Q: What role does health play in food shopping?
A. Eating healthy is a normal part of most millennial’s daily routines. More than 60 percent of interviewees try to eat healthy on a daily basis; a majority are adding additional unprocessed foods and plants into their diets.
This generation has access to more educational and nutritional awareness than previous generations, and we’re excited to support their health and wellness journey.
Q: What about trying diets?
A. Not surprisingly, millennials are experimenting with alternative eating approaches, and we see that demand in our stores. Whether it’s Keto, paleo, gluten-free, or something else, nearly half of this generation have tried a special diet in the past year.
In reality, new diets are hard to maintain. More than half of millennials say special diets are not always easy or convenient. We’re trying to make that easier, both in store and online. Our “exclusive brands team” is rapidly rolling out innovative products with alternative ingredients, such as non-dairy cheese slices and plant-based cauliflower flour.
Earlier this year, we launched a
digital product catalog that allows shoppers to find items by dietary preference. The online catalog also provides complete nutritional information and ingredient lists.
Q: The environment seems to be top of mind. Was that true for food shopping?
A. Yes, the impact food has on the environment is a big factor in food shopping. More than 60 percent of interviewees admit they are aware of the implications their food choices have on the environment. About half of them seek food and beverages made of less packaging and plastic.
We are constantly looking for ways to help our planet. In 2008, we were the first national grocer to eliminate plastic bags. Earlier this summer,
we eliminated plastic straws from all our stores—the first national grocer to make this change.
Learn more about the survey.Methodology: The total unweighted sample size was 1,006 U.S. adults aged 22 - to 37-years-old who passed an occupation security screening. The online survey was conducted from August 5 to August 9, 2019. About half of the sample identified as parents.