Last Updated: May 13, 2026
QSR is the #1 visited restaurant type for Gen Z, with 33% saying it’s their go-to
Gen Z Evolving Habits, Datassential 2024
Gen Z’s restaurant usage increased by +46% in the past year
Gen Z Evolving Habits, Datassential 2024
Gen Z’s purchasing power only continues to grow and transform the quick-service and fast-casual world. This digital-first generation seeks quality, creativity and convenience – all at an affordable price, and at the touch of a button. From global mashups to social media-worthy menu moments, Gen Z is redefining food and restaurant culture. Learn how you can engage Gen Z, tap into their cravings and serve up experiences that truly resonate with them!
TURNING INSIGHTS INTO ACTION: TIPS TO CAPTURE GEN Z
WIN GEN Z WITH SOCIAL AND REWARDS.
Social media isn’t just a discovery tool – it’s Gen Z’s food compass. They use TikTok and Instagram primarily to discover new restaurants and menu items – and are the quickest generation to flock to delivery apps (YouGov, Dec. 2024). Create social media-worthy menu moments that make you discoverable and deliver on digital perks with mobile coupons and rewards!
2. MAKE SNACKS MEAL-WORTHY.
Snacks are flexible fuel for Gen Z, especially if they’re portable or shareable – and oftentimes a total meal replacement. Pizza slices, blended drinks, baked goods and finger foods all double as snacks and meals.
MIX GLOBAL CRAVINGS WITH COMFORT.
Gen Z is looking for adventurous eats, but still leans on familiar foods and flavors for comfort. Introduce globally inspired flavors that are approachable and familiar, paired with other well-known or widely recognizable menu items.
1/2 of Gen Z says they’d like to have more meals with unique flavors or different cuisines
“Taste of Tomorrow: Navigating Food Through the Eyes of Gen Z and Gen Alpha 2023,” Hartman Group
Gen Z is a globally mobile group who appreciate the cuisine of diverse countries
Gen Z Evolving Habits, Datassential 2024
DROP LTOs THAT MAKE WAVES.
Limited-time offers are perfect for feeding Gen Z’s appetite for novelty and FOMO. Use LTOs to test potential new menu items – global flavors, seasonal fusions and fun, colorful creations that light up social feeds.
64% of Gen Z ordered an LTO in the last month
IFMA CPP Research Window #3, 2024
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza on Fresh ‘N Ready Oven Rising Sheeted Pizza Dough (PC 17040)
48% of Gen Z likes or loves Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza6
Mexican Street Corn Poppers with Cornbread Poppers (PC 18510)
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) has a +215% 4-year growth rate on QSR menus9
Pink Drink with Matcha Soft Whip Cold Foam (PC 09229)
The global Matcha market is expected to hit nearly $8 billion by 2033—its target audience being Gen Z and Millennials10
Mango Boba Smoothie with f’real by Rich’s Blend and Serve Mango Smoothie (PC 80054) & Rich’s All-in-One Creamer (PC 23904)
Boba is gaining popularity—led by Gen Z—with a predicted +36% 4-year menu growth rate11
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Take me back to the Resource Center!
1 – Gen Z Evolving Habits, Datassential 2024
2 – Kantar ‘Five Disruptors: Gen Z Food & Beverage,’ April 2025
3 – Toast, 2024
4 – Technomic State of the Restaurant, 2025
5 – Technomic Snacking Consumer Trend Report, 2025
6 – “Taste of Tomorrow: Navigating Food Through the Eyes of Gen Z and Gen Alpha 2023,” Hartman Group
7 – IFMA CPP Research Window #3, 2024
8 – Datassential Pizza Category Trend Report, 2024
9 – SNAP! Datassential, 2024
10 – Straits Research, 2025
11 – SNAP! Datassential, 2025