Their preferences and eating habits are slightly different than that of Millennials. Gen Z is focused on sustainability, health, and wellness. Their food choices are more likely than any previous generation to embrace flexitarian eating habits — on-and-off vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.
Generation Z has a different view of shopping and consuming than previous generations. They spend more on sustainable products. To meet Gen Z's requirements, you need to be clear about how your e-commerce works for a better, more sustainable future.
Two categories increased most significant in popularity among younger consumers: fruity/chewy candy and meat snacks/jerky. Corresponding brands within these categories jumped similarly in their emotional importance to this generation.
Gen Z values experiences and purposeful purchases. They're more likely to spend on travel, events, and unique experiences that create memories. And when it comes to products, they're all about brands that align with their values. Gen Z is known for their love of sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible companies.
Some turned to spending less on clothes (40%) or limiting grocery purchases to just the necessities (33%). But almost half (43%) of respondents reported cooking at home more than going out to eat this past year, and the majority of these frequent chefs are planning to continue this habit into 2024.
Gen Z + Food: What You Need to Know if You're in the Food Industry
Does Gen Z eat McDonald's?
Of all chain restaurants and fast food places, McDonald's once again takes the top spot for Gen Z and Millennials. And when we ask why this is their favorite, young people have all the best things to say about McDonald's.
A 2020 APA's Stress survey in America showed that Gen Z is the most stressed generation, scoring an average stress level of 6.1 on a scale of 1-10. This high level of stress can also show an impact on Gen Z in the form of ageing.
The average life expectancy of baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are different. Compared to the 70-year life expectancy of baby boomers and the 85-year life expectancy of Gen X, Gen Z is predicted to have a life expectancy of over 100 years.
Gen Zers say they spend a lot of time in the house reading, playing games, and crocheting. Rising costs and high levels of loneliness may be behind these changing habits.
The top breakfast choices, for Gen Z, contain plenty of calcium (46%) and protein (44%) – such as porridge (39%), overnight oats (33%), avocado (9%), and smoothies (8%). And 18-24-year-olds typically eat as soon as they're awake – at the average time of 7.37am on weekdays, and 8.17am on weekends.
Generation Z (Gen Z) is known for their love of desserts, but they are also more health-conscious than previous generations. This means that they are looking for desserts that are both delicious and nutritious.
Gen Z spending habits show they care the most about fashion, makeup and beauty products, technology, and their pets. This is perhaps due to their young age and few major bills.
Social media is a huge trend for this generation. Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are, by far, the most frequently used platforms. One-quarter of Gen Zers spend five hours or more per day on TikTok. TikTok continues to soar in popularity among members of Generation Z (911% in 5 years).
Gen Z consumers are generally drinking less alcohol than older generations, a reflection of their attitudes towards health and wellness. In 2022, they were the fastest growing demographic of non-alcoholic drinks consumers.
For one, Gen Z is the most likely age group to eat at fast-food restaurants frequently – 26% dine at fast-food chains weekly, and another 40% do so monthly (compared to 22% and 32% of the Gen Pop).
Generation Z can experience negative emotions such as anxiety, strangeness, and panic when absent from one's device or experience feelings of being afraid due to not knowing what everyone else is doing (Vincent, 2006).
Gen Z has learned to think, learn, and communicate in an environment defined by wireless internet ubiquity, wholesale technology integration, infinite content, and immediacy.
What Unique Qualities Does Gen Z Have? Generation Z is the most diverse, connected, and tech-savvy generation ever. They are also incredibly resilient, adaptable, and resourceful.
Indeed, 73% of Gen-Z report feeling alone sometimes or always. Loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. And people who experience social isolation have a 32% higher risk of early death.
Nearly 80% want prospective partners to also make self-care their top priority. 75% find a potential mate more attractive if that person is open to working on their mental well-being. Values-based qualities like loyalty, respect, and open-mindedness are more important than looks, in the minds of Gen Z daters.
In the short term, Gen Z's stress is leading to ambivalence and withdrawal in their professional lives. According to 2022 data from Gallup, they are the most disengaged group at work. They also report more overall stress and work-related burnout than other cohorts.
Like millennials, Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), are more likely to prioritize eating healthy and getting regular exercise, however, they also prioritize their mental health and managing stress.
