There is no denying that the preferences of millennials are dictating the way that food is prepared and presented today, as well as shaping the future of the industry. As the largest demographic in the world, millennials have a significant say in trends – particularly food trends – as they have a lot of unique perspectives and high expectations for what they are presented with when dining out and what they are able to take home from the supermarket.
For those who work in the food industry, it is essential to remain up-to-date on trends to ensure that you can stay ahead of the competition and know where and when to be expanding and developing your offerings. From eating local to a picture-worthy presentation, the importance of gut-health to eco-friendly packaging and the development of the food truck industry, here are five millennial food trends that are significantly impacting the industry.
1. Eating Local
This is quite possibly the trend that is most transformative for the food industry. Millennials are passionate about knowing where their food is coming from and making sure that it is as local as possible. No longer is eating “local” reserved for foodies; now, it is a definite established mainstream idea as sourcing fresh, local ingredients is a priority for individuals all over the world.
People seek out local food because it reduces the distance that the products have to be transported, allows for fresher, more flavorful food, celebrates eating seasonally-appropriate produce, supports local economies and producers, and increases transparency.
After all, consumers want to know what they’re buying, where it is coming from, and the journey it took from production to their plate.
For this reason, it is crucial that you work with wholesale food distributors who prioritize local food distribution. Not only will this ensure you are offering your customers the best local food possible, but it also provides you with amazing benefits, including being the most efficient option, as you won’t have to communicate with several different manufacturers to obtain all the different items you require.
Additionally, you can be more assured that you will consistently receive quality brands as a local distributor tends to have closer relationships with the food manufacturers.
2. Picture-Worthy Presentation
Chances are, you have either seen people taking pictures of their food or have participated in this cultural movement yourself. Either way, taking photos of food is a widespread habit among millennials (and those of younger generations).
This is why more and more food producers are looking for ways to make their offerings as picture-worthy as possible. This trend impacts not only the visual presentation of dishes at a restaurant, but also the interior design of dining establishments.
It also helps innovative food creators with marketing, particularly if the meals are food mashups or fusions (another popular millennial trend). Items such as ramen burgers, cronuts, and Korean tacos are all favorite food combinations that make for a great Instagram photo. Therefore, restaurants, food trucks, and cafes that blend two distinct cuisines to design an unusual menu are likely to continue to gain popularity.
3. Gut-Health
More than ever before, millennials are concerned about their gut health as more and more research points to the connection between a healthy gut and an individual’s overall wellness. In other words, it is impossible to have one without the other, which is why the younger generations are continually looking for more options that promote gut health.
While this category used to be ruled by products filled with fiber and probiotic ingredients, today’s consumers are looking for items that include prebiotics and fermented foods.
This trend is having a significant impact on the food industry as, last year, digestive health sales were suspected to surpass $4.9 billion and show no signs of slowing down. This means that probiotic-enhanced items such as granola, oatmeal, and nut butter are going to continue to be popular purchases, as well as beverages such as Kombucha, almond probiotic drinks, and kefir.
Around the world, food manufacturers and suppliers are developing new products to keep up with the growing interest in this type of food.
4. Eco-Friendly Packaging
Looking after the environment is a high priority for many millennials, which is why “eating local” quickly became a widespread trend. In a similar vein, purchasing food and beverages that are in eco-friendly packaging is something that more and more consumers are becoming aware of and invested in. Gone are the days when individuals were happy with throwing away wrappers and containers; now, there is an enormous demand for products with minimal packaging.
The savviest brands and food manufacturers are progressively moving towards a more ethical attitude concerning product development and packaging. This is a direct result of the rising millennial demand for more sustainable packaging and production.
Soon, it is going to be more common than not to see food companies making public commitments to sustainability, in which case, eco-friendly packaging will be a key element of their process.
5. Food Trucks and Halls
Last but not least, a food trend that has been around for a couple of years and shows no sign of slowing down is the food truck. Around the world, culinary entrepreneurs are creating profitable businesses through mobile food trucks while also expanding the mobile food movement. Over the past few years, the emergence of food trucks has brought to life new culinary communities, as well as a rethinking of public spaces, all of which is in line with millennial priorities.
Now, food trucks are expanding beyond trucks and moving into food halls, which can be considered the millennial upgrade of food courts. Generally, food courts have a combination of small and large retailers who sell their goods beside artisanal food vendors in a unique space, such as a renovated warehouse. Millennials are driving this trend due to their preference for discovering tasty food options based on their own taste buds.
What do you think of these food trends? Do you think they have staying power or do you believe there are even newer trends brewing? Let us know your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Jad Asaad is the Marketing Manager at Bidfood UAE with more than eight years of experience in digital, online and offline marketing. He started his career in Beirut working in a creative agency and then moved to Dubai to further expand his career. He created and implemented award-winning high-impact digital and offline marketing campaigns that consistently generated revenue streams and improved performance in targeted segments.