Identifying what Gen Z wants on menus is on everyone’s minds today. Although multiple routes can lead to success here, the quickest and easiest pathway is to offer signature takes on their favorites. Burgers, pizza and chicken tenders provide surefire formats. The challenge, as always, is to make them stand above the competition.

Blueberries can lend a solid assist, providing these three favorite formats with their sweet-tart flavor, plump juiciness, nutrient-dense profile and beloved familiarity. For operators, blueberries offer versatility, offered in a number of forms, including fresh, frozen, dried, powdered, canned, puréed, and freeze-dried.

56% of patrons wish blueberries were included more on lunch and dinner menus.*

BET ON BURGERS

The burger is a Gen Z best bet. This Insta-ready Peanut Butter Blueberry Burger levels it up, starring two smash patties, peppered bacon, peanut butter and a striking sweet-tart blueberry jam. Caramelized onions and white American cheese round out the profile. The tangy, cooling blueberry jam is made with IQF blueberries, which keep their shape and texture for the most part while cooking slowly. Blueberries make this burger a standout, offering signature flavor and premium value.

PIZZA PARTY

It’s no surprise that Gen Z loves pizza—what young adult doesn’t? Today, the world of pizza styles, topping options and flavor combinations is larger than ever. Gen Z is showing their love of sweet heat, embracing everything from hot honey to mango habanero. For a pizza sauce that provides flavor complexity while also offering up vibrant color, blueberries bring a new dimension. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s a blueberry-jalapeño barbecue pizza sauce or a roasted blueberry-poblano drizzle.

LOVE ME TENDER

When campus dining directors are asked to name college students’ favorite menu item, chicken tenders always top the list. For restaurant brands to carve out a competitive edge here, differentiation is key. Leverage the popularity of blueberries, giving your chicken tender offerings something special to set them apart.

Consumers of all ages love blueberries—64% say blueberries brighten up the flavor of sauces and dressings.*

Blueberries can be a gamechanger, in both the chicken tender’s crispy coating and the accompanying dipping sauce. For example, Blueberry Beer-Battered Chicken Tenders star a light panko batter made with smashed blueberries and pale ale, then deep fried until golden brown.

Add puréed blueberries to condiments or dressings for signature results:

1. Blueberry Ketchup
2. Blueberry Hot Honey
3. Blueberry Barbecue
4. Blueberry Ranch
5. Blueberry Ponzu

Find on-trend menu ideas featuring blueberries or contact us for custom innovation support at blueberry.org/foodservice.

* USHBC Patron Study 2021, Demand for Blueberries at Foodservice