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.
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.
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.
See 4 menu items being served at Aramark’s new plant-based concept
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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.
School-based therapy company, ProCare Therapy ranked which states have the healthiest school meals based on five different factors, including NSLP participation and participation in farm-to-school.
More is more with these sporty menu items, from the LA Cheesesteak Dog to the Milwaukee Brat Burger to Steak Elote Empanadas to Stuffed Concha Bread and Smoked Meat Rings.