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.
AI had a large presence, in unexpected ways, at the National Restaurant Association show, especially when it comes to sustainability. Plant-based seafood and sustainable cooking oil also made an appearance.
New takes on old-school recipes and flavors were spotted throughout the show. Favorite after-school snacks, Saturday morning cereal and birthday cake sprinkles are the inspo.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its partners have announced the first round of grant recipients for the program, which aims to support projects intended to strengthen the supply chain for school foodservice programs.