The results of a study provided by the market research firm, One Poll, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress, has found that Gen Z and Millenials suffer from ‘menu anxiety’. An anxiety characterized by an anxiety of ordering food at a restaurant.
According to the study, an average of 3 in 10 Americans have menu anxiety.
2000 people were polled for the study, which found that 1 in 10 people between the ages of 18-43 years old suffer from the term.
The difference between the older and younger generations affected by menu anxiety is notable.
43% of the ages 18-43 had anxiety during the ordering process, and only 18% of people between the ages of 44-77 years old, felt similarily when out to eat.
The theme of a less-confident younger generation starts to emerge with, 47% ordering their food only after others place their orders so they can see ‘what they’re getting.
The younger age-group was found however, to be 62% more conscious of the environmental impact of their meal compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers at 18%.
Other Findings By OnePoll
- 24% of the younger generation always check the menu in advance compared to 15% of older generations
- When it comes to food, 71% find the taste of food the most important, cost (57%) is the second
- 34% more of the Gen Z and Millenial generations would be more likely to order food labeled as ‘vegetarian’
“Our individual choices matter,” said Jessica Hann, Avocado Green’s Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Sustainability. “From how we eat to how we sleep, our collective decisions are inextricably linked to the health of our communities.”
The study did not note possible contributing factors behind the menu anxiety phenomenon and why younger generations may be suffering from it more than the older generations.
