Why younger consumer want honest ingredients - and how to target them
When it comes to purchasing sandwiches, younger consumers are more interested in making healthy choices than the older consumers. More than half of 18 to 34-year-old Americans say that health is important when deciding where to order their sandwiches.
This speaks to the growing importance of healthy sandwiches among a new generation of consumers who are also considering factors like sustainability, dietary preferences, and overall nutrition in their sandwich choices.
So, while convenience, quality, and pricing still remain critical to some consumers – especially older generations – you must evolve as younger consumers factor in social responsibility, healthfulness, and diet accommodations when choosing their preferred sandwich shop.
Create Healthy Cravings
Adapting sandwiches to the health preferences of young consumers is key to getting their business, so you have to up your game in innovation and marketing to highlight the right attributes, like "natural" and "better-for-you" ingredients.
Sounds a bit overwhelming? The good news is that good taste will never go out of fashion. And taste remains the primary driver across all menu categories, underscoring the importance of craveable options and consistent execution to drive traffic.
Cravings, convenience, and taste go hand in hand, so always keep these drivers in mind when targeting a younger and health-conscious crowd.
Here’s How You Can Serve Honest Ingredients
- Offer gluten-free, whole-grain, or whole-wheat breads for health benefits
- Satisfy those searching for non-GMO foods and consumers conscious of no-no ingredients like pesticides, preservatives, and additives
- Highlight your hormone-free meats or meats with high-protein
- Satisfy consumers who look for transparent sourcing cues
- Offer vegetarian and vegan options on your menu
- Differentiate yourself further by featuring fresh herbs or veggies from your local farmers market
Though bread and meats tend to be the primary focus, signature sauces, locally sourced products, artisan cheese, and other specialty toppings can all help you highlight quality. They offer a way for you to convey uniqueness, freshness, and health at an affordable price – and help your sandwich shop tap into consumer demand for quality, honest ingredients.