Processed snacks are out, and simple ingredients are in! Younger consumers, mostly Generation Z and Generation Alpha, are changing how Americans snack by demanding healthier ingredients and high-protein options. Organizations such as LesserEvil have been booming ever since younger consumers began to avoid snacks with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Simple ingredients and “clean” labels are now a huge priority for consumers as overall physical health continues to be prioritized. That doesn’t just mean physical appearance; that means the condition of our bodies and what we’re fueling them with. Will Gen Z and Gen Alpha finally be the ones to be rid of the toxic snacks we’ve been consuming for so long? I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
The Real Reasons We Crave Simplicity
Looking at the bigger picture, Gen Z and Gen Alpha may have the urge to consume healthier snacks for many reasons, one of which is the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. During the lockdown, these generations were maturing into the early stages of their teenage and adult years. That time frame in a person’s life can be easily impacted by something as simple as a routine. During the pandemic lockdown, many families had time to slow down and focus on additional aspects of their lives, such as their physical health and the food they ate.
Younger consumers began to realize how significantly better they felt after fueling their bodies with simple ingredients and additional protein. Healthy snacks quickly became a popular fad as nutritious ingredients were prioritized over taste. As many began to study the labels of our beloved snacks, the truth emerged, revealing high levels of sodium, additional sugar, artificial ingredients, and preservatives.
Simple Snacks of Social Media
Whether we like to admit it or not, social media has a huge impact on influencing us to alter our lives in minor ways. Many social media influencers have hopped on the healthy eating trend and continue to influence millions of viewers into eating healthier alongside them. Various platforms are prioritizing health, boosting posts that share tips on how to become the healthiest and happiest versions of yourself.
Some find it difficult to begin the transition to healthier snacks due to pricing and accessibility. Recently, social media has actually made it easier to make the switch by providing easy recipes and less expensive brands. Popular influencers such as Joey Wellness, Kelsey Preciado, and Mia Elle are all great examples of influencers who share inexpensive, healthy, and simple snacks.
Healthy, Simple, & “Clean” Snack Recommendations
- Boiled Eggs! If you need something quick and high in protein, boiled eggs are the best way to go. Simply boil your eggs in advance and enjoy on the go.
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with fresh fruits. Both Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are great sources of protein and can easily be spiced up with any kind of fruit. Popular combinations include strawberries, raspberries, honey, and granola!
- Nuts are another quick snack to consider when you’re on the go. Many kinds of nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and pistachios, are great sources of protein and are enjoyable by themselves or with other snacks.
- Energy bites can be made at home with oats, nut butter, and dark chocolate chips. Simply combine all of the ingredients into a ball and enjoy! This quick and easy snack helps with both physical and mental health.
- Rx Bars have become extremely popular due to their “clean” ingredients, wonderful tastes, and high levels of protein. Their variety of flavors are all worth a try!
- LesserEvil snacks have organic ingredients and delicious flavors. They provide a wide variety of popcorn, chips, and other snacks that you’ll be sure to love.
As we transition from toxic, artificial snacks to simple, healthy snacks, make sure to check out some of the snacks listed above to hop on the bandwagon. The foods you fuel your body and brain with are extremely important. Be sure to always check the label!
What's Your Reaction?
