"Eat your veggies" is really sinking in with today's youth. Recent survey findings from Technomic and C3 show kids are more conscious about making healthy food choices. The report also analyzed children's menus from the top 250 and emerging chain restaurants to find that healthy options are becoming more popular offerings. Salads are now among the leading entree items on kids menus, in addition to healthier sides and beverages. Many kids' menus are also promoting organic and natural foods.
But a point I found rather interesting is the different meal preferences between kids ages 10 to 12 and those under age of 9. The older group is far more likely to choose options like steak, seafood and salads while the younger group prefers chicken fingers, pizza and french fries (they still have more to learn about healthy eating).
But what about this 10 to 12 group? The Tweens! Not quite a teenager, but no longer a little kid. The entertainment industry is heavily marketing to this group with much success, from Jonas Brothers hits to made-for-TV movies. So is the food industry missing out on a Tween opportunity? Tweens are obviously going through formative years and first discovering what might become favorite brands. Should restaurants consider news ways to approach and engage this age category?
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