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| “Bold! That’s the central theme shaping the developments in campus dining this coming year,” said Chef Jennifer DiFrancesco, the Director of Culinary Innovation for Sodexo Campus. “To get noticed in 2025, desserts will have to dive into the deep end of indulgence and main dishes need to be infused with authentic, global flavors to satisfy students’ ever-expanding tastes. We also know students want more than just meals -- they see dining as the gateway to richer social connections. We’re embracing these trends wholeheartedly to deliver unforgettable dining experiences that students are eager for in 2025." Sodexo Campus culinarians have revealed students will be craving these five trends in 2025: 1. Showstopper Desserts In
the new year, students will expect to see more delectably indulgent desserts
that are primed for social media and made from better-for-you ingredients.
An example of this includes Sodexo’s signature Freakshakes, over-the-top
milkshakes with extravagant toppings. First introduced as a pop-up event,
Freakshakes have garnered so much student demand that they are now a staple
on campuses across the U.S.
 2. Tacos Get Rebellious Tacos made with multicultural ingredients and bold new flavor combinations are on the rise in 2025. Serving as the perfect vehicle for fusion, students are drawn to unique combinations of authentic ingredients and surprising originality. From barbeque cornbread crumble and kung pao crispy chicken to green curry tofu bursting with spice, students will be expecting their tacos to deliver a world of flavor in the new year. 3. Chili Crunch Is Coming in Hot Chili
crunch — sometimes referred to as chili crisp— will be an obsession on
campuses in 2025. This traditional Chinese chili oil combines sweet heat
with a satisfying crunch that packs a punch. It’s the perfect example of
Gen Z’s love of global flavors and sauces that allow customization, and
it will be popping up everywhere on campus in the new year, from shrimp
and peanut noodle bowls to surprisingly zippy cacao ice cream.
 4. Curry, Curry Everywhere Curry will be a staple in campus dining halls in 2025. Belly-warming and robust, its diverse and bold flavor profile adds satisfying depth to dishes and will be on menus everywhere for students come the new semester. Students' craving for originality and creative fusion is reflected in dishes like Thai red curry polenta and curry meatballs. 5. Functional Foods for Holistic Dining Experiences Incredible food is the number one driver of overall campus engagement according to Sodexo’s 2024-2025 Student Lifestyle Survey. This offers a unique opportunity for campus dining to implement programs and concepts that promote community-centered experiences, all while continuing to focus on food as fuel for mental and physical health. In the new year, the holistic dining experience — one where dining is a catalyst for fostering community — will become of even greater importance on campuses. Discover how Sodexo Campus is shaping the future of dining by unlocking 2025 campus trends: us.Sodexo.com/industry/higher-education. About
Sodexo North America
Media Contacts: Drew
Nannis
Heidi
Bullman
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