Keeping up with flavor trends in a globalized era of constant and viral information can be challenging. After all, these days a single online influencer can spur the interest of millions of consumers with a single tweet. Nowhere is this more evident than among the so-called Gen Z demographic, a generation of adults in their late 20s and younger, with some of the highest purchasing power and the strongest trend impact.

Digital is the force that has been reshaping our lives and will have a greater impact in the years to come. We are in the middle of an accelerating digital revolution that impacts every aspect of consumers’ lives. Moreover, the digital world is evolving into a bigger, faster, more immersive and interconnected entity.

A majority of trendsetting food consumers are most interested in discovering recipes that can be prepped in less than 30 minutes. And it’s not just quick and easy meals they crave. Global flavors are driving the next food trends. These are among the findings in the “Consumer Curiosity Report,” a national survey of more than 700 food-forward consumers to gauge curiosity on culinary, nutrition and sustainability topics.

Consumers of all ages are most willing to try ethnic cuisines in their home cooking, at restaurants, and when traveling. They name Asian, European, and Latin American flavors as the most influential and Asian as the most familiar and inspirational. Preferences for specific ethnic cuisines, however, vary somewhat based on food and beverage category.

Gen Z consumers are trend creators who define what markets should be provide. They welcome positive engagement with companies and seek new experiences.

Key industry players are focusing on reducing food waste by about 50% through the adoption of several methods to extend the shelf-life of food. Top companies are paying strict regulations on food waste. FDA supports the food industry regarding food safety, packaged foods, and clean labeling. In the coming period, food manufacturers are likely to develop smart technology that may reduce the wastage of food items.

Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, too. According to Pew Research, Gen Z represents the leading edge of the country’s changing racial and ethnic makeup – with 52% non-Hispanic White, 25% Hispanic, 14% Black, 6% Asian and 5% a different race or two or more races. The US Census Bureau projects that by 2026, the majority of this generation will be non-White.

A staggering 48% of all households surveyed reported engaging in at least one source of tech-enabled income generation in 2022, led by content creation, peer-to-peer commerce, and rideshare driving. This trend is driven by Gen Z- and Millennial-led households, where 60% of  respondents said they derived such income in the last year.

GNT, the global supplier of plant-based EXBERRY® colors, explored how today’s consumers see color in the world of food and drink and beyond. The research revealed a powerful new trend shaped by Generation Z’s desire to embrace joy and creativity while staying true to core values.

More than seven in 10 (71%) adult consumers, ages 18 and over, say they discover new products and brands in c-stores. Nearly four in 10 (38%) say they shop at c-stores two or more times a week, while overall, nearly two-thirds (62%) visit c-stores at least once a week.