Schools serve more spicy, international foods at lunch

The days of plain, predictable school lunches are fading in some districts.

The days of plain, predictable school lunches are fading in some districts. Mystery meat is out. Bolder options like honey chipotle grilled chicken sandwiches are in.

Across the country, school kids are hungry for change. They want spicier, more global flavors — recipes that are as vibrant and diverse as classrooms themselves.

In a survey fielded by Datassential in January and February of this year, 73% of parents said their children had tried new foods in the week prior to when they were polled. Meanwhile, flavors such as hot honey and Nashville hot have grown in popularity by more than 200% and 100%, respectively, in recent years.

“Kids are very savvy now. They know exactly what they want. They are interested in trying new things,” said Sheila Buhse, nutrition director at the South Huntington Union Free School District on Long Island.

Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia added menu items including churrasco chicken, ramen and chicken masala to provide students with more options, many of which came directly from student feedback. It also offers hot sauces such as Texas Pete and sriracha, among others.