Here’s a look at some attributes impacting the food choices of today’s diners, according to Technomic’s Generational Consumer Trend Report.

How Healthy?

Less than half (46%) of consumers say they are very health-conscious, a rate that’s highest among millennials (55%) and lowest among members of Gen X (41%). However, just 43% of consumers reported feeling satisfied with their health, and even fewer (37%) reported satisfaction with their eating habits.

Coping with Stress

Younger consumers report the biggest swings of any age group in their eating behaviors when stressed, according to Technomic. Among Gen Zers, 37% say they replace meals with snacks when under strain, and 30% report eating less healthfully than normal.

Shifting Habits

Half of consumers say they eat healthfully when at home, while just 31% say that how they eat outside the house is healthful.

Word Play

Though 77% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase items described as “fresh,” health-focused terms like “low-sodium/salt” and “reduced sugar” hold particular appeal for Gen Xers and millennials.

Plant-heavy Plates

Millennials appear most drawn to the plant-based phenomenon, with one-third saying that they are including plant-based items in their diets more often than they did two years ago. Twenty-seven percent of Gen Zers reported the same, as did 20% of Gen Xers and just 14% of baby boomers.

Source: Foodservice Director