What's on the menu for the office in 2027?
Office food used to be a nice extra. Pizza on Friday, a fruit bowl next to the coffee machine. That is changing fast. Companies want people back in the office, employees want a reason to come, and food has become one of the best answers.
We put together the 2027 Workplace Food Report for HR, People and Workplace leaders planning next year's budget. Here is a quick preview of the five trends inside.
1. Food is the new return-to-office lever
Mandates alone don't fill desks. Employees who had to come back on site without any new perks were 27% more likely to actively look for a new job. Food is one of the perks that actually moves people.
2. Everyday beats once a week
The catered Tuesday lunch is still the default, but expectations are higher now. ezCater found that 66% of workers expect a recurring food benefit like daily or weekly meals. One big lunch a week doesn't fill the other four days.
3. Protein, fiber and smaller portions`
The big sandwich platter is on its way out. More than half of consumers say they are interested in high-fiber foods and drinks, and among Gen Z that goes up to 60%. Expect more balanced bowls, smaller formats and clear labels.
4. Less waste, more accountability
Over-ordered catering trays get thrown out at 2pm. More companies will ask their food partner for waste numbers, the same way they ask for invoices.
5. Gen Z sets the menu
Gen Z is the group most motivated by food perks, and they eat differently. 49% of Gen Z want to cut back on alcohol for their health, so the after-work beer is now sharing the table with tea, kombucha and cold brew.
Get the full report
The full 8-page report has all the numbers, what we see in FELFEL fridges across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Philadelphia, and a 6-question checklist to use with your food provider.
