Trends in K-12 Foodservice
See what’s hot and what you need to stay on trend.
Trend One: Reimagining Pizza
"Students will always love pizza. And now you’re seeing schools capitalize on that by using pizza as a format to deliver better nutrition. To kids, spinach and sweet potato sound a whole lot better when they’re on a pizza.” — CHEF ROBERTO ROMAN, Corporate Executive Chef, Simplot
Southwest BBQ Chicken Pizza
Top a whole-grain flatbread with BBQ sauce, corn, peppers and onions, and two kinds of cheese for a delicious lunch with a southwestern flair. The kids will love it!
Sweet Pizza
Build this pizza on a whole-grain flatbread base and top it with roasted sweet potatoes and corn, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and diced red onions. It’s pretty sweet!
Garden Pizza
What do you get when you top whole-grain flatbread with marinara spinach, flame-roasted peppers and onions, and two kinds of cheese? A veggie lunch that kids are going to love!
Trend Two: Build-Your-Own Bars
"Student love the power to customize their meals. 'Build-Your-Own' bars are key for promoting healthier eating habits by offering a variety of wholesome ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.” — CHEF MICHAEL ZELLER Corporate Executive Chef, Simplot
Avocado Toast Bar
Get the kids excited for breakfast with a fun and delicious "build your own" toast bar! With crispy toast, pickled onions, creamy guacamole, flavorful roasted corn, and juicy mango cubes, they can't go wrong.
Build a Burrito Bowl
Building a burrito bowl is easy when you have all the "must-have" ingredients ready to go. Easy prep for the kitchen, delicious and fun for the kids–it's a winner!
Noodle Bar
What do you have when you start with a base of tender noodles, top it with a selection of veggies and chicken, and serve in a warm ginger-soy broth? You’ve got a real lunch winner, that's what!
Trend Three: Travel by Plate
"Gen Alpha has their Millennial parents’ taste for global flavors. Now schools are leveraging that interest, using foods and flavors from abroad to introduce students to cultures and traditions well beyond the schoolhouse doors.” — CHEF ROBERTO ROMAN, Corporate Executive Chef, Simplot
Chicken and Vegetable Pancit
We took pancit (a Filipino stir-fried noodle dish) and gave it a lunchtime edit that kids will love. Packed with veggies and topped with a punchy soy-ginger sauce, it’s sure to be a keeper in your lunchtime rotation.
Veggie Fajita
How about a fajita dish with all the traditional flavors you'd expect, but without all the chopping, and sautéing? Students will love this assemble-your-own lunch, complete with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Arroz Con Pollo
Our take on a traditional Spanish dish, with seasoned rice and tender chicken, it's packed with veggies (and flavor). This one is a real lunchtime crowd-pleaser!
Trend Four: Nutrition-Packed Parfaits, Smoothie Bowls & Coffee Drinks
"Parfaits, smoothie bowls and coffee smoothies are the kinds of fun, colorful options that can increase breakfast participation. Done right, they can also pack a real nutritional punch." — CHEF MICHAEL ZELLER Corporate Executive Chef, Simplot
Blueberry Parfait
A light yet satisfying option for breakfast or lunch, this parfait is filled with naturally sweet blueberries, lemon Greek yogurt, and crunchy granola.
Dairy-Free Smoothie Bowl
Made with a base of puréed fruit, these bowls are a lighter option for breakfast or lunch. What a delicious (and healthy) way to start the day!
Coffee Bar
Smooth fruit flavor with a kick of caffeine and sweet cream to get you going in the morning, or any time of day. Your students won’t need to go off-campus for these fun flavors!