, and content creation. She participated in various digital media projects during her university years, focusing particularly on online journalism and media ethics. After graduation, Lara started working as a content strategist at one of Europe’s leading digital media agencies, where she developed campaigns that strengthened the digital presence of numerous international brands.
