JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Trends affecting restaurant menus in 2025 may include Gen Z saying ranch is overrated, Gen Z asking for a pickle sauce and “swalty” is the new “swicy,” according to Rubix Foods’ The Next Flavor Report. The flavor insights report combines proprietary data, third-party research and findings from Rubix’s Next Flavor Network, which is a collective of three influential taste making social media creators with Gen Z audiences, according to Rubix Foods.

In July, Rubix's Next Flavor Network influencers engaged their primarily Gen Z audience, a combination of 2.6 million followers, and posted Instagram polls posing questions aimed at identifying gaps in the current flavor offerings at quick-service restaurants (QSRs.)  The report had approximately 45,000 responses, which the flavor report analyzes the consumer reactions and curates them into insights for restaurants. 

“Understanding Gen Z is one thing, but adapting to this generation’s evolving and experimental palate is critical for restaurants to drive meaningful traffic,” said Shannon O’Shields, vice president of marketing at Rubix Foods. “On top of partaking in little treat culture and being exposed to diverse tastes, they are the generation most excited to try new food and beverage items and are quick to share what they love with social media. The goal is that this data gives restaurants the courage to innovate and try something new with their flavor offerings, ultimately meeting the demands of this influential group.”

Ranch overrated: The report said when provided with an open-ended question, approximately 21% of Gen Z said ranch was overrated with 43% of survey respondents saying they want to see more variations of the flavor. However, two of the three flavors Rubix taste-tested Gen Z at in-person sampling were variations of ranch. 

Ninety-two percent of those taste-testers said they would go to a restaurant specifically for those sauces, according to the report. 

Pickle sauce: One report question asked, “What food/beverage do you want to be turned into a sauce?” and one in five Gen Z said “pickle.”

Two percent of the respondents in the influence flavor polls said pickles were “overrated,” claiming “the flavor hasn’t yet peaked,” according to the study. 

“Swalty” is the new “Swicy:” The term “Swicy,” or sweet heat, was trending this year but now a new term has hit the market by combining sweet and salty or “swalty.”

The report found that Gen Z craves sweet and salty 5% more than craving swicy.