Consumers Snack More on Specialty Foods

Specialty food consumers are spending more of their food dollars on specialty food this year, with millennials gravitating toward specialty snacks and on-the-goal meals, according to new research from the Specialty Food Association.

Overall, specialty food shoppers say they are spending one in four of their food dollars on specialty food, up from one in five in 2013. Their top picks are chocolate, olive oil and cheese, but tea is gaining ground, making it into the top 10 foods specialty food consumers report buying this year.

A generation gap, however, is evident. Younger adults report spending more on specialty food than boomers and those older, and older consumers buy specialty foods more for everyday cooking at home versus snacking.

“Overall, specialty food consumers have these foods and beverages on hand for regular usage, whether as an everyday snack or meal or as a treat,” said Denise Purcell, senior director, content development for the Specialty Food Association. “This daily engagement bodes well for the market as a whole.”

The following are other research findings:

• 18-to-24-year-olds were the most likely consumers of chocolate, salty snacks, frozen desserts and ready-to-eat food and beverages.
• 59 percent of U.S. adults purchased specialty food products in the last six months.
• 42 percent of adults surveyed said that they try new foods in order to eat healthier.
• 71 percent of specialty food consumers support companies that practice sustainability.
• Core specialty food consumers are ages 18 to 44 and affluent, earning more than $75,000 annually.
• Women are more likely than men to purchase specialty food products.

The findings of the study are based on an online survey conducted by Mintel International on behalf of the Specialty Food Association in June 2014. More than 1,600 adults aged 18 and older were polled.