Gen Z chicken preferences shaping the future of fast food

As restaurants face economic pressures, chicken emerges as a versatile and profitable menu option, especially for younger diners seeking customization.

August 13, 2024

Justin Pridon, vice president - North America consulting services, Revenue Management Solutions

Justin Pridon, vice president - North America consulting services, Revenue Management Solutions

The restaurant industry is facing significant economic pressures, with guest traffic declining and consumers becoming increasingly price sensitive.

According to Justin Pridon, Revenue Management Solutions (RMS) vice president – North American consulting services, year-over-year performance for quick service restaurants indicates net sales only growing by .6% in 2024, and traffic is down 3.6%.

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FEFAC 70th Anniversary Public Annual Meeting announcement for European Livestock Strategy and EU Protein Action Plan, April 27-28, 2027 in Luxembourg, with registration open.

FEFAC opens registration for 70th annual meeting in Luxembourg

Aerial view of multiple fish farm aquaculture pens with service vessel and yellow buoys in blue water

European Commission sets 2040 course for fisheries and aquaculture

Business & Markets

Supply and demand imbalances create risk and opportunity for chicken industry

Animal protein markets are being pulled in multiple directions by tight red meat supplies, persistent disease threats, an uneven consumer and a shifting trade landscape, according to one speaker at Chicken Marketing Summit.

Female speaker presenting at Chicken Marketing Summit conference podium with blue and purple stage lighting

Brand Insights

The U.S. Soy Advantage

U.S.SEC

Explore the benefits of soy from the U.S., delivering quality, reliability, nutrition, and sustainability for global animal feed and aquaculture.

The U.S. Soy Advantage

Consumer Trends

Popeyes named recipient of the 2026 Chicken Marketer of the Year award

Pickle-themed campaign generates record guest engagement through an integrated marketing launch.

Two women holding an award at the Poultry Marketing Summit event

Consumer Trends

Chicken consumers struggle to define ultra-processed

Exclusive research will examine how chicken shoppers define ultra-processed foods, which proteins they're choosing for high-protein diets and how GLP-1 usage is shaping purchasing behavior.

Shopping cart in supermarket aisle with refrigerated product displays on both sides

Consumer Trends

The Red Chickz TikTok strategy powers hot chicken growth

Facing a crowded Nashville hot chicken market, The Red Chickz successfully leveraged social-first marketing to connect with consumers.

Hands holding crispy fried chicken over a bowl of sauce on TikTok app

Consumer Trends

Land O’Lakes to expand high-value dairy protein production

The expansion at the Tulare, California, facility will position the company to meet rapidly growing global demand for protein-rich nutrition, while also creating new opportunities for its farmer-owners.

Consumer Trends

CoBank: Rising food prices squeeze budgets, constrain consumer spending

US consumers are trading down, cutting discretionary purchases and buying fewer groceries in response to higher food prices.

Woman shopping in grocery store aisle, examining product packaging on refrigerated shelves

Animal Feed Regulations & Safety

Veterinary groups urge Congress to support farm bill provision on Prop 12

The House farm bill provision would prohibit states from implementing laws and regulations that dictate animal production practices outside their borders.

White pigs in a commercial farm facility with green flooring and red feeding equipment

Consumer Trends

Food prices expected to rise 2.9% in 2026 as beef costs surge

Forecasts show restaurant meals will increase faster than grocery prices, with beef and vegetable costs driving inflation while egg prices recover from avian flu impacts.

Overhead view of supermarket produce section with multiple display tables of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged by type

Consumer Trends

Chicken foodservice needs to differentiate for future success

Standing apart from the competition matters more than chasing trends in an increasingly crowded chicken market.

Double cheeseburger with sesame seed bun, lettuce, and yellow cheese on white background

Consumer Trends

Understanding consumer microcultures can help food industry build trust

Food producers can gain the trust of consumers by establishing a values-based connection, according to Roxi Beck, director of consumer engagement for the Center for Food Integrity.

Woman speaking at AFIA conference podium with 'Feeding Independence, Growing Innovation' banner backdrop

Business & Markets

2026 Poultry Outlook: Feed costs ease, pressure remains

As poultry demand grows, evolving production systems and biosecurity expectations will redefine feed’s role in performance and risk.

Brown chickens standing on metal grated floor inside industrial poultry farm

Consumer Trends

New US dietary guidelines prioritize protein at every meal

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans earn praise from the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, United Egg Producers and Meat Institute.

Grilled chicken breasts with fresh salad and cherry tomatoes on a dark plate

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