Although the school year is well underway, college and university foodservice operations are continually innovating to keep up with the latest trends. And while trends arrive in an array of formats – ranging from new products to contemporary menu applications and more – there are staple ingredients that can be applied to any of the “latest and greatest” menu innovations.

While not necessarily novel, bowls are continuing to steal the spotlight in the dining sector. Food Management has even deemed them to be “the new sandwiches in terms of foodservice’s go-to menu item.”¹ Of course, every bowl is only as good as its base. Mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base to create an appetizing bowl that can be customized to a crowd’s desires. For instance, Idahoan® CREAMY Classic Mashed Potatoes can be used to create a Sweet Chili Pork Bowl in this recipe on the Idahoan Foodservice website.

Another trend that continues to sweep dining halls across the country is inclusivity. While vegan foods have been trending for the past few years, “many college dining programs are expanding their offerings to be more inclusive to those with differing diets,” such as those who maintain kosher and halal diets.² It’s easy to be inclusive with options like potatoes, which can easily meld with a broad range of diets and cultures. Idahoan keeps inclusivity at the forefront— most Idahoan potatoes are Kosher/Dairy Kosher as regulated by the Orthodox Union, so that they can be implemented in the dining scene to be enjoyed by all. For the complete details of Idahoan’s Kosher products, look to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Idahoan Foodservice website.

Trends, especially within the younger generations, will always change. However, it’s easy to stay on top of them with simple, easy to incorporate ingredients. Whether to inspire culinary creativity for a new recipe or to adapt a menu that can be enjoyed by a wider variety of diners, Idahoan potatoes offer a timeless solution to keeping up with campus trends.

¹Informa’s Food Management, “10 ways bowls are totally taking over foodservice menus,” August 2022

²Informa’s Food Management, “Viewpoint: Colleges expanding kosher, halal offerings,” February 2023

To find more inspiration on how to implement Idahoan® Potatoes onto your campus’ menu, visit idahoanfoodservice.com.