The food delivery industry has grown explosively in recent years, and millennials—born between 1981 and 1996—are driving much of this transformation. These generations are not just consumers but also trendsetters in the industry.
Their peculiar food preferences and constantly evolving lifestyle choices are shaping the food delivery business globally. When millennials order food online, their dining habits are typically different from the new age of young consumers.
Read ahead to find out how they are the future of food delivery.
Technological Integration
Millennials are known for being the first generation to grow up with technology, smartphones and the internet.
They are tech-savvy and mobile-centric, and they expect seamless online experiences, such as effortless food ordering, browsing menus online, simpler checkouts, and real-time tracking of deliveries. They are also looking for overall convenience when they order food online.
Changing Lifestyles
Millennials are cooking less. They often juggle busy careers, social lives, and fitness regimens, leaving them little time for traditional cooking. So, they tend to rely more on food delivery and, thus, order food online to maintain their hectic schedules without compromising on quality.
This has led to changes in their eating habits. For example, the rising food bowl trend is a convenient all-in-one meal that suits millennials’ always-on-the-go lifestyles.
Pandemic-Prompted Shifts
The COVID-19 pandemic made food delivery options even more popular among millennials. With the imposed lockdown, work-from-home settings, and social distancing, the practice to order food online became a lifeline for many working millennials who were unable to dine out.
Even post-lockdown, many millennials find it essential to order food online. This shift signifies a long-term change in consumer habits. The pandemic has also forced many restaurants to adapt to the changing times by offering delivery or takeout.
Health-Conscious Choices
Millennials are more health-conscious than ever before and are willing to spend more on healthier food choices. This is leading restaurants to adapt their menus accordingly and to come up with ways to cater to this trend.
Food that is high in protein, low in sugar, low in carbs, and free of preservatives or artificial ingredients, as well as allergen-friendly choices, is in high demand. People also look for meals that fit their specific dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, or organic.
Social Media Influence
Social Media has started to play a crucial role in millennials’ food choices. They are more dependent on social media platforms to discover new restaurants and various menu items. Reviews and user content are key factors that influence their food choices, causing restaurants to focus more on offering top-quality experiences.
Transparency
Millennials want to be aware of what they are eating. When they order food online, they want restaurants to provide a more informative list of all the ingredients, calories and nutritional values. Not only that, but millennials are also ready to switch brands if their current brands don’t provide the details they are looking for.
Conclusion
While the millennials pass through their prime spending years, they are the ones setting up standards for restaurants to catch up. From convenience and healthy food choices to technology, they want it all.
Staying ahead of millennial food trends is necessary for the food delivery industry to sustain and grow.
