Consumer Trends

Gen Z turns on classic snacks, forcing major grocery shake-up: 'They don't trust them'

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! America's snack habits are getting a makeover — with Gen Z and Gen Alpha leading the charge.The snack aisle at the grocery store may be looking a little different as younger consumers reshape demand, favoring snacks with simpler ingredients, more nutritional benefits and lower upfront costs, according to NielsenIQ data.Thirty-five percent of parents who are buying snacks for their households with Gen Alpha kids born after 2010 say they prioritize natural ingredients, while 34% are actively seeking high-protein options, according to NielsenIQ data reported by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).BOOMERS LOVED IT, GEN Z WON'T TOUCH IT: WHY CEREAL IS NO LONGER A BREAKFAST STAPLE"The baseline for Gen Alpha is a better product," said Chris Costagli, vice president of thought leadership at NielsenIQ, according to the NACS. "It's a cleaner product. It's a more transparent product." Today's social media has been playing a growing role in how new snack products gain popularity with younger consumers. (iStock)About 25% of consumers overall say they actively look for snacks without synthetic additives, including dyes, according to NielsenIQ. The shift comes as regulators have also taken action, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)