Gen Z is projected to have a spending power of $12 trillion by 2030, overtaking Boomers by 2029 and becoming the wealthiest generation ever.¹ 

Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z’s digital fluency and social consciousness are shaping the future of both food service and wallet share. 

Gen Z’s passion for authenticity, wellness and innovation are reflected in several of the trends highlighted in Entegra’s 2026 annual trends report. 

How can you tap into the latest trends to attract this influential demographic? 

Here are a few Gen Z-centric trends and how Entegra Culinary Consulting (ECC) can help you leverage each one: 

• Experiential Dining: Gen Z food trends include a blend of storytelling, ambiance and personalization in their dining experiences—turning meals into more immersive experiences. 
  Culinarian input: From setting up a simple build-your-own bowl with a corresponding special menu to chef-driven experiences that share the story behind each dish with diners, the Entegra culinary team can help you create buzz-worthy dining experiences. And savvy operators are sourcing food responsibly not only because it’s the “right” thing to do but also because it fits the Gen Z ethos.
• Shifting away from alcohol: A Gallup survey found that the share of adults under age 35 who say they ever drink dropped ten percentage points, from 62% in 2021-2023 from 72% in 2001-2003.² As an alternative, Gen Z is embracing adaptogens and wellness-focused beverages that include mindful ingredients like mushrooms and herbs. 
  Culinarian input: Creating food and beverage offerings that de-stress and rejuvenate guest provides an exciting service opportunity. Plant-forward dishes, probiotic-rich drinks, electrolyte-infused teas, healthy grab n go snacks – these are just a few ways the ECC helps its hospitality clients stand apart and shine. And remember: zero alcohol does not mean zero flavor – check out a few ECC non-alcoholic ideas in this blog. 

“Tracking food trends on TikTok or Instagram gives you a preview of what’s going to be big for Gen Z. Entegra Culinary Consulting can help you interpret these trends and how you can apply them for diners or guests.” 

-ECC Chef Lynn Hay

• Global cuisine: Gen Z's food cravings include new and interesting flavor profiles and global cuisine. Fueled by social media, with its instant access to global influences, Gen Z's culinary curiosity is seemingly limitless. 
  Culinarian input: In a recent “Simply Smarter” series from Datassential,³ Entegra’s culinary team loved seeing Filipino cuisine—including silog, a Filipino breakfast dish—reflect Gen Z’s aspirational travel experiences showing up on the plate. 

“Sourcing ingredients through our local and direct savings programs is something we do regularly for clients who are interested in leveraging global culinary trends.” 

-ECC Chef Lynn Hay

• Sustainability and ethical sourcing: Transparency and ethics are non-negotiable for Gen Z. This demographic expects brands to prioritize sustainable practices, ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility in every aspect of the hospitality industry. 
  Culinarian input: Responsible sourcing and supporting clients’ corporate sustainability reporting are “baked in” to the ECC’s food and beverage consulting process. Entegra is a founding member of HARP—Hospitality Alliance for Responsible Procurement (HARP), which brings procurement and positive impact together across the hospitality industry to help clients meet key sustainability goals. 

Get your 2026 hospitality trends forecast 

Explore Gen Z trends and more in Navigating 2026: The Essential Trends Report. 👉 https://www.entegraps.com/articles-and-insights/download-center/whats-hot-hospitality 

As a division of Sodexo, Entegra currently operates the most high-performing and resilient food and beverage supply chain in the world. And as a leading group purchasing organization (GPO), staying on top hospitality industry trends is one of our key differentiators. 

From realizing cost savings and labor solutions to menu optimization and innovation, Entegra goes above and beyond our role as GPO. 

Call Entegra at 833-977-1765 or contact us to get more information about putting Entegra’s purchasing power and solutions to work for you. 

_{¹Source: Global Gen Z Spending Report, NielsenIQ, GFK World Data Lab 
²Source: Gallup Wellbeing: Young Adults in U.S. Drinking Less than in Prior Decades 
³Source: Datassential Menu Movers & Opportunities: Explore how menu items evolve from inception to ubiquity, highlighting key trends and opportunities.}