Generation Zoomer (Gen Z) is a generation that zooms on the internet. They radiate the energy of being the main character. The tech-mindedness of Gen Z is shown by their use of social media platforms to gather information. Gen Z views themselves as the generation of “foodies”, being a part of their identity. Gen Z was born and raised in the fast-food world; therefore, they expect everything to be exotic, yummy, visually appealing, and have their taste buds on fire, all the time.
Comfort is what they are after when choosing food. The convenience of fast foods is the reason they tend to prefer them over the slow and tedious cooking of homemade meals. The generation has been brought up in a world that is more diversified and interconnected and is aimed at discovering different international cuisines and flavors from all over the world. For the digital generation connectivity is significant they are eating with their phone first. The food must be “Instagrammable” for Gen Z. They enjoy posting, sharing, and going to expensive restaurants with photo opportunities.
Influential food vloggers who are currently having the best engagement grab Gen Z’s attention and they are entertained by online ratings, recommendations, and food vlogs. Besides most of the food-related narratives on social media are about unhealthy food, which has promoted unhealthy eating behaviors. Social media trends such as spicy noodles, boba tea, Netflix, and chill are some of the pushing factors behind unhealthy eating habits. For Gen Z, experiential dining is what matters most, and that is why the impact of aesthetic content on their dietary preferences is massive.
Gen Z enjoys multitasking. They choose food that fits their busy, fast-paced lives which are often quick, convenient, and easy to consume. Online platforms such as food delivery apps and services are driving the growth of Gen Z with their inclination to order food and takeouts. Gen Z is more inclined to snacking than to whole meals. Therefore, demand for portable, packaged snacks has risen. Generation Z has succumbed to the food from fast chains and is stuck in a vicious cycle of unhealthy food with emulsifiers, additives, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colorings.
Economic aspects of the problem lead to the fact that people choose taste rather than health benefits. The demand for and supply of healthy, nutritious food hasn’t been as high, the shelf life of fresh produce is shorter, and Gen Z finds it financially unprofitable to consume healthy food. Today, more people than ever use the internet to find information about food. Nonetheless, Gen Z is least worried about the nutritional value of the food that they are ingesting. Gen Zers are used to customizing their food decisions based on their dietary preferences, mood, or tastes.
The second group of the generation is more oriented on sustainability, organic food, cleansing, and wellness. Veganism and the rise as a trend among Gen Z can be explained by the popularity of plant-based alternatives to animal products. The food selections are based on the flexitarian dietary pattern on and off the vegetarian diet. The farm-to-fork food trend is becoming more popular among Gen Z who are conscious of the environment as well as organic and fresh food.
The fact that they may become overly dependent on convenience foods or lack the knowledge of adequate nutrition could be the reason for their poor health in the long run. Gen Z should focus on getting the right balance of their dietary choices and should be well informed to ensure their well-being.
– Shiwani Dhakal, SOCHAI Youth Volunteer
