Gen Alpha’s Taste for Sushi Is Reshaping Family Dining

Sushi is increasingly becoming a staple of childhood dining, replacing foods traditionally associated with younger audiences such as pizza, chicken nuggets and grilled cheese.

Reporting by The Wall Street Journal highlights how parents across different regions say their children are requesting sushi regularly, turning what was once an occasional treat into a recurring expense.

Restaurants are also seeing younger customers ordering items previously associated with adult diners, including curated sushi menus and specialty rolls. Some families report restaurant bills climbing significantly, reflecting the higher cost of raw fish and premium dining experiences.

Industry data points to the broader scale of the shift. Retail sushi sales reached $2.9 billion in the 12 months through November 2025, up 7% compared with the previous year, according to consumer analytics firm Circana.

Analysts say several factors are driving the trend, including sushi’s visual appeal, sweeter rice flavors and the perception that it is a more mature or healthier option than traditional children’s foods.