The NEXT Flavor Network is a Rubix-exclusive insights generator that partners with taste-making social influencers to channel the wants, needs, and cravings of their largely Gen Z audiences. Since launching this extension to our market research and consumer insights department in 2024, we’ve developed a library of data-backed, Gen Z-approved flavors. These 14 are just the beginning – get inspired and tap into The NEXT Flavor Network to discover what’s next for your menu.
This is one of those flavors that you have to taste for yourself to truly grasp the deliciousness. Pizza Ranch was created in partnership with Matt James–The Bachelor-turned-foodie and one of our founding members of The NEXT Flavor Network. In a proprietary flavor appeal study, 66% of Gen Zers told us they would be interested in trying a pizza-flavored sauce1. Wouldn’t you want a slice of that business?
Rich Korean BBQ meets bright Hawaiian flavors in this global mashup that packs a sweet and spicy punch. Asian Aloha is Content Creator Nate Llorin’s signature flavor. When The NEXT Flavor Network, which Nate is a founding member of, took to the streets of Chicago to sample each of their sauces at an in-person tasting event, 95% of those who selected Asian Aloha as their favorite said they would visit a restaurant just for the sauce2.
Alexis Frost, who was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2024 Power List, is the flavor futurist and NEXT Flavor Network member we developed Chimichurri Ranch with. This sauce marries the freshness of cilantro and lime with the savoriness of ranch into a holy traffic-driving matrimony. At The NEXT Flavor Network’s in-person tasting event, Chimichurri Ranch rose to the top as the crowd favorite scoring 52% of all the votes2.
Spicy habanero is cooled down with sweet peach and brown sugar creating a unique flavor combination that delivers the complex heat Gen Z is craving. Peach Habanero is equal parts unique and appealing making this sauce a perfect formula for a limited time offer (LTO). When we concept tested this flavor on chicken tenders, 61% of Gen Zers considered the menu item especially unique and 64% said they would visit a restaurant specifically for it3.
While Gen Z doesn’t have as strong of an affinity for Italian flavors compared to their Gen X and Boomer parents, it holds a special place in their nostalgic hearts. Spicy Sicilian brings together Italian herbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon and red pepper into one craveable creation. We tested this flavor on mozzarella sticks and Gen Zers loved it, giving the menu item a 97 out of 100 or a “superstar” rating3.
Gen Zers (87%) want more global flavor options from their favorite chain restaurants1 – especially those deriving from East Asian cuisine. That’s why we developed Ginger Wasabi, a flavor that 64% of Gen Zers told us they would be interested in trying1. It’s true that ginger and wasabi have strong flavors that aren’t for everyone, but combining the two ingredients together yields an appealing yet approachable sauce.
Zesty dill pickle meets ranch’s creamy richness and together they form a perfect match that’s good enough to drink. Pair this flavor with fries to drive frequency or toss it with chicken wings to draw new traffic. 50% of Gen Zers told us they could see themselves ordering pickle ranch fries frequently whereas 61% said they would visit a restaurant specifically for pickle ranch wings3.
Smoky Hot Honey is an opportune flavor to smoke the competition. We asked a panel of Gen Zers if they would be interested in trying this sweet, smoky, and slightly spiced sauce and 73% said yes1. This bold flavor mashup is a perfect fit for fast food, as both hot honey (+260%) and “smoky” menu items (+20%) have seen significant growth on QSR menus—flavor trends that are expected to continue through 20284.
Sweet and Sour isn’t necessarily a unique or hard-to-find flavor, but it’s certainly underrated. More than 60% of Gen Zers say the love/like Sweet and Sour sauce5. So where does this flavor belong on menus? We asked Gen Zers that question and 36% opted for chicken wings and 22% voted for French fries6.
Somewhere in the southern sky, there’s one superstar flavor bright enough to catch Gen Z’s attention – and that’s Carolina Mustard BBQ. That’s why a panel of Gen Z surveyors gave Carolina Mustard BBQ Chicken Tenders a “superstar” rating3. This sauce’s depth stretches all the way to the Deep South with mustard, vinegar, smoke and brown sugar notes coming through in every flavorful bite. Fun fact – 48% of the top BBQ variations on menus include a state or city in their name1.
We took two complementing flavors that Gen Z loves and combined them into a single sauce to enhance the appeal. While 62% of Gen Zers say they love/like buffalo and/or lemon pepper as stand-alone flavors5, 70% told us they would be interested in trying Lemon Pepper Buffalo1. Not only is this flavor profile recognizable, but its versatility makes it a tasty fit across menu categories.
If 85% of consumers told you they wanted a specific flavor on your menu, would you add it to your line up? That’s what surveyors had to say about Hot Honey BBQ Ranch1, so we’ll take that as a “yes.” With 44% of Gen Zers asking for more variations of ranch and 16% craving new BBQ extensions1, Hot Honey BBQ Ranch is the low hanging fruit (low dripping sauce?) missing from your menu.
Pair ubiquitous Cajun spices with Gen Z’s passion for pickles and a flavorful concoction comes to life. While pickle flavors may seem polarizing to some, that’s not the case for Gen Z. In fact, 20% of Gen Zers told us their love for pickles is an obsession1. But for the few who aren’t as drawn to the idea of a pickle-flavored sauce, the Cajun contribution adds a gotta-try-it-to-believe-it twist that’s too tasty to pass up.
While popular in retail grocery aisles, Chili Crisp is only available on 1% of U.S. restaurant menus4, so early adopters will own this viral trend. Delicious in almost any application, we suggest trying Asian Chili Crisp on French fries if you want to drive Gen Z traffic. We tested Asian Chili Crisp French Fries with a panel of 1,000+ surveyors and Gen Z’s purchase intent was 14% higher than the general population’s3.
From dipping sauces to fry tosses to any part of your menu in need of flavor innovation, these concepts were formulated to deliver a big impact. Backed by the voices of real consumers through The NEXT Flavor Network, they’re more than trend predictions – they’re flavor opportunities waiting to be menued. If you’re looking to break into a new demo or double down on your core fanbase, Rubix is here to co-create what’s next.
1 – The NEXT Flavor Report, Rubix Foods, November 2024
2 – The NEXT Flavor Network In-Person Sampling, Rubix Foods, August 2024
3 – Concept Testing, Rubix Foods, January 2025
4 – Datassential, MenuTrends, March 2025
5 – Datassential, Consumer Preferences, March 2025
6 – Flavor Preferences Survey, Rubix Foods, December 2023
