While working on the article, it has come to light that the topic of eating habits among Gen-Z can cause a stir on the internet. There is a lot to debate about this seemingly simple topic, and here are some reasons why.
If you search the internet for information on Gen-Z’s eating habits, be prepared to find two opposing viewpoints and various studies on the subject.
You will find tons of research claiming that Gen-Z is more about mindful eating and is concerned about how their eating habits can impact the environment and climate change. On the other hand, if you search for which generation is obsessed with junk food, Google will simply state boldly that Gen-Z is. You will also find numerous articles supporting this claim.
You might be wondering what this paradox is all about. Well, in this article, I will comprehensively present the two opposing views, and you can just sit back and read the most sensational debate on the eating habits of Gen-Z.
After reading and researching both views, I found a shift in consciousness and eating habits within Gen-Z. It would be better to consider this shift in its transient state. Let me break it down for you.
Track record of Junk food Gen-Z
Gen-Z is the generation born between 1997 and 2015. In 1991, India began to open its economy to the world, which allowed Western companies to establish themselves in the country. One of the most iconic examples of this is the arrival of Coca-Cola in India.
Fast food chains gained popularity in India in the 2000s, after becoming popular in the United States in the 1950s and the United Kingdom in the 1970s. This suggests that Gen-Z’s eating habits developed later.
Let’s take the decade from 2000 to 2010. To address this issue globally, it is important to be aware of some timelines and developments. In developed countries, fast food became popular in the 1950s and 1970s. Gen-Z in these countries has been exposed to fast food from a young age and therefore consumes more of it.
In developing and underdeveloped countries, the consumption of junk food has also increased significantly, but it is still lower than in developed countries and has been for a shorter period of time.
Shift in eating habit
In the early 2010s, there was a significant upswing in the popularity of the vegan diet and a noticeable shift towards healthier food choices instead of relying on junk food. Many individuals from this generation became increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food decisions and their potential contribution to climate change. As a result, they embraced sustainable and plant-based diets.
During this period, the vegan diet experienced a surge in popularity as more and more people, particularly among Gen-Z, adopted this lifestyle, which involves abstaining from animal products and embracing an animal rights philosophy.
Role of social media
It is an obvious but interesting fact that Gen-Z is the generation that was born during the rise of the internet and now with social media, the way we share and consume information, not only alters our thinking process but also our eating habits.
This generation thinks that it is keeping itself aware of the surroundings and the world but in reality, with the constant bombardment, especially through social media, it has altered our basic understanding of the self and the world too.
Counting and managing calories became a new trend during this time. The motivation for this change was not solely based on moral grounds; rather, peer pressure and social media influence played an equal role in encouraging Gen Z to alter their eating habits positively. In pursuit of the ideal physique popularized by their beloved influencers, this generation is inclined towards adopting healthier lifestyles.
A Balanced Perspective
It is essential to approach the topic with nuance and avoid sweeping generalizations about an entire generation’s eating habits. While some Gen-Z individuals have wholeheartedly embraced healthier diets and conscious eating, others haven’t completely abandoned junk food but are exploring healthier alternatives.
This transient shift in Gen-Z’s eating habits reflects a broader societal trend towards responsible consumption. As this generation navigates their way through peer influence and social media pressure, they are learning to strike a balance in their food choices and embrace a more thoughtful approach to eating.
Conclusion
The way Gen-Z eats is a hotly debated topic because different people have different views on it. Some Gen-Z folks are really into eating consciously and going vegan, while others still like junk food but are willing to try healthier options. Social media plays a big role in all of this, but we have to remember that everyone’s choices are influenced by many things. Understanding how Gen-Z eats can help us see how our society’s relationship with food is changing.
