Take a Cue from Millennials, the Generation of Gourmet Snackers

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK/ONDINE32

 

For millennials, eating is no longer a means of getting sustenance. It’s an experience, and this young generation craves something innovative and unique — think food trucks, wine and cheese pairings and online dinner meet-ups. 

Millennials also are reshaping food culture by opting for snacks over the traditional three meals per day. According to a 2015 Euromonitor analysis, they snack significantly more than any other generation with an average of 3.05 snacks consumed per day compared with 2.26 snacks consumed daily by Generation X, 1.53 by baby boomers, and 1 by adults older than 63 years. 

Not only are millennials snacking more, they are demanding gourmet snacks with an expanded variety of flavors and ingredients. Snack cakes and fried snacks are being replaced with organic dark chocolate pistachio clusters and baked black bean chips from the local farmers market. Millennials want healthier snack options and are more likely to read nutrition labels before making a purchase. They are choosing fresh, unprocessed snacks lower in calories, hydrogenated oils and salt. 

Even with intentions of choosing healthy snacks, it’s easy to be tricked by unbalanced snacks, millennial or not. The key is to shoot for snacks that promote fullness and satisfaction while also supplying energy. 

For healthy snacks that are still innovative and unique, try some of these balanced, gourmet options. Take a Cue from Millennials, the Generation of Gourmet Snackers -

  • Endive and carrots with roasted red pepper hummus 
  • Berries and granola with Greek yogurt 
  • Fresh pear slices served with brie cheese 
  • Dried mango chunks paired with dried edamame 
  • Rice cake with peanut butter and honey 
  • Balsamic vinegar and basil whole-grain crackers topped with mozzarella cheese slices 
  • Sprouted-grain toast with avocado and tomato  
  • Green apple slices spread with almond butter and sprinkled with sea salt 
  • Blueberries paired with spicy pumpkin seeds 
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Gillean Barkyoumb
Gillean Barkyoumb, MS, RDN, is the creator of Millennial Nutrition, a hub of nutrition information for health-conscious foodies. Get inspired by connecting with her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.