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Chartwells Higher Education Maps America’s College Dining Cravings By Region

10.29.26

  • New analysis of Campus Dining Index data reveals how Gen Z’s dining preferences vary across the country
  • 68% of college students have at least one dietary preference, influencing what they look for on campus
  • From ramen in the West to smoothies in the Midwest, regional insights are shaping how Chartwells approaches menu development

Today’s college students are influencing campus dining in ways that reflect both broad generational trends and local preferences. According to Chartwells Higher Education’s 2026 Campus Dining Index (CDI), while Gen Z’s appetite for customized, functional meals is universal, their specific cravings vary based on where they go to school.

The CDI found that 68% of students have at least one dietary preference. When considered alongside students’ favorite cuisines, menu items and dining influences, the data reveals distinct regional patterns that can help inform the campus dining experience.

“This generation of students sees food as both an experience and a source of fuel,” said Chef Joe Labombarda, SVP of Food Experience and Culinary Innovation, Chartwells Higher Education. “Our data shows that students are looking for dining options that reflect their preferences, their routines and the communities around them. Understanding those differences helps us create menus that feel more relevant to each campus and the students who call it home.”

Here is how student dining preferences vary across America:

  • The West: Students in the West show the strongest demand for pho, ramen, and made-to-order noodles (32%), followed by authentic Mexican dishes (27%). They are also prioritizing high-protein options, driving the largest year-over-year increase in desire for protein-packed meals (45%).
  • The Midwest: Midwestern campuses sit at the center of beverage culture and comfort foods. Students here show the strongest interest in the country for smoothies (49%), viral dirty sodas (23%) and mocktails (21%). The region also takes the lead in mac and cheese (26%) and walking tacos (18%) as the most desired menu items on campus. When deciding what to eat, 42% of Midwestern students say recommendations from family and friends are what influence them most, the highest in the country. 
  • The Northeast: While high-protein options lead dietary preferences for northeastern students at 26%, athletic-performance dining is close behind at 23%, the highest in the country. The region also shows the second-highest interest in mocktails (20%), following the Midwest.
  • The South: Southern campuses lean fully into regional cuisine, showing the highest preference for Tex-Mex concepts at 19%. Students in the South also tie with those in the Midwest in their love for high-protein meals (28%) and for pho, ramen, and made-to-order noodles (28%). The region also has the most digitally connected diners, with students turning to social media or food influencers more than any other region (22%) when deciding to try a new dish.

While dining preferences vary regionally, Gen Z and Gen Alpha still share many similarities in dining habits. Across all four regions, high-protein dining preferences increased 36% year over year. The majority of students also rely on sampling or tasting opportunities (43%) to influence them to try new foods.

Chartwells Higher Education’s culinary experts craft menus that are unique to each campus, offering customizable options to ensure students feel at home in dining environments across the country.

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