There’s a bright spot right smack dab in the middle of all the demands on foodservice directors today: The rise of internationally inspired menu options. Global fare is fun, mood-boosting, adventurous, and flexible to serve. Here are the top 3 things to know about putting global flavors to work on the school and university menu – including bonus tips for meeting students’ demand for a greater allergy-friendly variety.

1. Student tastes move beyond bland.

We’ve seen how Gen Z is a conscious, food-savvy generation. Now Gen Alpha is even more so. Many of those born between 2011 and 2023 are being raised by foodies in diverse environments with exposure to a broad range of flavors – often from their very first bites. Their adventurous palates are inviting new possibilities for student menus.

Dial up the flavor on classics:

• Try Vietnamese Style Chicken Wings with SunButter® Sauce
• Tip: Substitute boneless wings – +126% on kids’ menus over 4 years*

2. Food reflects culture. Be inclusive.

Universities and school districts are looking for ways to represent all the diverse cultures that their students bring to the table. They’re learning the universal language of comfort food, whether it takes the form of pizza or pho or chilaquiles or beef bourguignon – or new mashups of traditional fare and new tastes.

Explore West African:

• Senegalese Jollof Rice and Fish
• Côte d'Ivoire Sauce Arachide – make it allergy-friendly by replacing peanut butter with SunButter®
• Fried Plantains with SunButter® dipping sauce

Explore Southeast Asian:

• SunButter® Chicken Pizza
• SunButter® Thai Noodle Salad
• Bánh mì with SunButter® Sriracha Sauce

3. Simple touches delight.

There’s a fresh spotlight on the emotional wellbeing of students and the role foodservice plays in total health. A lunch or snack break that’s extra delightful and nourishing goes a long way to brightening a student’s day.

Adding smiles with something new doesn’t have to be complicated. Lean into plus-one dipping sauces and simple menu builds to jazz up favorite dishes without adding significant labor.

Pair favorite proteins with new dipping sauces.

Try the top-growing flavors:

• Sriracha +229%*
• Lemon Pepper +229%*
• Honey BBQ +216%*

Try savory satay sauce – make it allergy-friendly with SunButter®.

Swap one ingredient to add global flare.

For example:

Start with top-growing formats:

• Beef Fajitas +156%*
• Mini Quesadillas +114%*

Add one new global twist:

• Beef Birria
• Mango Salsa
• Harissa Sauce

Looking for more ways to meet students’ demand for greater allergy-friendly variety? Get in touch with our team today for ideas specific to your operation.

*Source: Datassential The ABC’s of Gen Alpha 2023, percentage growth on kids’ menus over past four years