The Generational Comfort Food Culinary Trend Mapping Report, based in part on a national survey of over 3,700 people about their comfort food preferences, was conducted by CCD in June 2009. It shows that although sweets are the top comfort food across all age groups, there are often subtle differences between generations.
CCD CEO Kimberly Egan said: "Childhood comfort food is getting a make-over according to who's eating it. Each generation has different needs and tastes, including more healthful fare, gourmet ingredients and bolder flavors, which are reflected in their go-to comfort foods."
While many respondents of all ages said they crave chicken soup, for example, Gen Yers (those aged from 18 to 29) also look to Vietnamese beef noodle soup (pho) for their comfort fix. And although those of the baby boomer generation have developed a taste for more exotic flavors, according to Packaged Facts, it is more likely to be younger adults who turn to foods like sushi and Indian and Thai curries.
However, global flavors have also made their mark on traditional comfort food dishes, the market research organization said.
“Upgrades include fresh herbs and exotic spices, artisan cheeses, and natural and organic ingredients,” it said.
Generation X, meanwhile, is most likely to remain loyal to branded foods when seeking out dishes for comfort eating, but even these have been upgraded.
“Today's pies are farmers' market fresh; new leaner meats appear in meatloaf; casseroles are loaded with seasonal veggies; and mac 'n' cheese arrives with gourmet twists,” said the organization.
The new report pinpoints three main trends: Quality ingredients, globally diverse flavors, and balancing the traditionally less healthy meals that people crave with more healthy ingredients such as vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.