Chartwells Higher Education Report Reveals 36% Increase in College Students' Preference for High-Protein Foods
🍜 In 2026, Chartwells Higher Education's Campus Dining Index surveyed over 100,000 U.S. college students and staff, revealing that 28% prioritize high-protein foods, up 36% from the previous year. Clean eating preferences rose by 40%. Students favor ramen and pho (29%), authentic Mexican cuisine (24%), and sushi (22%). For beverages, 45% prefer smoothies. Comfort foods like pasta (21%) and sweets (20%) remain popular, with culinary teams exploring innovative variations to meet Gen Z’s evolving tastes.
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