Gen Y Food Preferences: You Are What You Eat

Generational differences exist in values, media usage, career goals, entertainment choices. Now there is evidence that what you like to eat may say a lot about what generation you belong to. (Mediapost 7.31.09)

* Boomers prefer "classic" comfort foods such as braised meats, casseroles and ice cream, but many also enjoy gourmet choices such as high-quality dark chocolate and fancy cheeses. They crave foods from their childhoods such as peanut butter, popcorn, foods made with canned tuna fish, chicken noodle soup and hot oatmeal.

* Gen Xers are more accustomed to commercial fare, and crave fast food (especially hamburgers) and burritos. They cite branded foods more often than the other generations, including favorite packaged cookies, ice creams, candies and snacks.

* Gen Yers are also partial to burritos and ramen noodles -- but in contrast to other cohorts, many also include healthier foods, including sushi and fruits, among their favorite comfort foods. They are less inclined than Gen X to associate specific brands with comfort foods.

The research also identified top trends in "comfort foods". Gen Y pastry chefs and a desire to start the day with a "protein burst" are driving a trend toward 'breakfast for dessert'. "Boxed cereals, already found in snack bars and frozen yogurt shops, are now turning up in desserts, along with desserts such as "glamorized" versions of French toast, waffles and doughnuts."

Other humble foods such as meat loaf, meat pies, and macaroni and cheese are making a comeback, with 'fuller flavors and natural or leander meat blends'. Even the lowly casserole appears to be due for a Millennial makeover as one-dish meals come back into favor and receive 'artisan' spin with natural and organic ingredients and updated flavors: ""New" casseroles replacing processed ingredients with fresh ingredients, including vegetables and "contemporary" proteins such as turkey, crab and shrimp." .

This new research contributes to growing evidence that Gen Y is made up of a high proportion of food sophisticates who are willing to put in the effort to create healthier, more flavorful dishes at home and demand better fare from restaurants. According to Mintel, young parents are among the most enthusiastic shoppers at Farmer's markets and food co-ops. (Mintel, “Local Procurement” Feb 2009). Just six percent of those without kids buy local goods at farmers markets, compared to 9% of those with kids.

So if you attend a family reunion or potluck this summer, pay attention to who brings what. Chances are, the Boomer will be the one with the potato salad and chocolate chip cookies, the Gen Y'er will be the one with the organic fruit and Asian curry.

Millennial Spirits: Make Mine Sophisticated

My Millennial friends tell me they are more likely these days to open a bottle of wine with friends than a six pack of beer. The data suggests they are right on trend. Overall, sales gains for wine and spirits are outpacing beer. And within the beer category, growth in imports and microbrews is outpacing regular beer. This trend, like so many, appears to reflect a growing sophistication in the tastes of young drinkers.

In June, Mintel released two new reports, one on drinking at home and another on drinking away from home. Both reports show similar trends by age: young people are increasingly opting for wine and vodka over beer. 32% of 21-25 year olds say they are 'drinking more liquor/spirits than last year'. The average number of microbrewed beers drunk by 21-24 year old microbrew drinkers increased from 3.0 in 2005 to 3.8 in 2007. And a full 38% of 21-24 year old drinkers say vodka is their top spirits choice in a restaurant or bar.

Diageo, a close watcher of Millennial trends, is among the first to really capitalize on the sophisticated appeal of vodka. Today, a new campaign is breaking for their new ultra premium vodka, Ciroq. Here's what Mediapost says about the new campaign, called "The Art of Celebration" featuring Sean "Diddy" Combs:

"Shot in black and white at one of Sinatra's former California homes, the 15- and 30-second commercials depict Combs as a high-spirited host amidst a chic crowd during an impromptu private house party. Combs is serving Cîroc, one of the world's only vodkas made from grapes, while engaging with his modern-day "Rat Pack" entourage. Sinatra, along with Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis Jr., were the original packers. In the spots, Combs mingles, dances and jokes during the intimate party, before finally stealing a private moment to gaze into the night as the crowd enjoys a fun-filled evening inside. The spot represents a continuation of the brand's commitment to defining "sophisticated celebration"--a concept Combs embodies and cultivates both personally and professionally as a lifestyle and entertainment icon. During the holiday season, the campaign will evolve to focus on safety."

The combination of high style, celebrity and music is likely to appeal to Millennials, who are most likely less interested in 'luxury' than in what wine Fat Bastard calls 'Livin' Large'. As we have noted before, Millennials do not think of themselves as well-off, despite their relatively high disposable incomes. They do, however, see themselves as discerning consumers who value authenticity and quality. This campaign seems to hit the mark in both respects.