Gen Z Fooides Are Now ‘Cancelling’ Ranch Dressing – And Declaring New Food Trends for 2025
Gen Z is canceling ranch dressing, deeming it overrated and uninspired. Instead, they crave bolder, innovative flavors like chipotle ranch or even pickle-based sauces. And the new flavor on the rise - by 250% - seems to be 'swalty' a mixture of sweet and salty.
In a surprising culinary shift, Generation Z is turning its back on traditional ranch dressing, labeling it as overrated and seeking more adventurous flavor profiles. A recent report by Rubix Foods reveals that 21% of Gen Z consumers have abandoned ranch altogether, while 43% express interest in innovative variations of the classic condiment.
Ranch Dressing Falls Out of Favor
Once a staple in American households, ranch dressing is now facing a decline in popularity among younger consumers. The Rubix Foods study indicates that many Gen Z individuals consider ranch to be passé, opting instead for more dynamic and diverse flavors.
Despite the overall decline, there is a growing interest in flavored ranch dressings. Searches for new ranch flavors have surged by 250% over the past year. Regional preferences vary, with chipotle ranch favored in the Northeast, garlic ranch in the Mid-Atlantic, buffalo ranch in the West, pizza ranch in the Midwest and Pacific Coast, and jalapeño ranch in the South.
In addition to flavored ranch, Gen Z is showing a penchant for pickle-based condiments. Approximately 14% of this demographic already enjoy pickle-flavored sauces, prompting brands to introduce products like pickle cream cheese and even pickle-flavored toothpaste.
‘Swalty' Emerges as the New Flavor Trend
The sweet and salty combination, now dubbed ‘swalty,' is gaining traction among Gen Z, potentially replacing the previous ‘swicy' (sweet and spicy) trend. This shift is evident in snacking habits and new product launches, with ‘swalty' flavors expected to grow by 32% in the coming years.
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