Move over chicken nuggets and plain pasta, kids' cafeteria menus aren't what they used to be! Today's young diners are more adventurous than ever, embracing bold flavors, global cuisines, and creative presentations that rival what's trending for adults. From spicy dishes that pack just the right kick to build-your-own bowls and Instagram-worthy healthy treats, the latest food trends for kids are all about blending fun, flavor, and nutrition. To meet the demand, culinary experts and registered dietitians from Chartwells K12 used their insights from serving 2.2 million meals a day to students at 4,500 schools across the country to identify the top 10 food trends for kids in 2025, proving that when it comes to food, kids are ready to think outside the lunchbox.
"Our top priority is creating menu items that kids genuinely love to eat, and we do that by listening to the students we serve," said Chef Peter Gilhooly, senior vice president – culinary, Chartwells K12. "We bring innovation to the cafeteria by collaborating with kids to craft meals that are not only exciting and delicious but also healthy, meeting their evolving preferences and fueling their busy days."