CHICAGO —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
“Kids & Moms Consumer Trend Report: Family Attitudes and Motivations in Foodservice,” released earlier this month, reflects the responses of 1,500 moms and 1,200 kids ages 6 to 12 who were surveyed about dining habits and preferences. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
“Overall, if you look at what kids are ordering, it’s still French fries, pizza and nuggets,” said Jenny Ferguson, C3’s consumer insights and research director. “[But] there is some movement, and parents are paying more attention to it.” —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
The survey found that kids are making more of an effort to eat more healthfully—but not necessarily when dining out. Many respondents said they considered restaurant occasions a special treat, where kids feel they can eat something they may not get to eat at home. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
About 80 percent of the children surveyed said they have tried to eat more fruit in the past six months, and another 77 percent said they have tried to eat more vegetables. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Only about one-third of the kids surveyed, however, said they consider health information when dining out. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Still, there is evidence that children are eating better in restaurants. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
According to the survey, salads are among the leading entrée items on kids’ menus among the top full-service restaurants, though they appeal mostly to older children. Those older children also are more likely to prefer steak and seafood, or to seek out more healthful items off the adult menu. Children ages 9 and under tend to prefer chicken fingers, pizza and French fries, the survey found. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
“Kids now are health-savvy, and the nutritional education they’ve received will impact their choices as consumers,” said Darren Tristano, Technomic’s executive vice president. “Health halo attributes related to natural, organic, local and sustainable foods could present an opportunity in the coming years for restaurants that recognize this growing awareness on the part of young consumers.” —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Technomic estimates that parents spend about $65 billion annually on food for their kids, frequently at restaurants, but the moms surveyed said they tend to choose fast-food options when dining with their kids. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
The brands the moms reported visiting most often included McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Subway, Wendy’s, KFC, Arby’s and Pizza Hut. Kids, on the other hand, mentioned visiting regional players, including Chick-fil-A and Sonic. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
When children were asked to evaluate the kids’ menus for certain brands, McDonald’s rated most highly for “fun,” but kids rated Subway as most “healthy.” —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Most moms said they tend not to visit fast-casual concepts with kids, especially at lunch, but when they did, they tended to favor Panera Bread, Panda Express and Chipotle. Most kids didn’t have a favorite fast-casual concept, the survey found, but those who did chose Panera and Panda Express. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Among full-service restaurants, moms said they visited Applebee’s, Chili’s, IHOP, Olive Garden and Denny’s most often with kids. Children listed Chuck E. Cheese’s as their favorite full-service brand. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
The report noted the growing presence of vegetables and fruit on kids’ menus. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Other examples of more healthful offerings included the naturally raised pork used in Big Bowl’s BBQ Pork Chow Fun dish; the low-fat strawberry yogurt offered as a dipping sauce for fresh fruit at Bob Evan’s Farms; IHOP’s tilapia fillet entrée served with steamed broccoli and lemon; the organic carrots and apples and whole-grain bread available at Jason’s Deli; and the increased use of low-fat milk for kids at many major chains. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
Across all segments, moms said the key factors that drove their choice of restaurant were consistent food quality, the availability of menu items that kids like, cleanliness, value for the money and consistently good service. —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
The offer of toys with kids’ meals, on the other hand, was not seen as a significant motivator, the report found.— [email protected] —As young diners grow increasingly savvy about nutrition—although they still don’t always eat what’s good for them—restaurants should cater their kids’ menus to changing preferences, according to new research from brand marketing agency C3 and Technomic Inc.
