• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    A Clearer Path to Weight Management: The Ozempic Factor

    Under Pressure: Stress and Mental Health Have Taken Center Stage

    Sustainable Business Development: Principles and Strategies for Progress

    Beauty IO MarketWatch: L’Oréal to Define the Next Era of Beauty Tech in CES 2024 Keynote

    Introducing the Happi & Nutraceuticals World Wellness Conference & Tabletop Exhibition
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Glossary
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    GOED Releases Sustainability Report for Omega-3s Industry

    ABC’s Journal HerbalGram Celebrates 40th Anniversary

    Curcumin May Be As Effective as PPI for Indigestion

    Adding Human Milk Component to Formula Linked to Long-term Cognitive Benefits for Babies

    Women in Nutraceuticals Launches Pilot Mentorship Program
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    GOED Releases Sustainability Report for Omega-3s Industry

    ABC’s Journal HerbalGram Celebrates 40th Anniversary

    Curcumin May Be As Effective as PPI for Indigestion

    Weight Loss Products Sold as Supplements Adulterated with Toxic Yellow Oleander

    Nature’s Way Canada Launches NutraSea Omega-3 Kids Chews
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    GOED Releases Sustainability Report for Omega-3s Industry

    ABC’s Journal HerbalGram Celebrates 40th Anniversary

    Curcumin May Be As Effective as PPI for Indigestion

    Adding Human Milk Component to Formula Linked to Long-term Cognitive Benefits for Babies

    Women in Nutraceuticals Launches Pilot Mentorship Program
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Curcumin May Be As Effective as PPI for Indigestion

    Adding Human Milk Component to Formula Linked to Long-term Cognitive Benefits for Babies

    Weight Loss Products Sold as Supplements Adulterated with Toxic Yellow Oleander

    Nature’s Way Canada Launches NutraSea Omega-3 Kids Chews

    Kyowa Hakko's Immuse Postbiotic Introduced to Mexican Market
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Applied Food Sciences, Inc.

    JRS Pharma

    BGG World

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Xsto Solutions
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Applied Food Sciences, Inc.

    JRS Pharma

    BGG World

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Xsto Solutions
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Stress and Gen Z Are Reshaping Food and Health Trends

    Younger consumer preferences, emotional snacking, trendy diets, and inflation are key themes in how Americans eat today.

    Stress and Gen Z Are Reshaping Food and Health Trends
    08.19.22
    Stress is having a substantial impact on the way people eat today, and the food priorities and buying power of Gen Z consumers are becoming more relevant, according to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2022 Food & Health Survey of 1,005 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 80 years old.

    “Even more so than in past years, the 2022 Food & Health Survey is showing sharp changes, over a relatively short period, in many of our beliefs and behaviors when it comes to the foods we purchase and consume,” said Joseph Clayton, IFIC CEO. “Some of these changes are clearly attributable to the lasting scars of the pandemic, while others bear all the hallmarks of significant generational shifts.”

    Gen Z consumers, the youngest cohort of adults, are beginning to drive attitude changes on sustainability and the environment across the broader population. Seventy-three percent of Gen Z consumers believe their generation is more concerned about the environmental impact of food choices than other generations, followed closely by Millennials (71%), with whom they share many perspectives and common purchasing behaviors. Compared with Baby Boomers, Gen Z consumers are more likely to purchase products labeled as “small carbon footprint/carbon neutral” and “plant-based.”

    However, Gen Z consumers are less likely than Millennials to believe their personal food choices have at least a moderate impact on the environment (50% vs. 67%) and they are also less likely to be worried about food waste (61% vs. 69%).

    When it comes to health, Gen Z consumers seem to take a more holistic approach as compared to older counterparts: they are the only generation with emotional/mental health surfacing in the top three health benefits sought from foods, beverages, or nutrients, and they’re more likely than Gen X or Boomers to seek out options like therapy, mindfulness, or meditation for stress reduction.

