K-12 Trend Report
Gen Alpha
Insights
Conterra partners with industry-leading research teams like E15 to better understand current and future students, empowering self-operating dining programs to thrive.
Learn More at BuyConterra.com
Gen Alpha
Overview
Born Between
&
45.5 Million Projected Population in the U.S.
$5.4 Trillion Estimated Spending power by 2029
Expected to Represent 18% of the U.S. Population
Expected to Represent 11% of the U.S. Workforce
Gen Alpha
Environmental
& Social
Initiatives
of parents say their children have influenced their actions or consumption decisions, making them more environmentally aware.
of students in grades six through 12 think climate change will require radical changes to how we all live
of 13-year-olds think the United States becoming more racially and ethnically diverse in the next 25 years is a good thing
Gen Alpha
Dine Out
Frequently
& Influence
Family
Decisions
of parents take their children out to eat at a restaurant at least once per week
of parents take their kids’ preferences into consideration when considering where to eat as a family
Gen Alpha
Average
Number of
Snacks
Per Day
2 to 5 years old
6 to 12 years old
Adults
Gen Alpha
Eat Plant-
Based Foods
eat plant-based foods at least occasionally
eat plant-based foods at least occasionally
Gen Alpha
Adventurous
Eaters
Watch the Food Network and “Tasty”-style videos
Have tried to cook some of the meals they saw on videos and social media platforms
Gen Alpha
Parents
Prioritize
Balance
Among parents who selected very or somewhat important
Eating a balanced diet
Building a taste for healthier foods
Controlling health issues
Limiting sugar
Gen Alpha
Elevated
Health
Awareness
Parents with children aged 4 to 5 are interested in food and drink options that promote gut health
2024 Children’s food launches that featured a vitamin or mineral fortification claim
2024 Children’s food launches that carry a “No Added Sugar” claim
Gen Alpha
Popular
Restaurant
Brands
Survey results from ages 12 to 15
- McDonald’s
2. Chick-fil-a
3. Burger King
4. Taco Bell
5. Dominos
Gen Alpha
Purpose &
Culinary
Creativity
Of ages 12 to 15
Enjoy being creative in the kitchen
Try to buy foods that are grown or produced locally
Pay attention to the nutritional info
Regularly eat organic foods
Gen Alpha
Popular
Video-Based
Platforms
Survey results from ages 12 to 15
- Youtube
2. TikTok
3. Snapchat
4. Instagram
5. Facetime
Gen Alpha
Post-High
School Goals
Of ages 13 to 15
Enroll in college
Work at a paid job
Apprentice/internship
Take time off
Gen Alpha
Top Cuisines
Liked or
Loved
Survey results from ages 12 to 15
- Italian
2. Mexican
3. American
4. Chinese
5. American-Chinese
K-12 Trend Report
Gen Alpha
Insights
Conterra partners with industry-leading research teams like E15 to better understand current and future students, empowering self-operating dining programs to thrive.
Learn More at BuyConterra.com
Gen Alpha
Overview
Born Between
&
45.5 Million Projected Population in the U.S.
$5.4 Trillion Estimated Spending power by 2029
Expected to Represent 18% of the U.S. Population
Expected to Represent 11% of the U.S. Workforce
Shaped By:
Technology
Global Connection
COVID-19
Climate Change
Diversity
Gen Alpha
Environmental
& Social
Initiatives
of parents say their children have influenced their actions or consumption decisions, making them more environmentally aware.
of students in grades six through 12 think climate change will require radical changes to how we all live
of 13-year-olds think the United States becoming more racially and ethnically diverse in the next 25 years is a good thing
Gen Alpha
Dine Out
Frequently
& Influence
Family
Decisions
of parents take their children out to eat at a restaurant at least once per week
of parents take their kids’ preferences into consideration when considering where to eat as a family
Gen Alpha
Average
Number of
Snacks
Per Day
2 to 5 years old
6 to 12 years old
Adults
Gen Alpha
Eat Plant-
Based Foods
eat plant-based foods at least occasionally
eat plant-based foods at least occasionally
Gen Alpha
Adventurous
Eaters
Watch the Food Network and “Tasty”-style videos
Have tried to cook some of the meals they saw on videos and social media platforms
Gen Alpha
Parents
Prioritize
Balance
Among parents who selected very or somewhat important
Eating a balanced diet
Building a taste for healthier foods
Controlling health issues
Limiting sugar
Gen Alpha
Elevated
Health
Awareness
Parents with children aged 4 to 5 are interested in food and drink options that promote gut health
2024 Children’s food launches that featured a vitamin or mineral fortification claim
2024 Children’s food launches that carry a “No Added Sugar” claim
Gen Alpha
Popular
Restaurant
Brands
Survey results from ages 12 to 15
- McDonald’s
2. Chick-fil-a
3. Burger King
4. Taco Bell
5. Dominos
Gen Alpha
Purpose &
Culinary
Creativity
Of ages 12 to 15
Enjoy being creative in the kitchen
Try to buy foods that are grown or produced locally
Pay attention to the nutritional info
Regularly eat organic foods
Gen Alpha
Popular
Video-Based
Platforms
Survey results from ages 12 to 15
- Youtube
2. TikTok
3. Snapchat
4. Instagram
5. Facetime
Gen Alpha
Post-High
School Goals
Of ages 13 to 15
Enroll in college
Work at a paid job
Apprentice/internship
Take time off
Gen Alpha
Top Cuisines
Liked or
Loved
Survey results from ages 12 to 15
- Italian
2. Mexican
3. American
4. Chinese
5. American-Chinese
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