From baby boomers to Gen Z, we’ve seen how each generation has its own unique relationship with food. What was once a breakfast staple may become a dietary danger for the next. And with our own relationship with foods now, you’d be surprised how the next generation comes to treat them. Today, we’ll be bringing you the 10 foods that reveal how different generations approach eating.
10. Vegetables
The past generation ate vegetables because they had to. Back then, vegetables were often added to meals as boiled or canned and were frequently flavorless. It just shows how healthy eating became a nightmare for them. But with Gen Z, they incorporate vegetables in their diet through roasting or grilling. There are even Instagram-worthy health bowls. They also tend to be adventurous with their vegetables and preparations, with a focus on a healthy lifestyle.
9. Dairy Products
The past generation grew up with a “milk is good for the body” campaign. However, there is now a growing awareness of lactose intolerance. With that, various types of milk, including almond milk, were introduced to the public. With that, Gen Z has normalized non-dairy consumption through products like oat milk, coconut yogurt, and cashew cheese, which would send the older generation into a spiral. They’re also plant-based alternatives for those who choose the vegetarian lifestyle.
8. Fast Food
The past generation treated fast food as a special treat for a job well done or maybe a celebration. But with the current generation, everyone’s living on drive-thrus and delivery apps to have fast food at home. With that, Gen Z developed a love-hate relationship with fast food. They often crave some for nostalgia, but they also feel guilty about its health impacts. They also learned to cancel brands that don’t align with their values.
7. Coffee
Past generations drank their coffee as black or with cream and sugar, typically brewed. Meanwhile, Gen X introduced the Starbucks revolution, making specialty coffee accessible to everyone. Millennials have turned coffee into a lifestyle, obsessing over pour-overs, cold brew, and oat milk lattes while working in coffee shops. Meanwhile, Gen Z prioritizes sustainability through reusable cups and maybe a coffee with functional benefits. They’re also likely to choose matcha or energy drinks to fuel up.
6. Home-Cooked Meals
The old generation, or baby boomers, grew up with home-cooked meals. It’s Mom in the kitchen making everything from scratch. Meanwhile, Gen X tried to maintain, but eventually relied on the microwave for their heated meals. For millennials, it’s a different story, as they often glorify home cooking through food blogs and social media posts. As for Gen Z, they’re likely to have dietitian-approved meal kits or order delivery. They occasionally cook to save money or eat healthier.
5. Meat and Protein
The old generation grew up with a meat-and-potatoes dinner, where different dishes are incorporated with the same ingredients. Gen X continued the pattern but started incorporating chicken more than red meat due to health concerns. Millennials tried Meatless Mondays and flexitarian diets to shed weight. While Gen Z is embarking on a plant-based revolution to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, it is driven by either dietary or ethical reasons.
4. Frozen Foods
Baby boomers remembered frozen TV dinners as a convenience, while Gen X uses frozen foods as a backup option for busy days. Millennials are driving a movement to rethink frozen foods, favoring fresh ingredients. However, Gen Z has increasingly embraced frozen and microwaveable meals. However, it’s not the same frozen dinners but those with better quality and cleaner ingredients. With that, manufacturers are meeting Gen Z’s demand with health-conscious options.
3. Pizza
The older generation prefers their pizza in whole slices, whether enjoying it in a pizzeria or at home on Friday nights. Gen X maintained the same, but wanted chain delivery. Meanwhile, millennials sought a gourmet experience in their pizzas, with artisanal toppings and a wood-fired crust. As for Gen Z, they want customization with plant-based options that they order through apps, accompanied by loyalty rewards.
2. Restaurant Dining
The older generation views dining out as a significant experience, where they order full entrees, accompanied by appetizers and desserts. Millennials, on the other hand, preferred the brunch culture and Instagrammable food trends. Gen Z wants to order shared entrees and appetizers from kids’ menus to save money. But they’re likely to reserve eating out for special occasions and prefer food delivery apps on regular days to get their food delivered at home.
1. Breakfast Cereals
Baby boomers and Gen X enjoy their Saturday morning with a cartoon and a sugary bowl of cereal. Millennials adopted the tradition while questioning the sugar content. As for Gen Z, they abandoned the cereal aisle and tossed away boxed breakfast. They prefer overnight oats, Greek yogurt, fruits, and granola for breakfast. They may also choose a granola bar before heading to the gym.