    Younger consumers are also driving a shift toward online food shopping; 35% of Gen Z and 37% of Millennials shop online for food at least once a week, compared to 24% of Gen X and 11% of Boomers. The overall number of adults who shop for food online at least weekly increased to 25% in 2022 vs. 20% in 2021.

    Stress-Eating
    “We’ve all heard of ‘eating our feelings,’ but the metaphor is anything but a joke,” said Ali Webster, IFIC director of research and nutrition communications. “Most Americans (56%) report feeling ‘very’ (22%) or ‘somewhat’ (34%) stressed over the past six months.”

    Younger generations are more likely to say they’re “very stressed,” with 33% of Gen Z, 29% of Millennials, and 25% of Gen X saying so, compared with just 10% of Boomers. Many Americans are turning to food in order to cope: about 1 in 4 (24%) of adults said they always or often eat when they’re feeling stressed.

    The top areas where Americans have made changes to reduce or manage stress include sleep (41%), exercise (40%), mental health (30%), and diet/nutrition (30%). Among those who made changes to diet/nutrition, the most common changes are trying to eat healthier (54%), focusing on healthy behaviors instead of weight loss (38%), and following a specific eating pattern or diet (37%).

    Emotions may also be contributing to a snacking boom, according to IFIC. Seventy-three percent of adults in 2022 said they snack at least once a day, up 15% in just one year (58% in 2021). Not surprisingly, people who reported feeling very stressed (29%) in the last six months are more likely to snack three or more times a day than those who are only somewhat stressed (10%).

    Snacking preferences shift throughout the day. Morning snackers prefer fruit (43%), while those who snack in the evening gravitate toward savory/salty snacks (40%); candy, chocolate, and other treats (38%); and cookies, cake, and ice cream (37%).

    A New Era of Eating Patterns?
    One of the most significant upticks in the 2022 survey was the number of Americans who reported following a diet or eating pattern, which rose 13% in the past year alone (39% in 2021 vs. 52% in 2022) driven primarily by consumers under age 50. The most common diets or eating patterns in 2022 included clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), calorie-counting (13%), and plant-based (12%).

    While the number of people who diet or follow an eating pattern jumped, the top motivations for doing so remained the same as 2021: protecting long-term health (35%) and losing weight (34%). Weight loss/weight management is also on the minds of consumers who are seeking health benefits from foods and beverages: 30% of survey takers reported looking to achieve this benefit from their food and beverage choices, narrowly edging out the number seeking benefits related to digestive/gut health (29%), cardiovascular/heart health (28%) and improved sleep (26%). The most highly sought-after health benefit, however, was improved energy and less fatigue (37%).

    Meanwhile, 31% said they’ve been eating more protein from whole-plant sources this year, more soy-based milk/yogurt (18%), and other plant-based dairy alternatives (23%).

    The overall number of adults who said they would rather take medication than change their lifestyle went from 16% in 2021 to 38% in 2022, and the younger the consumer, the more likely they were to seek that option. About half (49%) of adults ages 18-34 in 2022 said they would choose the medication, a massive increase of 35% from 10 years ago. The reason for this shift isn’t entirely clear, IFIC said, though increases in prescription medication and dietary supplement use over the past decade, coupled with a rise in direct-to-consumer medical marketing, may be a major contributor.

    Battle Between Budget and Food Values
    The 2022 survey suggests that Americans place a high value on sustainability, IFIC reported. In 2022, 39% said environmental sustainability has an impact on their decisions to buy certain foods and beverages, up from 27% in 2019. In addition, 57% are concerned about food waste. The top reason for concern was that it’s a waste of money (53%), with 40% saying that their concern was because of the impact on the environment. Social sustainability is also top-of-mind for many consumers; 45% said knowing that the workers who produce, distribute, or serve food are treated in a fair and equitable way is important in their decision to purchase a food or beverage.

    However, the impact of inflation may be thwarting values-based food purchasing. The vast majority of consumers (83%) have noticed an increase in the cost of food and beverages. Among those who noticed price increases, 57% said they had to pay more for the same item and 29% said they purchased less than they otherwise would have.

