This report examines trends and patterns in kids’ and teens’ eating habits, including snacking, meals at home, and restaurant meals. Gender differences, as well as ethnic differences, become more pronounced in the teenage years, as teens spend more time in non-family social settings and carve out their own identities. The report covers both in-home and out-of-home eating.

This report is based primarily on analysis of published research from Simmons Kids and Teens surveys, conducted in 2003, in which kids (aged 6-11) and teens (aged 12-17) were queried about their eating habits and preferences. The polling data covers such topics as what foods kids and teens tend to eat, their attitudes towards nutrition, and their restaurant-going habits. This data was then analyzed according to such demographic factors as gender, age and race. Mintel found that kids’ and teens’ eating habits are often closely tied to these factors.

One theme throughout this report is nutrition. The incidence of obesity and other nutrition-related problems among American kids and teens is increasing, resulting in much public discourse about the issue. The food industry is facing increased scrutiny of its efforts to market to youth. Meanwhile, as shown by the consumer data analyzed in this report, kids and teens seem to be somewhat increasingly aware of the importance of nutrition—though it is far less clear if this is having a significant impact on what they eat. Mintel’s analysis of the Simmons poll data reveals that different demographics of teens have different attitudes towards nutrition and healthy eating, and that different segments of the youth population seem to be processing the “nutrition message” differently. For instance, among teenagers, boys are more likely than girls to agree to certain statements about their eating habits linked to nutritional awareness, whereas girls are more likely to agree to certain other statements.

The insightful research and analysis in this Mintel report will help you refine your market strategy to effectively target kids and teens. Current advertising and promotion strategies are discussed, as well as trends expected to take hold in the future.