Food Engineering logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Engineering logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest Headlines
    • Manufacturing News
    • People & Industry News
    • Plant Openings
    • Recalls
    • Regulatory Watch
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Plant Products
    • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
    • Alternative Protein
    • Automation
    • Cannabis
    • Cleaning | Sanitation
    • Fabulous Food Plants
    • Food Safety
    • Maintenance Strategies
    • OEE
    • Packaging
    • Sustainability
    • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Plant Construction Survey
    • Plant of the Year
    • Sustainable Plant of the Year
    • State of Food Manufacturing
    • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
    • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
    • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
    • Newsletter
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • FE Store
    • Government Links
    • Industry Associations
    • Market Research
    • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issue
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

TECH FLASH

Millennials and the food industry

A new report shows US Millennials are wary of large food manufacturers.

By Jeremy Gerrard
November 13, 2015

Today’s consumers are demanding transparency. In response to this demand, more manufacturers are opting to share information with them, detailing everything from where a product is sourced to how it is prepared. But new research shows this might not be enough as many consumers—particularly the younger generation—remain skeptical and want larger food and beverage companies to be more forthright about their products.

According to a recent study from Mintel, more than two in five US Millennials, or 43 percent, do not trust large food manufacturers compared to 18 percent of non-Millennials. Similarly, nearly three quarters (74 percent) of Millennials wish food companies were more transparent about how they manufacture their products (compared to 69 percent of non-Millennials).

Millennials, defined as adults age 21-38, are more likely to state the retailer and brand are important food purchase factors than non-Millennials , who are defined as adults age 18-20 and 39 and older. According to the researchers, the study showed 59 percent of Millennials will stop buying a certain brand’s products if they believe the brand is unethical, while 58 percent of Millennials say where you buy your groceries reflects your personal values compared to 28 percent of non-Millennials.

Millennials tend to prefer specialty stores over traditional grocery stores, and nearly three in five say they only shop the fresh sections when food shopping. Mintel says this falls in line with the generation’s increased likelihood to avoid processed foods and openness toward new diets that promote a greater focus on health.

“Millennials are different than prior generations and are taking a proactive approach with their health. This impacts their food shopping behaviors, product preferences and the brands they support,” says Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. “With growing distrust and a greater desire for transparency from food manufacturers, Millennials want brands to form a genuine, authentic connection with them. Brands should recognize the impact Millennials have on their businesses.”

While Mintel research shows 94 percent of Americans snack daily, Millennials are taking it a step further, with 52 percent preferring a snack instead of a traditional meal. Research shows Millennials seek foods that will keep them full and energized and are convenient and fun to eat.

Millennials also consider themselves to be foodies (62 percent) and are likely to value premium ingredients and higher-quality food offerings. Millennials are willing to splurge on locally produced foods with high-quality ingredients; half of them say it is important to make food purchases that fit within their budget compared to 61 percent of non-Millennials.

Overall, 31 percent of consumers made a grocery purchase online in 2015, up from 19 percent in 2014; 39 percent of Millennials report primarily buying their groceries online. “While online grocery shopping has yet to be widely adopted, it is gaining momentum among Millennial shoppers, America’s largest demographic,” Topper says. “Assisted by their familiarity with technology and the disinterest many Millennial consumers express with traditional grocery stores, our research indicates there is future value in the online grocery channel. Retailers and manufacturers that establish a genuine and authentic relationship, and offer online experiences that improve convenience and product variety, will be in prime position to attract Millennial shoppers moving forward.”

KEYWORDS: consumer trends food and beverage manufacturing

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Jeremy Gerrard was Food Engineering's Digital/Online Editor. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in journalism. His previous work experience includes years spent as a reporter with the Daily Local News out of Chester County, PA. In addition to writing feature articles for Food Engineering, Jeremy covered the Dry Processing, Field Reports and People and Industry news sections.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • 2025 Top 100 Food and Beverage Companies

    FOOD ENGINEERING’s 2025 Top 100 Food and Beverage Companies

    While sales were largely down under dynamic economic and...
    Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
    By: Alyse Thompson-Richards
  • Bottling machine

    How Optical and X-Ray Inspection Supports Bottling Safety and Quality

    By transitioning from legacy single-technology systems to...
    Food Safety
    By: Dan McKee
  • Bread baking in oven

    The State of Food Manufacturing in 2025

    Food and beverage manufacturers are investing in...
    State of Food Manufacturing
    By: Alyse Thompson-Richards
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • Newsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

The Campbell's Company logo

Campbell’s Terminates Exec Over Alleged Disparaging Comments

Frito-Lay logo

PepsiCo to Close Two Florida Facilities

alternative protein products

Alternative Protein in 2025: Key Trends and Technologies

State of Maufacturing 2025

Events

June 17, 2025

Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ State of the Cold Chain

On Demand Kelley Rodriguez, Editor in Chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, will be joined in this 60-minute webinar by industry experts to help unpack the latest research.

July 23, 2025

Decarbonizing Process Heat: What You Should Know and Next Steps

On Demand Driven by climate goals, business risk, client interest, and resilience considerations, food and beverage companies are increasingly turning their attention to decarbonizing their production processes.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Recent Advances in Ready-to-Eat Food Technology

Recent Advances in Ready-to-Eat Food Technology

See More Products

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ESSENTIAL TOPICS

Alternative ProteinAutomationCleaning/SanitationFabulous Food Plants

Food SafetyMaintenance StrategiesOEE

PackagingSustainability

Related Articles

  • Study: Three mega trends impacting children’s food industry

    Millennials pass the plate on three square meals

    See More
  • Report: Top 5 food trends fueled by Millennials

    See More
  • Social media influences food purchases among millennials, men, and parents

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • food crime.jpg

    Food Crime: An Introduction to Deviance in the Food Industry

  • The 10 Principles of Food Industry Sustainability

  • statical.jpg

    Statistical Process Control for the Food Industry: A Guide for Practitioners and Managers

See More Products
×

Elevate your expertise in food engineering with unparalleled insights and connections.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Food Master
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing