Over the last decade, the topic of the different generations has really come to light. Studies and research have been done on the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and now Gen Z. Recently, Helixa released an enlightening study on the Gen Z group. These studies focus on trends, behaviors, habits, motivations, and the lifestyle of each generation, and how current events shaped them.
One interesting aspect of the Gen Z generation (those born between 1997 and 2012) is their food and eating habits. They are much more aware of what they consume and how it affects their health. Below are four popular food trends that the new young generation enjoys.
Health Conscious
The Gen Z group is much more health-conscious than the older generations. They are more likely to choose organic foods or foods without additives. They prefer more natural options and stay away from processed and packaged foods.
They are also more aware of how their diet affects their health. With new and easy to access information on social media about health and diet, more Gen Z-ers are becoming more aware of what they put in their bodies.
International Cuisine
It’s no secret that this generation is curious about the world. They seem to be much more open-minded and more comfortable trying new things. So, how does this affect their eating habits?
Gen Z is more likely to eat international foods and try dishes from different cultures. They want to know and learn about the tradition behind these dishes and respect the culture it’s from.
No longer are people saying their favorite cuisine is Italian or BBQ, but instead, Gen Z enjoys pho, ramen, sushi, and other dishes from further parts of the world. Unlike previous generations, they will embrace new cultures and their dishes without question or unwillingness to try them.
Less Meat
You won’t often find Gen Z enjoying a rack of ribs or a hearty steak multiple times a week. While most of them do still eat meat, a growing number are following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Whether their motivation is to protect animals or purely for health reasons, you will see many of them choose restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Snacks Throughout the Day
The day of a Gen Z-er is usually quite hectic. Whether they are juggling two jobs or going to school and working, or simply tackling a lot of activities in a day, many don’t have time to sit down for a full meal in the middle of the day.
So, you’ll notice that Gen Z prefers to have small snacks throughout the day as they work or are in transit to their next task or activity. Meals are reserved mostly for breakfast (if they wake up early enough) and dinner after a long day.
