In 2013, more than half of the U.S. population, which was younger than 37 years old, influenced purchasing trends. According to a study conducted by The NPD Group, as the Baby Boomer population continues to age, U.S. eating patterns will substantially transform over the next five years.
Younger shoppers are making food choices that require more time in the kitchen, especially for breakfast. Over the next five years, this group is projected to start cooking more eggs, hot cereal and center-plate proteins — extra-lean ham, turkey bacon or light chicken sausage — in the morning.
At the same time, the U.S. Hispanic population will continue to grow, and consumption of traditional Latino foods is expected to rise by 7 percent.
Baby Boomers are less likely to be swayed by food trends and more likely to make purchases around their personal health needs and lifestyles. Increasing whole grain, protein and calcium content — along with reducing saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium — will continue to affect food choices among all age groups.
