Gen Z considers themselves the “foodie” generation. Gen Z loves exploring new cuisines and finding inspiration on social media. Fueled by viral TikTok trends and influencers, Gen Z has made many foods iconic. Here are 7 foods that you need to try.
1. Plant-Based Meat
According to Food Insights, 19% of Gen Z reported that they embrace plant-based eating habits. Many fast-food chains and restaurants are embracing meat alternative options because of the increased demand sparked by Gen Z. Companies like Beyond Meat have released new products like sausage, steak, hot dogs, popcorn chicken, and meatballs to satisfy Gen Z tastes.
2. Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona coffee is a hand-whipped coffee made popular by Gen Z. The drink originated in South Korea and is named after a Korean honeycomb toffee, which is similar to the drink’s texture. This coffee is made by whipping equal parts instant coffee powder, sugar, and hot water until it becomes creamy and then adding it to cold or hot milk. Gen Z was made popular after a K-drama actor ordered it on TV in 2020. Since then, it has taken TikTok by storm.
3. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Gen Z is very sober and curious. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2020 found that alcohol abstinence is becoming increasingly common among Gen Z. In the study, 28% of college students reported that they did not drink alcohol. Now many bars and restaurants are adding inventive mocktails to their menus to accommodate Gen Z patrons. Along with this, Gen Z has popularized adding adaptogens to drinks for a non-alcoholic buzz or relaxed feeling. These adaptogens are found in nature like maca root, holy basil, ginseng, and ashwagandha root.
4. Red Chamoy Pickles
The chamoy pickle challenge is a TikTok sensation. For the challenge, chamoy pickles are stuffed with all kinds of goodies like sour candies, Takis, and more. A chamoy pickle is a dill pickle that has been soaked in a mixture of chamoy, sweet and sour candy powders, and Tajin, a Mexican seasoning. Most say that they like them because of the massive flavor combo of sweet, salty, tangy, and sour.
5. Cucumber Salad
Have you watched videos by Logan the cucumber salad guy? With more than 6 million followers he’s taking the cucumber community by storm. Gen Z loves a good cucumber salad and is experimenting with bold flavors in their creations. Gen Z loves Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, Korean, and Middle Eastern flavors and wants to experience authentic global cuisine.
6. Tim Walz’ Hotdish
Gen Z made Tim Walz’ Hotdish go viral. His award-winning turkey-trot tater tot hotdish will make your mouth water. The Midwestern comfort food is a favorite among Gen Z. Another trend is that Gen Z enjoys food with meaning. They are eager to cook their families’ recipes and preserve their cultural heritage.
7. Dense Bean Salad
Another TikTok trending dish, dense bean salad is a nutritious recipe that Gen Z loves. Creator Violet Witchel is known as the dense bean salad girl because her recipe has become so popular. What makes the dish so dense? There isn’t any lettuce. The dish packed with flavor can be served as a cold main dish or a delicious side. A variety of beans, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and punchy dressings can be used to customize the popular dish.
Iconic Gen Z Foods Shaking Up The Food Space
Gen Z is pushing the boundaries of tastes and flavors with many of their iconic foods. From whipped Dalgona coffee to chamoy pickles, some of the foods they have made popular really have stretched our taste buds. Have you tried any of these Gen Z favorite foods? We want to know what you think!