Did you know that, according to recent reports, US millennials spend  $1,672 dining out every year and $2,242 at the grocery store? This is because millennials look at food in a very different manner than previous generations. These views are reframing their food preferences, and you must be here to know how they are changing the food industry. This blog will answer this question in detail!

Before Diving Deeper? 

Before diving into detail, let me tell you a bit about this question’s roots. Old generations assumed food was something ordinary, just energy to do daily tasks. However, millennials view food as part of their lifestyle. They are focused on its side effects on health. 

These people associate food with adventures and embrace high-quality food. Their only concern with food is not limited to the calorie count; it’s the knowledge of food components. In short, you can say that this is something they have associated with their lifestyle and living identity. 

 

“ Laughter is brightest in the place where food is good.”

Irish Proverb

 

5 Ways Millennials are Shaping the Food Industry:

Let’s look at how millennials set new trends in the food industry! 

1.Prioritising Sustainable Food Options:

Everyone would be glad to read that Millennials are choosing to protect the planet rather than just seeing the convenience in food options. They are not going for environmentally harmful products like plastic straws; they prefer more sustainable options. 

We can say that when it comes to making food choices, sustainability is the topmost preference of all the millennials. Millennials are even considering the growing, manufacturing and packaging process of the foods they are choosing.  An additional concern raised by these people is how much energy, water and effort is being invested in that food.  

2.Making Portable & Convenient Food Choices:

Millennials love to snack rather than choosing heavy meals. They are more into following new food trends. Such people are going for more portable snack foods more frequently as compared to other food choices. They make choices like easy-to-open and resealable as today’s life is becoming more and more occupying and they prefer convenience. 

For instance, most millennial smokers are now going for vaping as this is something more convenient and portable, such as purchasing the RandM Tornado 10000, having a rechargeable battery. This disposable vape takes you away from the hassle of refilling your favourite e-liquid repeatedly. 

Another example is using Elux Legend 3500 puffs. It’s a trending disposable vape, and millennials can easily carry it anywhere and conveniently use it anytime, anywhere. They can dispose of it easily, then. 

But let us tell you also that it’s not like they prefer convenience over the planet. They have cut off the use of plastic bags and utensils to protect the planet. Also, vaping adds less pollution to the environment, so that’s why they are also preferring vaping over smoking. 

3.Preferring Plant-Based Meals & Seafood:

Another interesting fact is that millennials prefer more plant-based food and seafood. Forty per cent accept “largely plant-based diets, even if they are not vegetarian or vegan.” Additionally, millennials boosted their seafood consumption by 30% between 2017 and 2018. 

Furthermore, the Organic Trade Association states they are searching more for natural and organic items. Many millennials follow special diets like keto, vegan, and Whole 30 for their bodies, weight loss, health concerns, and more, in addition to organic and natural foods.

4.Looking for Locally Sourced Ingredients:

Millennials also give importance to the source of the ingredients. They prefer that the source of the components should also be healthier. This is why the restaurants are taking the major shift and adding the name of the farms from where they are growing these components, i.e. the plant source of fruits, vegetables or pulses. It’s not just about restaurants; they prefer locally sourced ingredients such as fresh packaged salads so they don’t have to travel so far.

5.Demanding Ethical and Humane Food Businesses:

Besides food, Millennials are very concerned about humanity, philanthropy, and ethical business values. These people consider the process from which food comes. Millennials look for ethical food business practices and work culture. 

They prefer brands and products with a certain vision and mission. This is why some surveys suggest millennials purchase food from a known or representative brand. They firmly believe in those food brands that align with their beliefs and values. 

Takeaway!

Millennials brought about global change. Their choices, habits, and way of life have sparked several revolutions in practically every field, from the office to the media and beyond. The food sector keeps evolving to meet the needs of the changing Millennial population.