Millennials are seeking specialty foods for snacks and on-the-go meals, finds an online consumer poll conducted by the Specialty Food Association, with younger adults reporting spending more on specialty food than Baby Boomers and older consumers.
The survey defined specialty foods as foods of premium quality such as high-end chocolate, coffee or cooking oil, and other foods that may be made by small or local manufacturers, have exotic ethnic flavors, have the very best ingredients available, or are foods that are unique.
Among the findings:
  • Specialty shoppers are spending one in four dollars on specialty foods up from one in five dollars in 2013, with chocolate, olive oil and cheese purchased most.
  • Core specialty food consumers are ages 18-44 and affluent, earning more than $75,000 annually.
  • Women are more likely than men to purchase specialty foods.
  • 18 to 24 year olds were the most likely consumers of chocolate, salty snacks, frozen desserts and ready-to-eat food and beverages.
  • 59% of U.S. adults purchased specialty food products in the last six months.