    Additionally, survey respondents were given a scenario with a hypothetical product that cost $3 and another that cost $5 but was produced in ways committed to the fair and equitable treatment of workers. More than a third (39%) said they would purchase the higher-priced product and 61% opted for the less expensive one. Findings were similar for a question on willingness to pay for an eco-friendly product.

    All of this mirrors a consistent trend the Food and Health Survey has tracked for over a decade: when it comes to food purchasing priorities, taste and price remain paramount while environmental sustainability trails behind. In the midst of a climate crisis, and as the buying power of younger generations continues to grow, time will tell if this gap continues to narrow.
    Related Searches
    • Functional Foods & Beverages
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Consumer Trends
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Functional Foods & Beverages
    • Consumer Trends
    Suggested For You
    Constipation, Sleep, and Stress: Digexin® Does What Others Promise Constipation, Sleep, and Stress: Digexin® Does What Others Promise
    What’s Up With Supps to Host SupplySide West Closing Party What’s Up With Supps to Host SupplySide West Closing Party
    Weight Loss Products Sold as Supplements Adulterated with Toxic Yellow Oleander Weight Loss Products Sold as Supplements Adulterated with Toxic Yellow Oleander
    ODSP Director Highlights Agency Priorities Amid Proposed Reorganization ODSP Director Highlights Agency Priorities Amid Proposed Reorganization
    CHPA Petitions FTC to Withdraw Notice of Penalty Offenses Sent to Hundreds of Companies CHPA Petitions FTC to Withdraw Notice of Penalty Offenses Sent to Hundreds of Companies
    Nature’s Way Canada Launches NutraSea Omega-3 Kids Chews Nature’s Way Canada Launches NutraSea Omega-3 Kids Chews
    Kyowa Hakko Kyowa Hakko's Immuse Postbiotic Introduced to Mexican Market
    Probiotix Health Launches New Heart Health Supplement CholBiome Probiotix Health Launches New Heart Health Supplement CholBiome
    Ashwagandha Extract Linked to Mood and Cognitive Benefits in Several New Studies Ashwagandha Extract Linked to Mood and Cognitive Benefits in Several New Studies
    The Rise of Phytonutrients and Opportunities for Innovative Formulations The Rise of Phytonutrients and Opportunities for Innovative Formulations
    Nutrartis Launches Cardiosmile Plant Sterols in U.S. Nutrartis Launches Cardiosmile Plant Sterols in U.S.
    Natural Products Technical Support Specialist - Barrington, IL Natural Products Technical Support Specialist - Barrington, IL
    Eurofins Adopts California Poppy Through ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb Program Eurofins Adopts California Poppy Through ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb Program
    CV Sciences Launches Reserve Sleep Gummies CV Sciences Launches Reserve Sleep Gummies
    Eight in 10 U.S. Adults Say Daily Self-Care is a Priority Eight in 10 U.S. Adults Say Daily Self-Care is a Priority

    Related Webinars

    • Constipation, Sleep, and Stress: Digexin® Does What Others Promise

      Constipation, Sleep, and Stress: Digexin® Does What Others Promise

      Register for this FREE webinar
      09.22.23

    • Breaking News | Industry & Market News
      What’s Up With Supps to Host SupplySide West Closing Party

      What’s Up With Supps to Host SupplySide West Closing Party

      The retro toy-themed industry social event will be taking place at the House of Blues from 5-11 p.m. on October 26th.
      09.20.23

    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Herbs & Botanicals | Industry & Market News | Quality & Safety | Testing | Weight Management/Weight Loss
      Weight Loss Products Sold as Supplements Adulterated with Toxic Yellow Oleander

      Weight Loss Products Sold as Supplements Adulterated with Toxic Yellow Oleander

      Unrelated FDA and CDC research revealed the presence of this adulterant in product testing spurred by hospitalizations.
      Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 09.19.23


