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Cally Ip, senior customer marketing executive for schools at Bidfood, says: “School’s back in session, which means students are in need of a delicious and nutritious lunch. Caterers should make sure what they’re serving in their canteens is in line with the latest trends, healthy and school-compliant.

“Fresh from their travels over the summer break, children are becoming increasingly interested in trying food from around the world. For those who have just enjoyed a staycation, they’re also getting inspired by the food they see on the high street, seeking out authentic dishes, drinks and cuisines to feed their senses.”

According to the Bidfood and CGA 2023 Trends consumer survey Mexican (38%) and Caribbean (44%) are a couple of the top cuisines.

Ip adds: “Why not try whipping up some grab-and-go options such as Mexican tacos and tamales or Jamaican patties? Not only are they full of incredible flavour, but they also utilise low-cost ingredients saving you money on your budget.

“Mexican and Caribbean cuisine also offer caterers the chance to make small tweaks to staples like pasta. Transform your regular chicken pasta by adding a sprinkling of paprika, dried oregano and ground cumin to make it a Mexican fajita feast.

“British fusion works particularly well in schools as it allows students to try new flavours without throwing them into the deep end. The top three British fusions consumers are eager to try include: British-Chinese, British-Indian and British-Italian. So ramp up your roast dinner Wednesdays with a Chinese roast chicken with salt and pepper roasted potatoes and wok fried greens.”

According to the Mintel Attitudes towards Healthy Eating research, one in three consumers are interested in eating foods that are beneficial to mood and the same amount to mental health. Bidfood says that parents and children alike are now recognising the importance of making healthier lifestyle choices.

Ip comments: “When planning school meals, it’s crucial to ensure a balanced intake of different nutrients, appropriate portion sizes, and a variety of fresh foods to maximise nutrient intake. Special dietary needs should be accommodated, and food safety and hygiene must be prioritised.

“To encourage healthy eating, schools can incorporate nutrition education into the curriculum, involve students in menu planning, and create visually appealing presentations of healthy foods. Serving the right foods is important to create lifelong healthy eating habits.”

Bidfood’s top tips:

• Incorporate variety: Offer a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy options to keep meals interesting and nutritious.

• Fresh foods: Prioritise fresh, locally sourced and minimally processed ingredients to ensure higher nutritional value and better taste.

• School compliant: Follow the school food standards to ensure that you create a menu that meets the requirements and then see how you can weave the latest food and drink trends into them.

• Catering to special diets: Provide options for students with dietary restrictions, allergies and preferences, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals and be sure to clearly label them.

• Visuals: Make healthy foods visually appealing with colourful displays and creative presentation techniques to bring out the wow factor from your students.