Snacking Habits Across Generations
July 2024
Snacking has become a major part of daily diets. While consumers of all ages are looking for more substantial options than chips or candy, each generation has its preferences.
Understanding these preferences and consumers’ recent habits can help operators ensure that they offer appealing snacks for all diners. Learn more about the snack foods trending with consumers overall and three generations in particular.
Snacking Habits Across Generations
Today’s consumers are more health-conscious, with 62% saying they look for healthier snack options and 61% wanting those to be high-protein. Turkey is packed with protein and can help operators meet both demands. Try these Turkey Summer Rolls, a zesty take on the traditional Asian snack, and an easy way to meet demand for healthy, high-protein bites and global- influenced flavors. They include smoked turkey breast and aromatic herbs wrapped in rice paper and served with sambal peanut dipping sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a touch of heat.
Snacking habits also change throughout the day––diners look for more nutritious choices in the morning and more indulgent bites later. Consumers crave something fun and new when snacking, with 67% preferring small bites that are fun to eat, and 53% looking for unique menu options. Experiment with different formats and global influences, like with this recipe for Turkey Taco Tostones, featuring turkey carnitas on crispy tostones drizzled with queso fresco and a side of honey lime sour cream or watermelon salsa.
Baby Boomers
People born between 1946 and 1964 tend to favor traditional and comforting snacks, especially doughnuts and pastries, breakfast sandwiches and bagels. An elevated twist on the classic breakfast sandwich, the Breakfast Croissant Sandwich hits all the right notes for this generation. It features turkey sausage links, an omelet, kettle chips for extra crunch and a sprig of basil on a toasted croissant.
Millennials
Members of this generation (born 1981–1996) enjoy burgers, breaded chicken sandwiches and frozen sweets. Try offering turkey as a healthier alternative to a traditional beef burger in craveable menu items for health-conscious diners. Millennial customers will love recipes like this mouthwatering Pimento & Turkey Bacon Jam Smashburger, with pimento cheese and turkey bacon onion jam on a brioche bun.
Gen Z
Diners born between 1997 and 2012, known as Gen Z, prefer snacks like breakfast sandwiches and specialty coffee. The Triple Decker Towering Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich is a unique and satisfying grab-and-go breakfast Gen Z will love. It features turkey sausage, turkey bacon and sautéed apples sprinkled with goat cheese between layers of warm biscuits.
Incorporating turkey’s delicious flavor and nutrition into snack recipes can attract all generations to your operation. How will you satisfy your snackers? Share your ideas on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Source:
Circana. 2024. The Snack Journey: Where We Are and Where We’re Going [On-demand webinar]. PDF file. https://www.circana.com/intelligence/webinars/2024/the-snack-journey-where-we-are-and-where-were-going/
