News

Millennials eat more veggies than other age groups

A survey found that 84 percent of Americans aren’t eating the USDA recommended daily minimum of four vegetable servings and nearly half have no explanation as to why.

June 19, 2015

Subway Restaurants released the results of a survey that examined the state of vegetable consumption by American consumers; it found that 84 percent of Americans aren’t eating the USDA recommended daily minimum of four vegetable servings, and nearly half have no explanation as to why.

The study was conducted online by Harris Poll and surveyed 2,019 Americans.

Consumption motivations factored into the survey results with 47 percent claiming that "nothing" prevents them from eating more vegetables, despite 70 percent citing "overall health benefits" as the top motivation for vegetable consumption, the survey found.

The average American consumer only eats 2.3 servings of vegetables per day, but Millennials consume more vegetables than any other generation, averaging almost half a serving more per day at 2.7 servings. Appearance is a key motivator of vegetable consumption among Millennials, the study found. Millennial adults who eat vegetables are 45 percent are more likely to do so to lose weight, at 56 percent, compare than those 35 and older at 39 percent.

Vegetables preferred by most American consumers are lettuce and tomatoes, both at 65 percent. The survey also revealed that Millennials are less committed to eating vegetable staples than previous generations.