Care Homes & Senior Living Culinary Trends
2025/26
Paul Bloxham, Head of Culinary – Europe
• Culinary Expertise: Over 25 years as a chef and leader at top organisations like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Aramark.
• Innovation & Technology: Driving data-backed culinary strategies at Avendra International using tools like Pi.
• Mentorship & Giving Back: Actively supports young chefs through the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
• Sustainability Focus: Advocates for waste reduction, efficiency, and balancing creativity with operational needs.
“Simple things, when done properly, can be truly outstanding”
Elevating culinary excellence
Innovation, education, and sustainability
• Insights and innovation
• Educational visits to manufacturer’s farms
• Menu support: special diets
• Theme days and engagement
• Cookery demonstrations
• Sustainable procurement & supporting eco-friendly initiatives
• Health checks and menu support
• Accreditation support
Introduction
The dining experience in senior living and care homes has undergone significant changes in recent years, and it's well overdue! Modern older adults entering care or retirement communities expect the same dining and convenience choices they enjoyed previously.
To meet these expectations, service and procurement partners such as Aramark, Aramark Senior LIFE+, and Avendra International are keeping abreast of the latest trends to provide innovative food programs and culinary experiences that enhance residents’ satisfaction.
As the senior care sector progresses, so does the methodology of dining in care
homes and senior living environments. Innovations in nutrition, AI-assisted meal planning, and automation are transforming how residents receive and enjoy their meals.
From customised diets designed to meet individual health requirements to the integration of technology in food preparation, the future of dining in care homes is becoming increasingly efficient, nutritious, and engaging. The future of catering in care homes is poised to be more personalised, nutritious, culinary-oriented, efficient, and sustainable than ever before.
With advancements in AI-driven meal planning, innovations in plant-based
proteins, and enhanced solutions for texture-modified diets, residents will enjoy greater choices and access to higher-quality, health-centric meals.
As the industry continues to advance, collaboration among chefs, nutritionists, suppliers, producers, and food providers will be essential in ensuring that every meal not only fulfils dietary requirements but also promotes overall wellbeing and enjoyment in this continually evolving landscape.
Food trends 2025/26
From global flavours to functional foods and festive cocktails, these culinary trends in care home catering centre on unforgettable experiences that celebrate true hospitality.
1. Wellbeing front and centre
Food as wellness
In 2025, food is more than sustenance - it’s an experience that nourishes both body and spirit. The dining scene is rapidly evolving, with a strong focus on personalisation, health, sustainability, and community.
Senior living communities are elevating dining with farm-to-table meals, themed international nights, guest chefs, and interactive cooking demos.
These offerings blend culinary innovation with wellness, helping residents understand the link between food and overall health.
2. Sustainable dining Fresh & environmentally responsible
Residents and their families increasingly value sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in dining.
Senior living communities are responding with local farmer partnerships, farm-to-table programs, and initiatives to reduce food waste.
Seasonal menus featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients enhance flavour while demonstrating a commitment to the environment - aligning with the values and priorities of residents.
3. Plant-based
Nutritious, local ingredients
Plant-based diets and interest in sustainable eating are growing in senior living - not just for health but also for the environment.
Menus need to include more functional foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and nutrients that support brain and heart health.
Using fresh, local ingredients improves dish quality and supports sustainability, which residents value.
This approach creates a strong community “food story” that builds trust and authenticity, making the entire food and beverage strategy more meaningful and flexible.
4. Seamless personalisation
Tech-powered dining
Thanks to tech advancements, senior living communities can now offer personalised nutrition through app-based food management and recipe systems like Avendra International’s all-in-one eprocurement system Pi.
Additionally, using health profiles and AI tools, chefs can craft menus that address specific dietary needs - whether diabetes, heart health, gluten sensitivities, texture requirements, or allergen concerns.
These tailored nutrition plans make dining enjoyable, meaningful, and above all, safe.
5. Texture-modified food
New advancements to consider
Some residents require texture-modified meals, like purees or minced options, due to swallowing difficulties or dental issues.
Advances in menu cycles and culinary techniques, including moulded purees that mimic regular foods, are enhancing flavour, visual appeal, and nutritional value.
Though these meals increase preparation costs, their impact on resident satisfaction and nutritional intake makes them a key investment for care homes.
With new knowledge and technology, natural setting agents and food moulds can now replicate fruits, vegetables, and proteins in creative, appealing forms. Additionally, a growing number of readyto-use producers are making significant contributions in this specialised field.
6. Global flavours Adding culinary
diversity to your menus
Today’s seniors are embracing culinary adventures, with global cuisines bringing new excitement to dining.
From zesty Korean barbecue to fragrant Indian curries and fresh Mediterranean fare, diverse flavours encourage exploration and cultural appreciation.
Themed dining nights and chef-led demonstrations create immersive experiences, offering residents a journey around the world through culinary escapism.
7. Experiential dining
Creating social culinary experiences
Dining today goes beyond serving food - it's about creating fun, memorable experiences.
Senior living communities are embracing interactive activities like cooking classes, hands-on workshops, and themed events such as shared mezes, crock pot sharers, taco bars, and DIY sushi.
Residents participate in making or personalising their meals, sparking creativity and independence. These events also foster socialising and strengthen community spirit. By embracing these trends, communities can craft dining programs focused on quality, flavour, wellness, and connection.
8. Elevated beverages
Wellness drinks and creative cocktails
Wellness drinks, craft cocktails, and mocktails are stealing the spotlight! Beverages like kombucha, herbal teas, and fruit-infused waters now complement stylish cocktails and mocktails, adding elegance to dining.
Refreshing options like elderflower spritzers and cucumber-mint mocktails cater to all tastes. Events such as ‘Mocktail Mondays’ and themed happy hours create a lively atmosphere and encourage socialising.
With fresh herbs, natural sweeteners, and creative presentations, these drinks elevate the dining experience and bring excitement to hospitality programmes.
Avendra International is a leading strategic procurement and supply chain partner to care homes across the UK and globally. Leveraging $20.5B in purchasing power, our local experts offer tailored solutions to drive efficiency, savings, innovation and sustainability. We get it, and we can help. Reach out to your regional account manager for more information or contact News_Europe@avendra.com.
www.avendra.com