- Peanuts, almonds and walnuts are most consumed nut among Gen Z in Latin America
- 96% snack between meals, with yogurt, dairy products, and fresh fruits being common choices
- Taste and health benefits are the primary drivers for consuming nuts and dried fruits
- INC’s Nut Tunes campaign set to encourage nut and dried fruit consumption through Spotify
The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), conducted an extensive study on Latin America’s Gen Z dietary preferences, focusing on their consumption of nuts and dried fruits.
Generation Z prioritizes foods that offer essential nutrients, plant-based protein, energy, vitamins, and fiber. The study showed that nuts and dried fruits are highly valued by Gen Z for their health benefits, including digestive health, heart health, and immune system support. Yet, despite these benefits, Gen Z’s consumption of nuts and dried fruits shows room for growth.
The study surveyed 2000 respondents across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, revealing high awareness of nuts, especially peanuts (99%), almonds (97%), and walnuts (94%). Dried fruits like raisins (96%) and prunes (88%) are also well-known but less so.
Although there are slight nuances across countries, peanuts, almonds, and walnuts are the most consumed nuts by Gen Z followed by cashews, hazelnuts and pistachios. While raisins, dried cranberries, and prunes lead in dried fruits. Many respondents cited taste, price, and lack of information as barriers to regular consumption. Known as the “snack generation,” 96% of Gen Z reported snacking between meals, preferring yogurt, dairy products, and fresh fruits. Nuts and dried fruits are popular but still rank lower in preference.
To boost the appeal of nuts and dried fruits, INC recommends focusing on their uses and health benefits in marketing campaigns. Therefore, to capture the attention of the target audience, INC has launched Nut Tunes, a series of captivating video capsules featuring 3D animation and AI technology. In these videos, nuts and dried fruits come to life and sing about their health benefits to consumers. The campaign will be promoted via social media, with tailored content for each market. Additionally, “The Nut Tunes” playlist will be available on Spotify, providing another engaging way to connect with the audience.
Understanding Gen Z’s preferences and attitudes is essential for businesses. By addressing barriers and emphasizing consumption drivers, INC aims to support healthier dietary choices through nut and dried fruit consumption among Gen Z in Latin America.
About the INC
The INC is the international umbrella organization for the nut and dried fruit industry. Its members include more than 900 nut and dried fruit sector companies from over 80 countries. INC membership represents over 85% of the world’s commercial trade in nuts and dried fruit. The INC’s mission is to stimulate and facilitate sustainable growth in the global nut and dried fruit industry. It is the leading international organization on health, nutrition, statistics, food safety and international standards and regulations regarding nuts and dried fruits.
See our snacking range, Snackadamia, here
