Generation Z Shaping Food And Beverage Trends Because Of The Healthier Influences They Grew Up With

Nevin Barich

LOS ANGELES , July 24, 2018 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) – When I was a kid, and later a teenager, there were two constant staples at my house and all of my friend’s houses: Pepsi and Cheetos. Whether we were playing outside, swimming in the pool or playing video games around the TV, Pepsi and Cheetos—along with other similar snacks and beverages—were always in large supply.

In those days, we didn’t think about whether food was healthy or unhealthy. At that age, we never concerned ourselves with such things. We didn’t read food labels and we didn’t worry about preservatives. All we cared about was whether the food tasted good. If it did, we ate it, nutritional content be damned.

But according to a recent report by Mintel, today’s kids—Generation Z—have a different view toward such products. Mintel’s recent presentation at the 2018 Institute of Food Technologists shows U.S. consumers between the ages of 11 and 22 have already started shaping food and beverage trends because of the healthier influences they grew up with.

Many kids and teens tend to see soda as unhealthy after their parents nixed sugary food and drink options, Mintel research showed. One-quarter of teens between 15 and 17 years of age said they're concerned about remaining healthy, and almost half (49%) believe that drinking sodas is not healthy.

"Generation Z has come of age at a time when health and wellness is a major consideration. Many younger members of Generation Z follow their parents' healthy ways and it seems health-consciousness only gets stronger as they approach adulthood," Dana Macke, Mintel's associate director of Lifestyles and Leisure Reports, said during the presentation. “However, health is multi-faceted for this group, suggesting that better-for-you formulations, such as craveable fruits and vegetables, can be expanded to give this generation options that fit with their ever-changing diet priorities.”

Better-for-you formulations? Craveable fruits and vegetables? We’re a long way from Pepsi and Cheetos. It’s definitely a different time from when I was growing up.

Nevin Barich is the Food and Beverage Analyst for Industry Intelligence, which can help YOU better address your own industry challenges. We invite you to come take a look at our service. Call us today at 310-553-0008 and we’ll schedule you for a 15-minute demo.

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