Gen Z Food + Drink Trends: 25/26
With a spending power of $12tn by 2030, Gen Zers (born between 1996 and 2009) are tomorrow’s power players when it comes to food and drink purchases (NIQ, 2024). Favouring diverse flavours and ingredients, they’re an experimental bunch who seek wellbeing benefits and ethical credentials from the brands they support. All brands should embrace the era of the Gen Z foodie.
Youthful Gastronomic Voyagers
Gen Z's Dining Habits & Brand Affinities
Healthy, But Make it Hip
Gen Zers have a deep appreciation for diverse culinary experiences and prioritise food as a form of self-expression and social/cultural connection. Exposed to food content on social media, they’re inspired by global cuisines, creative recipes and novel flavours. As explored in Look Ahead 2025: Food & Beverage, they’re flexing their culinary cool through artisanal and luxury food and drink purchases.
Gen Zers have a deep appreciation for diverse culinary experiences and prioritise food as a form of self-expression and social/cultural connection. Exposed to food content on social media, they’re inspired by global cuisines, creative recipes and novel flavours. As explored in Look Ahead 2025: Food & Beverage, they’re flexing their culinary cool through artisanal and luxury food and drink purchases.
Summary
Youthful Gastronomic Voyagers | Gen Zers have a deep appreciation for diverse culinary experiences and prioritise food as a form of self-expression and social/cultural connection. Exposed to food content on social media, they’re inspired by global cuisines, creative recipes and novel flavours. As explored in Look Ahead 2025: Food & Beverage, they’re flexing their culinary cool through artisanal and luxury food and drink purchases. |
Gen Z's Dining Habits & Brand Affinities | For Gen Zers, every food and drink occasion is an occasion worth elevating. Whether dining in, dining out or snacking, this cohort will go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring their culinary cravings are appeased. Meanwhile, they have a notable soft spot for fast food and treat-worthy indulgences. |
Healthy, But Make it Hip | Gen Z’s interest in wellbeing spans from hydration and energy to functional foods, protein and supplementation. However, their desire for health-promoting food and drink is intrinsically tied to their appreciation for aesthetics and trendiness, making packaging and branding crucial in their purchasing decisions. |
Gen Z Food + Drink Trends: 25/26
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Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.
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