Posted in Millennials on May 19, 2016
Trendsetting millennials know exactly what they want when it comes to snack foods. We’ve posted about the four distinctive types of millennial snackers, and this large consumer group continues to inspire trends.
There are 69 million millennial adults in the U.S., and 11.6 million millennial households with children.1 That’s a pretty impressive segment, and with summer fast approaching, that’s a lot of snacking opportunities. So, take note of the following millennial-inspired trends this season, and use our tips and recipes to get the most out of your snack offerings.
Customization
It’s no new trend for consumers to order dishes a certain way (hold the onions), but millennials are redefining those options. Millennial Menus: Culinary Trend Tracking Series from Packaged Facts2 states that customization is an even bigger industry game changer than the fast-casual segment. What’s more, millennials are not loyal to menu offerings, preferring instead to order something different each visit. Variety really is the spice of life when it comes to millennial snacking.
Tips: Keep a well-stocked, ever-changing array of snack items on hand to offer exciting new options to millennial snackers, who are often buying to share with their friends and families as well.
Recipes:
Our Mini Crab Cake Roll can be served with spicy slaw as featured, or customized with a variety of slaws, spreads or fresh salsa for toppings.
Dishes like made-to-order guacamole and dips provide customers with a customizable flavor and heat experience they crave. For summer, consider customizable protein and veggie kebabs or pita sandwiches with dip accompaniments.
Munchies
Millennials prefer several snacks or small meals throughout the day to the traditional three square meals.3 And gone are the days of mere empty calories and (mostly) processed food. Modern munchie trends are shifting to savory, nutrient-dense and high-protein indulgent snacks, according to the 2016 trend report by Baum + Whiteman consultants. 4
Tips: Feature a well-stocked variety of nutritional breakfast bars, snack bites and meal-inspired bowls, as well as small-portion, protein-rich mini-meals to help fetch more sales.
Recipes:
This healthy and satisfying Avocado Hummus Spread goes great with regular or whole wheat RITZ crackers. Or, for a convenient and sweet fresh-fruit option, try Blueberry Bars.
Bowls
The currently popular all-in-one bowl menu items owe much of their status to millennials. According to Packaged Facts, bowls also lend themselves well to fast-casual, customizable and personalized “assembly-line” formats like Chipotle. This familiarity means that snack-size and dessert bowls are primed for their market close-up, according to the report.
Tips: Make sure you’re offering sweet and savory meal- and snack-style bowls this summer. Cool and refreshing fruit & yogurt parfaits are perfect for the hot days, and spicy or ethnic flavors are on-trend every season.
Recipes:
Easily present this satisfying Spicy Peanut-Dressed Pasta and Vegetables recipe as a bowl option.
Bonus points: Allow customers to add their favorite available protein to bowls for that customization millennials love!
Mashups
The food fusion trend continues in the form of mashups such as ramen burgers, cronuts and “nondenominational noodle bars.” 5 The possibilities are truly endless, and inventive restaurateurs can let their creativity run wild when incorporating this popular millennial option.
Tips:
Brainstorm mashup ideas by looking at your top-selling items and pairing them up—you may be surprised at the items you create! Or, consider an all-time favorite mashup like potato chips on peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and bring that concept to your menu.
Recipes:
For a fun and spicy twist on the classic comfort food, try the “Queso Fundido” Mac & Cheese.
This Latin-Style Crab Cake Sandwich gets a fun twist and extra heat from its mango salsa.
Dessert gets creatively savory with Roasted Red Pepper & Pesto Cheesecake.
1 Fromm, Jeff, “Snacking Habits Of Millennial Parents Are Shaping The Category For Future Generations,” Forbes, Sept. 9, 2015, http://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffromm/2015/09/09/snacking-habits-of-millennial-parents-are-shaping-the-category-for-future-generations/#bfc045463cbc
2 Packaged Facts, Millennial Menus: Culinary Trend Tracking Series, http://www.packagedfacts.com/Millennial-Menus-Culinary-9956181/
3 Ragone, Gina LaVecchia, “5 menu trends driven by millennials,” Restaurant Hospitality, Apr. 20, 2016, http://restaurant-hospitality.com/consumer-trends/5-menu-trends-driven-millennials
4 Baum + Whiteman, “11 Hottest Food & Beverage Dining Trends in Restaurant & Hotels, 2016”
5 Packaged Facts, Top 5 Food Trends Fueled by Millennials, http://www.foodmanufacturing.com/news/2016/04/top-5-food-trends-fueled-millennials