    • Dietary Supplements | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      ODSP Director Highlights Agency Priorities Amid Proposed Reorganization

      ODSP Director Highlights Agency Priorities Amid Proposed Reorganization

      Dr. Cara Welch said the agency is eyeing many regulatory efficiencies.
      By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 09.18.23

    • Breaking News | Industry & Market News | Regulations | Regulatory News
      CHPA Petitions FTC to Withdraw Notice of Penalty Offenses Sent to Hundreds of Companies

      CHPA Petitions FTC to Withdraw Notice of Penalty Offenses Sent to Hundreds of Companies

      The trade organization said the notices issued earlier this year were inconsistent with regulatory practice, and unenforceable because they violate due process.
      09.18.23

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Soviets Took Probiotics To The Next Level
    • Todd Spear Joins Protein Research As VP Of Sales And Marketing
    • New Technology Converts Sugar In Juice To Fiber
    • Shiitake Mushroom Extract Appears Helpful In HPV Infections
    • HMB And Vitamin D Supplementation Linked To Reduction In Fat Stores
    Breaking News
    • GOED Releases Sustainability Report for Omega-3s Industry
    • ABC’s Journal HerbalGram Celebrates 40th Anniversary
    • Curcumin May Be As Effective as PPI for Indigestion
    • Adding Human Milk Component to Formula Linked to Long-term Cognitive Benefits for Babies
    • Women in Nutraceuticals Launches Pilot Mentorship Program
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    September 2023

    • A Clearer Path to Weight Management: The Ozempic Factor
    • Under Pressure: Stress and Mental Health Have Taken Center Stage
    • Sustainable Business Development: Principles and Strategies for Progress
    • BIOHM Health Targets ‘Digestive Plaque’ with Probiotic, Fungus, and Enzyme Formula
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    GOED Releases Sustainability Report for Omega-3s Industry
    ABC’s Journal HerbalGram Celebrates 40th Anniversary
    Curcumin May Be As Effective as PPI for Indigestion
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    ACS Reports Chameleon Inspired Building Coating
    Substrate Wetting Agent Available from BRB International
    Nouryon Manufacturing Network Transitions to 100% Electricity From Renewable Sources in Brazil
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—Sept. 23
    Beckman Coulter Helping Labs Comply With Annex 1 Regulation
    FDA Clears MeMed BV Direct From Whole Blood
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Eftilagimod Cleared for Clinical Trial Use in the UK
    Veranova Names William Sanders Global VP of Chemical Development Ops
    Chime, Panolos Partner to Advance Multi-specific Therapeutic Proteins
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Hailey Bieber's Rhode Expands Into Makeup
    Avon Enters Retail Partnership with Superdrug
    IT Award Winners Announced at MakeUp in NY
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Dental Care Trends and SBLA Beauty's Advertising Claims Under Scrutiny
    OffCourt Debuts in Walmart Stores Nationwide
    Gen Z Is Sweet On Smelling Good
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Cooper Watson Acquires Tower Products
    The Durst Group Awarded Eight 2023 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards
    Weekly Recap: Wikoff Color, HP, INX VC Top This Week’s Stories
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    PRX Market debuts, Tower Products acquired and more
    Flexo Wash to exhibit at FTA Fall Technical Conference
    Recyclable, deinkable stand-up pouch wins Gold in Germany
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Weekly Recap: Soft N' Dry Seeks to Expand Private Label Roll Out, Albis Completes Work on Line
    Lenzing Earns EU Ecolabel at Indonesian Plant
    Albis Completes Work On Extra Wide Carding, Blending Line
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—Sept. 23
    Anika Releases RevoMotion Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty System
    Exactech's Activit-E Polyethylene OK'ed for Vantage Total Ankle
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    HID to Showcase Future-Proof Solutions at GITEX 2023
    Weekly Recap: Mergers and Acquisitions, IEC’s IME Standards Top This Week’s Stories
    EU-Funded Collaboration Hub Aims to Mainstream Printed Electronics

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login