# Automated Meal Plan New business models for on-campus meal plans deliver heightened quality. By [Mary Van Puymbroeck](https://www.trendhunter.com/Mary.Puymbroeck), Research Advisor at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 19, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-meal-plan ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Automated Meal Plan trend? **Automated Meal Plan:** Increasingly, food service providers are shifting their business models to better leverage emerging technology and automation to supercharge college meal plans. These new business models speak to an area of opportunity that not only fulfills what students want, but also overcomes common logistical challenges that come with preparing affordable food at an industrial level. ## The consumer insight behind the Automated Meal Plan trend Gen Z and Millennials consumers are accustomed to automated convenience in the products and services they use. Retail channels that leverage automation often provide shorter lines and quicker service, appealing to busy consumers balancing both work and school who are trying to find time to enjoy a nutritious meal. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 19, 2018 to Sep 21, 2020 - Published: Jun 19, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Automated Meal Plan trend ### Automation in Food Services Food service providers are shifting towards automation to supercharge meal plans and provide affordable, nutritious options for busy students and consumers. ### Plant-Forward Menus Colleges are redesigning their food offerings to appeal to a health and environment-conscious Generation Z, with plant-forward meals and sustainable sourcing. ### Healthy Meal Delivery Convenient and reasonably priced meal delivery services, like Mealpro, are providing students and busy consumers with pre-cooked meals that prioritize health and quality ingredients. ## What the Automated Meal Plan trend means for industry ### For Food Service Companies in the food service industry can explore automation and plant-forward menu options to appeal to health and environment-conscious consumers. ### For Meal Delivery The meal delivery industry can capitalize on the demand for healthy and convenient meal options for busy students and consumers who prioritize health and quality ingredients. ### For Home Meal Kits Companies in the home meal kit industry can provide meal kits filled by loved ones with homemade dishes, for a personalized and healthy meal delivery option. ## Workshop question Identify a usage bubble in your industry. How might your brand use technology and automation to disrupt this? ## Trend signals for Automated Meal Plan Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 47%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 62% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Automated Meal Plan trend 6 featured examples from Apr 19, 2018 to Sep 21, 2020. - [Healthy Student Meal Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mealpro): Mealpro Delivers Health-Conscious Meal Plans to One's Door (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthy meal delivery service provided by Mealpro represents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the food delivery industry. - [Campus Food Delivery Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-uncle): Good Uncle's Offerings Can Complement Students' Existing Meal Plans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use automation and robotics to create a cost-effective and efficient food delivery service specifically targeted at college and university campu… - [Homemade Meal Delivery Startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/from-home-with-love): From Home With Love Lets Parents Send Homemade Meals to Their Kids (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food delivery industry, including big players and startups, can explore homemade meal delivery options to expand their service offerings. - [Collegiate Food Delivery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collegiate-food-delivery-robots): These Autonomous Robots Deliver Food to Hungry University Students (Category: Tech) Implication: The integration of autonomous food delivery robots offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the food delivery industry. - [Farm-to-Table Cafeteria Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uproot): Uproot is Bringing Locally Sourced Meals to High School Students (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform traditional cafeteria offerings in various food service settings by incorporating locally sourced and healthier menu options. - [Plant-Forward College Food Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/college-food-menu): Aramark is Redesigning Its Offerings to Appeal to Generation Z (Category: Eco) Implication: Food service providers can adopt eco-friendly initiatives and incorporate plant-based options to appeal to a growing demographic of environmentally conscious consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)