Cafeteria survey results

What was asked:

We asked questions about eating habits, use of cafeterias and cafés, reasons for not using them, and satisfaction.
 

Sample:

• 2,050 respondents took part in the survey, including 59% students, 40% employees, and 1% guests.

• Survey period: May 19 to June 9, 2025.

 

Eating habits:

• For 88% of all respondents, the topic of nutrition is of high to very high relevance.

• The most important meal is lunch (93%), which is also the main meal of the day for 66%, followed by dinner (69%) and breakfast (56%). One in three people have a snack in the afternoon.

 

Diet types:

• At 42%, flexitarians make up the largest group, followed by meat lovers at 36%. In addition, 21% eat a meat-free diet (2018: 13%).

• The dietary types vary considerably between the individual institutions. While meat lovers make up the largest group in the Zwickau cafeterias, flexitarians are the largest group in Chemnitz.

• 7% of respondents take religious rules or traditions into account in their diet.

 

Use of facilities:

48% of all respondents are regular guests, and almost as many (47%) are sporadic guests.

Of those who do not eat in the cafeterias, 66% bring their own packed lunch or eat at home, with their parents, fellow students, or friends.

The main reasons for not using the cafeterias are the price-performance ratio, self-catering, offerings that do not suit dietary habits, lack of time, and lack of money.

 

Satisfaction:

Overall satisfaction is 2.2; in the sub-areas of offerings, it is 2.3; for service, it is 1.8; and for the premises, it is 1.6.

Across almost all facilities, variety, taste, preparation, quality, appearance of the food, and selection of cold and hot beverages were rated positively.

There is still room for improvement in almost all establishments in terms of the availability and use of organic and regional ingredients, the selection of healthy drinks, the range of vegan dishes, and the price-performance ratio.

 

What happens next?

We have implemented various measures, or are in the process of doing so, in response to the price sensitivity and higher cost pressures for students revealed in the survey:

“Nice price” meal for students: Since October 1, 2025, all cafeterias have been offering a daily meal for only €2.30.

Price reduction at the hot and cold food counters and salad bars: Starting in December, prices for students at these counters in all cafeterias (except Strana and Glauchau) will drop by €0.20 per 100 g to just €1.00, with no change in quality or variety.

Brunch offer in the cafeteria: Starting in the winter semester, the brunch offer in Cafete55 will offer better value for money.

Cheaper ice cream offers: In response to the massive increase in purchase prices from brand-name ice cream manufacturers, ice cream will be available in all facilities starting at €1.00 per cup.

Cheaper scoop ice cream: Since August, Cafete55 has been offering scoop ice cream at lower prices, while continuing to source the ice cream regionally. With graduated prices, this results in potential savings of up to €0.70.

 

Healthier beverage offerings:

“Aqua Natura” drink: Following a successful trial run in the Mensa⁵⁵ cafeteria during the summer semester, the healthy drink “Aqua Natura” (0.3 l glass for €0.60) is now being introduced at other locations. The range of products on offer in the Mensa⁵⁵ cafeteria is also being expanded.

 

We also want to continue to respond to the high demand for fresh, healthy, organic, and regional products. We will continue to expand this offering, and students can already see which products are regional and organic in our meal plans thanks to corresponding symbols.

Further savings offers are still being planned and will be implemented soon. Check out our announcements and follow us on Instagram!