Tracking the Latest Gen Z Food Trends in 2025

Gen Z, especially those in their teenage years, can be a demanding generation of eaters. As they come into adulthood, tracking and catering to their food preferences and growing spending power may be critical to winning their business.

Their expectations include menu items that promote healthy eating, sustainability, and affordability, all while being readily available on demand. These young people are making healthier choices that align with both their values and lifestyles.

In this article, you will learn some of the latest Gen Z food trends that restaurant owners should consider when developing their menus and restaurant concepts.

Who are Generation Z and what are their food preferences?

Gen Zers, composed of 13 to 28-year-olds, are the newest generation to reach adulthood. Their teenage food preferences have evolved into distinct adult eating patterns.

Their preferences and eating habits are slightly different than that of Millennials. Gen Z is focused on sustainability, health, and wellness. Their food choices are more likely than any previous generation to embrace flexitarian eating habits — on-and-off vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.

Convenience is another deciding factor when it comes to Gen Z food habits. The economic uncertainty of the pandemic that marked the start of their adult lives has influenced their purchases. Gen Z is working hard to get through college and begin their careers, so quick and easy eats are in high demand.

Overall, Gen Z wants food that fits their active lifestyles and complements their physical activity needs. They're likely to stick to healthy eating habits that omit certain foods, such as those with added sugar or highly processed items. They're increasingly aware of all food groups and strive to maintain a healthy diet.

What are some characteristics of Gen Z?

Gen Z is known for being tech-savvy and constantly connected online. They’re also shaping up to be a hard-working generation.

In a 2023 presentation by CocaCola at The National Restaurant Show, it was revealed that 46.5% of working Gen Z employees have at least 1.5 jobs, if not 2. Due to their busy lifestyles, Gen Z customers are more likely to opt for menu items that they can conveniently enjoy on the go.

This on-the-go mentality also influences their social media preferences. Gen Z gravitates towards quick, shorter content — which may require restaurants to shift their marketing strategies. They tend to trust organic content more than paid advertisements and value authenticity.

In addition, Gen Z has a more holistic view of health. Unlike millennials or Gen X members who primarily focus on physical fitness, Gen Z associates "health" with overall wellness, including mental health and nutrition. They actively seek out restaurants that prioritize sustainability, environmental impact, and prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Monetize these Gen Z food trends to help increase restaurant sales in 2025

Here are some top Gen Z food trends to help restaurant operators increase sales with this burgeoning new customer base.

Speed of service

Speed of service is a top priority for Gen Z restaurant-goers, according to respondents of a survey conducted by Toast. In fact, about 20% of Gen-Z respondents indicated that speed of service was one of their top dining frequency drivers in 2024. 

Restaurants targeting Gen Z diners and even younger demographics may want to consider quicker service models, such as Toast’s New Steps of Service, to get guests in and out quickly. This may appeal particularly to those who developed fast food habits during their teenage years but now want healthier options.

Sustainability

Gen Z also finds it important that their favorite restaurants support the same social causes as them. 

According to Food Insight, a third (33%) of Gen Z responded that sustainability had an impact on their decisions to buy foods and beverages. Half of the Gen Z respondents (50%) agreed that their individual choices have an impact on the environment.

The younger generation is also willing to pay more for sustainability. Toast data shows that 46% of restaurant-goers ages 20-29 are willing to spend extra for organic or sustainably sourced dishes.

Environmental sustainability in the food industry starts with production. In restaurants, purchasing locally produced or grown ingredients has a major impact on the carbon footprint of each dish. Gen Z wants to know where the foods they buy are sourced and how they’re produced. 

Plant-based alternatives

Plant-based alternatives for animal products and meat are popular with Gen Z. In fact, 19% of Gen Z reported that they embrace plant-based eating habits. Many plant-based ingredients are more environmentally sustainable as well. Farming cattle for dairy products and beef releases lots of greenhouse gas methane into the environment.

Technological advancements are innovating substitutes that appeal to consumers. Even fast food chains are embracing meat alternatives thanks to demand from younger generations. 

Health-conscious

The amount of information available about healthy eating via internet access is higher than ever before. And social media trends often promote nutritious, fresh eating.

According to Toast, 71% of restaurant-goers ages 20-29 actively seek out restaurants that prioritize health-conscious choices. Additionally, 33% of guests find it very important for restaurants to offer healthy options, and another 41% find it somewhat important.

Gen Z is conscious of making food choices that bolster their physical and mental health, with a focus on digestive and gut health. They look for menu items made with organic, fresh, and sustainable ingredients. This attention to health often begins during the teenage years and becomes more refined as they mature.

Reliable information

Because they were raised with the internet, Gen Z is wary of information that they find online. They're likely to conduct their own research to verify health and nutrition information. As much as they embrace social media food influencers and bloggers, Gen Z is just as quick to be critical about food groups and nutritional claims.

Online ordering

Since much of Gen Z entered adulthood during the pandemic, online ordering became natural. From Ghost kitchens that provide restaurant quality delivery and online ordering for pickup at grocery stores, Gen Z is accustomed to takeout and delivery.

Ordering online saves time, too, and convenience is important to Gen Z. As they navigate working and going to college during economic uncertainty, Gen Z feels pressed for time. They turn to online ordering as a way to access good food and beverages on their tight schedules, making meal planning more efficient.

Social media-inspired foodie eats

Social media outlets like Instagram have been around for most of Gen Z’s lives. In fact, roughly 40% of guests younger than 18 use Instagram the most to discover new restaurants.

They often discover new dining experiences through social media advertising and love to chase the newest TikTok or Instagram food trends. Gen Z customers are likely to post about their dining experiences on their social media platforms as well, making them a desirable but often difficult-to-impress consumer base.

Authentic global cuisine

Another result of social media access is a desire for authentic global cuisine. Gen Z is the most diverse American generation. They aren’t afraid of trying new cuisines, which helps them incorporate a variety of foods into their diets.

Authenticity isn’t just about the food itself though. Everything from branding to atmosphere to aesthetic works to create an “authentic” experience. 

New takes on basics

It’s no secret that young people can be picky eaters. This is why burgers, sandwiches, pizza, smoothies, and salads are perennially popular. So is customizability. Fast casual “build your own” restaurants are a hit with Gen Z. They provide options for everyone, and let people build dishes to their preferences.

Energy and nutrition focus

As Gen Z navigates their busy schedules, they're increasingly turning to functional foods and beverages. Energy drinks are particularly popular, though many are seeking options with less added sugar and more natural ingredients. Snack foods that provide sustained energy rather than sugar crashes are also gaining popularity.

Capitalizing on Gen Z food trends to build a customer base for the future

Gen Z is shaping the food industry through their food preferences and dining habits.

Plant-based menus, hyper-local and sustainable sourcing, comfort foods with unique twists, snackification, and global flavor fusion are just a few of the Gen Z food trends that savvy restaurant owners and operators should tap into. 

As this generation becomes a more significant part of the restaurant market, understanding and catering to their culinary needs can help restaurants to stay competitive and attract and retain their Gen Z guests. Supporting their healthy eating habits and offering healthier choices will be key to long-term success.

Gen Z, from their teenage years through young adulthood, is a demanding generation of eaters. And as they come into adulthood, securing their allegiance will prove essential to food service businesses. Use these food trends to attract Gen Z customers and foster healthy eating patterns that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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