Generation Z wants it all. Scrumptious food, versatile flavors, and most importantly, the convenience of having it anytime and anywhere are only some of the many known patterns of this generation. After all, they’re the most obvious products of the fast-paced world.

As one of the major consumers of most markets out there, Generation Z has really set the benchmark when it comes to restaurants and the food market in general. While it is a known fact that social media, convenience, and health all play a significant role in their food choices, keeping up with the ever-changing dynamics may just be the only way to remain in line with contemporary demands. 

In fact, more so than any other time, Generation Z truly and completely adopted e-commerce in the last few years. The increased online spending for both groceries and restaurant orders is further proof of how much the culture has changed over the years. 

This generation has not only grown up watching cooking shows on Tv, but they have also been encouraged to experiment throughout the course of their lives. Hence, using it as a backdrop, let’s dig into some ways to satisfy Gen Z.

Add Variety, But Not at the Cost of Simplicity

It may come as a surprise to many, but the younger people are, the simpler they like it. From burgers and pizzas to sandwiches and salads, youngsters in middle school would rather have it simple. However, the more they grow up, the more their tastes broaden to include different combinations and flavors. That's when your kitchen should be ready to roll out a lineup of diverse cuisine.

Don’t Stick to a Single Menu for too Long.

Generation Z enjoys having different varieties in food and also shows a greater willingness to try restaurants that feature a plethora of ingredients and flavors. Hence, punching up your menu every now and then may help it gain momentum among them.

In fact, according to a survey by food-management.com, Gen Z has a flair for adventure when it comes to food. Here are the preferences cited according to it.

• Plant-based menus
• Hot, spicy, and other flavors.
• Varied global offerings, such as Mediterranean, Southeast  Asian, Middle-Eastern, and Korean
• Breakfast comfort food items from a wide range of ethnicities

Pay Attention to Drinks 

Even though the trends of take-out and delivery have significantly increased over the last few years, Gen Z still prefers to enjoy dining as a social experience more than anything else. For instance, coffee shops these days provide a whole lot of variety such as lattes, gourmet coffees, frappuccinos, smoothies as well as teas. 

Hence, for a generation that looks for innovation in their drinks as much as their food, it only makes sense to incorporate it into the menu. And don't forget, an inviting atmosphere with free Wi-Fi access can be the cherry on top for most of them.

Speaking of beverages, it's hard to determine what this generation likes the most. While the common notion is that sodas are the go-to beverages for most, it couldn't be more wrong. This is because Gen Z is as much of a fruit juice, lemonade, and bottled-water enthusiast. Hence, these are only some of the many profit-generating options an eatery can look into.

Make Your Menu Stand Out

Nothing entices this generation to hold on to a restaurant than a menu that speaks their language. If you’re wondering what resonates with them the most, it has to be the terms “organic” and “natural.” 

This new wave of incorporating organic food in the menu has turned out to be a winner among Gen Z. Restaurants that use the terms "free-range," "organic," "farm-raised," etc., have the edge over others when it comes to attracting Gen Z customer. 

The Classics Can Save the Day

While new and innovative may sound enticing, it may not always work out or fit your operations. This is when you must fall back on the classics. Now, Gen Z diners may not be very old, but their palates surely have the ability to yearn for nostalgia. 

Some of the leading flavors among youngsters have always been the classics like vanilla, citrus fruit, berry, and chocolate. In many cases, sour and cheesy flavors also tend to hold appeal.

Prominent Food Trends among Gen Z

There’s no doubt about the fact that Generation Z or “Zoomers” are totally leading the restaurant industry trends. Hence, these are only some of the many food trends you may want to keep at your fingertips to rope them in.

Street Food

More and more Gen Z-ers browse for street food on the menu. In fact, the growing trend of food trucks could be one big reason behind their tendency to tilt in that direction.

Fermented Foods

While we normally associate fermented foods with Millenials, it may be time to accept that the trend has long changed. Generation Z today is not anywhere behind when it comes to following the footsteps of those before them. Fermented menu items such as Kombucha may just be right up Gen Z’s alley, thanks to its health benefits. 

Chicken

As the preferred protein for several years, this one still has the generation wrapped around its fingers. Moreover, ever since the rapid rise of negative connotations to beef, chicken has grown even more in popularity.

Pizza

As they say, "some things can never change," and it holds true for pizza more than anything else. In fact, Generation Z doesn't mind grabbing a good slice of pizza every now and then. While it isn't exactly a health-conscious choice, it's impossible to deny that pizza is and will probably remain a timeless classic.

Bowls

You may be wondering, "what kind of bowls?" well, let's just say "all of them." Whether it's a wholesome burrito bowl or a filling acai bowl, as long as you’re able to put a hearty meal into a bowl, Generation Z will surely be enticed.

In the end, keeping up with Gen Z’s interests in the contemporary food business may just be a restauranteur’s best bet.

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