A survey of 16-30 year olds, or millennials as the age group is increasingly known, found that 19% have bought or eaten dairy substitutes in the past six months, with a further 16% choosing lactose-free products.
Adelie, maker of the Urban Eat sandwich range, say that his figure closely approaches the 22% of millennials who opt for gluten-free products when shopping.
The research found that free-from diet trends are set to rise, with almost half of those who buy and eat free-from products saying they are likely to buy more free-from products in the future.
It was also found that free-from is becoming a more prevalent lifestyle choice, with only 13% of those who said they regularly shop in the free-from section doing so due to a medical condition.
John Want, marketing director at Adelie Foods, said: “It’s clear food outlets need to get value and service right, but once they do, and with competition in the food to go sector ever increasing, brands need to ensure we respond to the changes in millennial eating habits, particularly the growing proportion who are opting for dairy-free options.
“Creating quality products with premium dairy-free ingredients that meet the same high standards in taste and visual appeal as our core range is a key innovation area for us at Adelie Foods. With Millennials set to make up 75% of the workforce by 2020, it’s vital for food outlets to get their offer right for them.”
The survey, which examined the considerations millennials take when choosing food to go options, found that when it comes to selecting savoury food, the top five reasons were:
1. Affordability
2. Good value for money
3. Quick service
4. Flavoursome
5. High quality