Trends in K-12 Foodservice
See what’s hot and what you need to stay on trend.
Trend One: Bite-sized to Go!
"Mini foods are trending in schools for their convenience and fun factor. Bite-sized portions reduce waste and encourage kids to try different foods. These options also support portion control and healthier eating habits." — MICHAEL ZELLER, Corporate Executive Chef, Simplot
Raspberry Chocolate Energy Bites
Need a sweet, wholesome snack made with simple ingredients? These energy bites are just the thing! Perfectly portable and versatile for any daypart, they are going to be an instant winner.
Mini Fried Rice Cups
You need some of these fun little cuties on your menu! Crispy, flavorful and packed with veggies and protein, these rice cups will be a popular addition to your school menu rotation.
BBQ in a Box
Here’s a tasty and portable BBQ combo featuring pulled pork on a fluffy bun, flame-roasted corn and SIDEWINDERS™ Fries. An all-in-one lunch that students and adults will love.
On-the-Go Bagel Kit
Offer healthy meal choices that students want to eat; that’s the goal, right? And why not make them easy to grab, portable, and fun to eat? This kit is a real winner!
Trend Two: Kicking the Canned
"With stricter sodium guidelines, schools have been forced to consider alternatives to sodium-rich canned products. Many find that frozen items offer the convenience of canned, elevating their menus without all the sodium."— ROBERTO ROMAN, Corporate Executive Chef, Simplot
Apple and Chicken Sausage Pasta
Looking for something a little different? This tasty combination of savory turkey sausage, Fuji apples, and penne pasta makes this wholesome dish a kid-approved, flavorful option for school lunches.
Sweet Potato, Corn and Black Bean Quesadilla
A kid-approved quesadilla filled with roasted sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans. This recipe really hits the mark for serving up balanced, flavorful meals that students will love.
Roasted Corn Pudding Casserole
Golden roasted corn pudding casserole—creamy, sweet and savory. This hearty side dish is perfect when paired with protein and veggies for a well-balanced school meal.
Greek Salad with Grains, Falafel and Tzatziki
A vibrant Greek salad with grains, veggies, crispy falafel, and tangy tzatziki. Mediterranean goodness and a fun, healthy twist on the lunch menu. Students will love it!
Trend Three: Super Dupes
"Duplicating your students’ favorite restaurant dishes is a sure way to add excitement to a K-12 menu. Tweaking ingredients offers you the opportunity to dial in the nutritional factors while adding your own unique twists." — ZACHARY GREATTING, Culinary Content Chef, Simplot
Egg and Potato Bites
These savory little bites are fluffy, light, and perfectly portioned for breakfast or a healthy snack on-the-go. Packed with protein, grains, Fuji apples, roasted sweet potatoes—and flavor!
Bagel Breakfast Sandwich
A warm, satisfying breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, cheese and avocado—a tasty, balanced morning meal that provides all the energy needed for a productive day of learning.
Wild-Style Burger and Secret Sauce Animal Fries
A burger and fries rarely disappoint, and this flavor-packed combo is no exception. The caramelized onions and zesty sauce make this meal a little different and totally craveable!
Combo Orange Chicken Plate
This tasty plate features crispy orange chicken paired with rice and veggies—similar to a familiar takeout meal that kids love—but without all the extra sodium and fat.
Trend Four: New Food Adventures
"Trying new foods is vital for school-aged kids to develop healthy eating habits and a diverse palate. Unfamiliar foods are a smart way to promote balanced nutrition, open-mindedness, and an appreciation for different cuisines." — MIKE KINKADE, Director of Culinary, Simplot
Baby Bakers™ and Butter Chicken
Tender chunks of chicken and Baby Bakers™ potatoes come together in a one-dish meal with a flavorful sauce—give this hearty, satisfying dish a try—they’ll love it.
Chicken Adobo Bowl
Looking to add some variety to your lunch menu? This one-bowl meal with chicken, grains, corn, a not-too-spicy sauce, and a mango topper might be just the thing. Give it a try!
Avocado Carbonara
A creamy avocado carbonara pasta with tons of flavor and a fraction of the fat and salt that the traditional recipe has. This kid-friendly version is going to be a hit!
Dill Pickle Cheeseburger Quesadilla
Put a fun twist on classic flavors with this melty, delicious quesadilla. If you need some variety on your menu, try this portable option; we think the students will love it!
Crowdsourced Cuisine for K-12
Welcome to a new, regular section of K-12 Trend Feast®, a place we share the best recipe submissions from K-12 kitchens across America. Each of these recipes has proven itself popular with kids and is easy to prepare.
Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfaits
Bright and refreshing, these parfaits are an easy, nutritious breakfast or afternoon snack—and excellent as a grab-n-go option.
Roasted Apple Overnight Oats
Roasted apples, vanilla yogurt and old-fashioned oats are a kid-friendly breakfast that’s comforting and filling—a perfect choice for busy school mornings.
Raspberry Crumble Oat Squares
Sweet raspberry filling and a crumbly oat topping pair perfectly in these kid-friendly squares—excellent as a tasty breakfast or snack option with homemade appeal.
Broccoli Salad
A popular dish (but lightened-up) with a guacamole and yogurt-based dressing. It has all of the flavor of the original, and the craisins and sunflower seeds add color and crunch.