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read moreFrom Forecast to Flavor: How Dirty Sodas Are Shaping the Future of Campus Dining
How Chartwells Higher Ed turns national trends into student-favorite experiences—starting with a “dirty” twist on soda.
The Rise of Dirty Sodas
Move over, mocktails—there’s a new drink making waves across the country. The dirty soda trend, which started in the Mountain West and has since captured the attention of Gen Z, is officially going national.
This customizable beverage—typically soda mixed with cream, flavor syrups, and fresh lime—has become a social media sensation and a go-to treat for students craving something indulgent, familiar, and endlessly personalizable.
It’s no surprise that Dirty Sodas earned a spot on the 2025 Fall Flavor Forecast from Chartwells Higher Ed. But forecasting a flavor is only the first step. The real impact comes from turning data-driven insights into on-campus experiences that delight guests in real time.
From Trend Insight to Action
At Indiana University Indianapolis, that’s exactly what happened. The campus dining team saw an opportunity to bring the trend to life—and paired it with another student favorite: dessert.
The result? Sticky Notes, a new build-your-own dessert concept that allows guests to customize donuts, jumbo cookies, cinnamon rolls, and dirty sodas—all from their phones.
The concept didn’t emerge by chance. It was inspired directly by student survey feedback asking for something “fun, fast, and customizable.” Sticky Notes answers that call—combining craveable treats, convenience, and creativity in one experience that feels both high-energy and personal.
“We listened to our guests, we looked at the data, and we delivered something that connects with student culture,” said Stacy Blanton, Resident District Manager. “Sticky Notes is a great example of how we bridge national trends and local preferences.”
Why Dirty Sodas Work
The success of Dirty Sodas goes beyond novelty. It reflects a deeper shift in beverage culture—toward personalization, nostalgia, and indulgent experiences that feel made-for-me.
For Gen Z consumers, customization isn’t just a feature—it’s an expectation. They want to craft their own combinations, share them on social media, and explore new flavor profiles that feel authentic to their taste.
Dirty Sodas perfectly capture that spirit. They’re versatile, Instagram-worthy, and—when paired with desserts—deliver a comfort-food experience that resonates deeply with college students.
From Flavor Forecast to Future Thinking
Every year, Chartwells Higher Ed’s Flavor Forecast identifies emerging trends shaping campus dining—from global flavors and beverage innovation to tech-driven personalization and sustainability.
By connecting these insights to on-campus concepts like Sticky Notes, teams bring national data to life in local, meaningful ways.
It’s a model built on listening, learning, and leading—using trend intelligence not just to predict what’s next, but to make it happen.
The Takeaway
Dirty sodas may be trending now, but the lesson goes far beyond one beverage. It’s about the power of insight-driven innovation—and how campuses can move faster, stay relevant, and meet guests where their cravings are headed next.
As student expectations evolve, so does campus dining. And for Chartwells, that means staying at the forefront of flavor, flexibility, and fun.
Learn More
Discover what’s next in our 2025 Fall Flavor Forecast, where we explore the trends shaping the future of food, flavor, and campus dining.
