New Fast Fruit Shop is serving up BBQ Watermelon Ribs and Tropical Pineapple Loaded Fries as Gen Z want to see more natural sweet treats on fast-food menusEllie Clibbens13:24, 04 Sep 2026Three quarters of Gen Z say they would be more likely to eat fruit if it was on the menu at their go-to fast-food joint. The research, which polled 2,000 adults, revealed that 42% of 18-29-year-olds are craving healthier, natural sweet treats at their usual late-night spots.‌It’s not just takeaways that are ripe for a change, either. According to the research, younger diners are also keen to see fruit pop up at music venues (23%), pubs (22%), and even nightclubs (12%). A quarter (24%) of Gen Z believe the food group simply needs to be made more 'relevant' to their generation.‌‌Suggestions for a glow-up include serving it in takeaway packaging (21%), pairing it with dips and sauces (11%), or seasoning it with bold flavours like chilli, lime, and salt (13%).To give fruit the fast-food remix it deserves, soft drink brand Rubicon has teamed up with London takeaway institution Sam’s Chicken. The pair will open the UK’s first "Fast Fruit Shop" at the chain’s Harlesden store this Friday, 4th September (3pm–9pm) and Saturday, 5th September (1pm–9pm).The menu has been designed to celebrate fruit served like never before, featuring creations such as Cherry Jerk Mango Tostones Tacos, Tropical Pineapple Loaded Fries, BBQ Watermelon Ribs, and Mango Fruit Churros.‌And it’s not just the food that's getting fruity - the pop up’s soundtrack is being infused with a tropical twist too. Visitors can make some noise on an interactive keyboard which turns real exotic delicacies into instruments for an unexpected jam session, open to all levels.‌Lisa McKenna from Rubicon, which commissioned the research, said: “We think it’s time for fruit to take centre stage.“Our research shows Gen Z isn’t turning its back on fruit – quite the opposite. They love it and are actively looking for healthier choices, but they want fruit to meet them where they are – whether that’s at a chicken shop, in takeaway packaging, or after dark.“We know they are also looking for new ways to socialise beyond pubs and clubs. So, we’ve given their usual night out spot a fruity remix, packed with big, bold flavours.‌“Chicken shops are part of the fabric of British food culture, so we thought it was time for these two worlds to collide. We can’t wait for London to get a taste.”Gen Z are proving to be the most experimental generation, with 55% discovering new fruity flavours through soft drinks. While others have first tasted fruit via desserts (44%), sweets (49%), or cocktails (36%).‌But, 82% of young adults are still desperate to try lychee (33%), guava (30%), and passionfruit (22%).Niroch Fernando from Sam’s Chicken said: “Chicken shops and fresh fruit might sound like an unlikely combination, but that’s exactly why we loved the idea.“Takeaway culture is about convenience, fun, and trying something new – and the Fast Fruit Shop brings all three together.Article continues below“We’ve loved playing with flavour and putting fruit front and centre, while giving some of our classics a fruity twist.”