College students seek function, flavor from campus dining
Functional sips, botanical teas among top trends influencing menus
“By listening closely to the students we serve every day, we make sure that our menu offerings are aligned with current preferences,”
With campus traditions such as tailgating, football games, and bonfires now in full force, today’s college students are rewriting the rules of campus dining, according to Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract food management.
Driven by student input and culinary insights from Chartwells’ expert team of chefs, Chartwells’ “2026 Fall Flavor Forecast” spotlights a generation that views food as more than just fuel. Last year, viral social media recipes and global flavors took charge, but this semester, texture-rich dishes and functional meals and beverages are top of mind for students, the company says.