Articles Tagged with ''millennial generation''

Datassential’s latest sauces, condiments and dressings report shows growing consumer demand for signature flavors that create emotional connection and repeat visits. With fewer than half of operators offering a signature sauce, the category presents a major opportunity for menu differentiation and retail crossover.

Consumers are redefining wellness to include physical, mental and functional benefits, with expectations varying sharply by generation. For product developers, the data underscores the need for targeted solutions that balance health, convenience and occasion-based indulgence.

Innova Market Insights has identified the five forces redefining food and beverage choices in 2026. From relaxed sociability to simplified living, these trends reveal where consumers are heading—and where brands should follow.

From protein’s continued rise to the rebirth of vices, phone-free dining and the search for more human experiences, Mattson unpacks the forces reshaping how consumers eat, shop and connect. Prepared Foods gets an exclusive look at the five trends expected to influence product development in 2026.

The survey, “Impact of Tariffs on Purchasing Decisions,” also reveals that, aside from discounts or promo codes, consumers want free shipping, loyalty rewards, and transparent communication about price increases in exchange for higher tariff-induced costs.

The transformation is directly shaped by insights from Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark Community, with 72% of members surveyed actively seeking minimally processed foods and 90% stating they either live or aspire to live a healthier lifestyle. These preferences have guided the brand’s formulation, sourcing and packaging standards — ensuring Member’s Mark products evolve in step with modern consumer values.

When smooth white creme meets swirls of cinnamon sugar and graham-flavored cookie bits, the product offers a blast of bold Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavors and a crunch.

Younger consumers are even more likely to be natural and organic shoppers, with 89% of Gen Z and 85% of Millennials reporting they have shopped for natural and organic products in the prior six months

These trends reflect a dynamic market where consumers are looking to their drinks to deliver bold experiences, comforting familiarity, health-conscious options, and functional benefits.

For the second year, respondents ranked “Easy (Under 30 Minutes) Meals” as their top curiosity for the year ahead, once again underscoring that even the most food-forward consumers are craving approachable, simple meal inspiration.