Generation Z consumers, born between 1995 and 2015, are playing a major role in shaping the future of the food and beverage industry. These tech-savvy, entrepreneurial, diverse go-getters are directly impacting innovation in the food and beverage industry through their need for convenient solutions, health conscious attitudes, and their ethnically diverse eating habits. Despite the fact that Gen Z consumers are young, it’s possible their wants and needs may continue as they get older due to growing up in a world focused on health and wellness. Transparency, clean label and plant-based eating will continue to be a focus for them far into the future.

On-the-go breakfast is one area where there is a particular interest for the youngest of consumers. According to Packaged Facts, Gen Z consumers are 26% more likely to eat frozen breakfast entrees or sandwiches. Couple this with their booming interest in plant-based eating and it’s easy to identify this eating occasion as one ripe for innovation. Meat and egg substitutes are big business. According to Zion Market Research’s most recent report, the global egg replacement market is expected to generate around USD 1,623 million by 2025 and the meat substitute market will reach USD 9.25 billion by 2023, according to Market Research Future.

Many Gen Z consumers we surveyed continued to have taste issues with plant-based foods, so a lot of opportunity exists for food and beverage manufactures to improve the flavor of these products. Reach out to us today to see how we can create great tasting, plant-based breakfast items for you.