What Generation Z Thinks About Snacks

Born starting in 1995, Generation Z is the first generation to grow up in the digital age where smartphones and social media were the norm. They are intense multitaskers and expect efficiencies in all aspects of their life, including retail purchases and food. Recently, Supermarketguru.com Senior Editorial and Communications Director Amy Goldsmith met with about 200 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders at Oliver Wendell Holmes International Middle School, in Northridge, Calif. She discussed the food industr,y and the Generation Z students participated in a survey about their snacking habits.

Results from the survey show nearly one-third of the Generation Z students snack about three times a day.  This falls in line with a typical school schedule.  Forty-two percent say they buy most of their snacks at grocery stores such as Kroger or Albertson's, 21 percent go to Target or Walmart, and 13 percent would choose a Whole Foods Market or other natural store. The majority says the most important criteria for choosing a snack is the price, followed by what they’re craving.

When asked about the national school lunch program that recently has been undergoing changes to become healthier, the results are equally divided between wanting healthier options versus not. But when asked if they would throw out the healthier foods that are being served in the new lunch program, the majority say they wouldn't.

When Goldsmith met with the students, they told her that, while snacking is part of their routine, they prefer meals. They sit down to eat lunch and dinner and look forward to family meals.  In fact, during the discussion, Goldsmith led an informal "Shark Tank"-style segment where the students pitched their own product ideas. Many were from family recipes; others were meal solutions for time-starved kids. Each student received a goody bag with sample products from Hint Water, Mediterra Nutrition, Vita Coco and Seapoint Farms, along with coupons from Oh Yes Foods! and FoodStirs in bags donated by Albertsons.

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