Born between 1997-2012 after the Millennials, members of Gen Z range from 10-25. They make up for over one-third of the U.S. population and have significant buying power, spending around $143 billion in the U.S. alone. Gen Z’ers are tech-savvy, diverse, and informed consumers. With an abundance of resources and information at their fingertips, they research a product, ask a friend, and know the facts before they make a purchase. For food products to appeal to consumers, producers and manufacturers must understand their eating habits and food preferences. To determine the most significant trends among Gen Z, investment banking company Piper Sandler surveyed 7,000 American Gen Z’ers about their food preferences. A few of the most popular trends among this generation include:
Additive-Free Food
According to Piper Sandler, Gen Z consumers prefer organic food or natural food without additives. This preference can be explained by the fact that they have grown up in an era where health and wellness are prioritized more than ever.
Snacks Come First
Instead of a big breakfast or filling dinner, Gen Z prefers to eat short meals or frequent snacks throughout the day. They are a more health-focused generation as 54% indicated that they prefer healthy snacks. However, when asked to choose their favorite snacks, only 3% reported fruits, vegetables, or nuts. The top-ranked snacks among Gen Z include Lay’s, Doritos, and Cheetos. Still, there are healthier brands like General Mills’ Nature Valley, which made the top 10.
Less Meat
Half of the respondents indicated they already consume or intend to consume plant-based meat. A 2019 study points out Gen Z’s increased receptiveness to eating vegan than older generations. In this niche, Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are some of the most popular brands among Gen Z. Our infused dried fruit is a great option to include as a food ingredient as Gen Z consumers move towards plant-based foods. Our exceptional ingredients add intense flavor, a pop of color, and a health halo to snack bars, baked goods, salads, and more.
Gen Z is leaning towards a healthier diet that includes more organic and natural foods. At the same time, they also enjoy indulging in sweet and salty snacks. Consumers demand healthy, simple, and authentic ingredients in their foods as they become more health-conscious, and our ingredients tick all the boxes. Our infused dried fruit gives consumers authenticity, nutrition, and simplicity. Each piece of our fruit is harvested at peak season and flash frozen to preserve its integrity, nutrition, bold color, and authentic flavor. We partner with outstanding growers in the premier growing regions across North America to source the premium fruit that becomes our exceptional ingredients. Our nutrient-dense superfruits deliver exceptional flavor, texture, hue, and performance in a wide range of applications. Are you ready to serve the Gen Z population with the healthy foods they want? Talk to our experts today!
