Feeding Gen Alpha: Success for K-12 Operators

Who is Gen Alpha? Born between 2010 and 2025 (indeed, Gen Beta—if that ends up being the preferred moniker—is on deck), the generation after Gen Z makes up today’s kid generation, or those about 14 years of age or younger. For K-12 operators, Gen Alpha is the generation eating in schools across the country.

And while this generation is still forming and evolving, we already have some idea of their preferences, commonalities, and what they want to eat. Here are a few key trends, ideas, and stats for any K-12 operator to keep in mind as they develop a feeding program that resonates with this unique generation.

Go beyond the basics

As any K-12 operator knows, school meal programs have been changing for years. Gone are the days when chicken nuggets and pizza made up much of the menu, as more global foods and flavors, healthier options, and a wider range of adventurous dishes keep K-12 menus exciting and fresh.

Gen Alpha takes this to the next level. This cohort grew up with access to an endless array of foods from around the world at their fingertips (and they may have been discovering them on their smartphones and tablets since they were babies). Many of them are the children of Millennials, the first true “foodie” generation who are now introducing their kids to everything from street tacos to sushi. As you serve Gen Alpha, you officially have permission to get more creative on the menu—and you should plan to ramp up that adventurousness in the years ahead.

Many K-12 operations are already focusing on more daring options. According to Datassential, options like curtido (a Central American cabbage slaw), mango salsa, and potstickers are some of the fastest-growing savory trends on K-12 menus.¹ More premium and “foodie” options, like calling out the name of a fruit varietal (Fuji apple, Bartlett pear, etc.) are also trending.¹

More innovative and unique options are the top wants from households that use K-12 services—37% say they are more likely to buy them, while over a quarter (26%) say they are willing to pay more for them.¹

Balance health and indulgence

Balancing health and indulgence is always a central tension for K-12 operators. Kids are happy to eat a lot of sweet, rich, indulgent foods, while parents (and government mandates) require that kids eat healthy, balanced options.

Thankfully, giving Gen Alpha the best of both worlds has gotten easier as schools have developed healthy-yet-crowd-pleasing recipes and parents and caregivers have prioritized healthier options on the plate. In fact, over two-thirds of Gen Alpha’s parents have introduced specialty grains and plant-based foods to their diet, while three in four Gen Alphas eat fresh fruit several times a week.² Over half eat chicken, fresh veggies, and whole grains with the same frequency.² In total, 81% of K-12 operators say students should have access to fresh, healthy foods in their schools.¹

That means many Gen Alpha students are used to these options and expect to see them on the K-12 menu, as well. In many cases, traditionally indulgent foods can feature these healthier ingredients for a “best of both worlds” approach, like adding fresh veggies to a pizza or whole grains to a taco.

Customization is key

Every generation likes to customize, but kids particularly love it. It gives them a little bit of control when eating a meal and allows them to select options that they know they’ll like, so you can be more certain they’ll eat what they choose, cutting down on waste.

Today’s kids are used to more customization, as it’s a top priority for their parents. Indeed, half of Gen Alpha parents prefer build-your-own kids’ combos, while 39% want to see different menus for different age groups.² Gen Alpha parents are prioritizing operators that feature these customization options, which has gotten easier as restaurants have developed more unique kids’ menus and fast casual operators have made customization a central part of the foodservice experience. And Gen Alpha is certainly no stranger to a restaurant meal—over 90% of Gen Alpha parents get their children restaurant food at least once a week, whether in-person or through delivery or take-out options.²

With so many Gen Alpha kids choosing what they want from foodservice menus, it’s important to offer those same customization opportunities in K-12. Allowing students to build their own meals, select their own toppings or fillings, and choose unique options for their particular age group can win over Gen Alpha—and their parents.

Put it into action

Need some ideas for customizable recipes made with delicious and nutritious time-saving products and ingredients? Here are a few to try out:

Feature boldly balanced flavors with fresh pizza concepts. Pizza is always a winner with kids, including Gen Alpha, who have grown up on a wide range of artisan pizzas and unique varieties (think Neapolitan or Detroit-style pizza). Balance health and indulgence in a single menu item with a Garden Pizza, which features Simplot Simple Goodness™ Chopped Spinach and Simplot RoastWorks® RTE Flame-Roasted Unseasoned Peppers & Onions Blend on a whole-grain flatbread for a veggie-driven lunch that kids will love. Add natural sweetness to the menu with a Sweet Pizza option, using Simplot RoastWorks® Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Flame-Roasted Simply Sweet® Corn with flavors like basil, garlic, onions, and two types of cheese in the mix. Or go beyond the traditional flavors with a more adventurous Southwest BBQ Chicken Pizza, featuring a hint of sweetness and spice with Simplot RoastWorks® Flame-Roasted Corn & Jalapeño Blend and Flame-Roasted Unseasoned Peppers & Onions Blend.

Give Gen Alpha customization opportunities with fruit parfaits. Let students build their own perfect parfait with a range of fruits that can be added to Greek yogurt along with options like granola, honey, and cinnamon. They can build a Raspberry Parfait using sweet-tart Simplot Simple Goodness™ Raspberries, IQF Crumbles, or switch it for a Blueberry Parfait using Simplot Simple Goodness™ Blueberries. With apple varietal call-outs trending on menus, opt for a premium Flame-Roasted Fuji Apple Parfait featuring Simplot RoastWorks® Flame-Roasted Fuji Apples.

¹ Datassential K-12 Segment Guide, 2024
² Datassential Gen Alpha HotShot Report, 2024