On the surface, most of us crave many of the same foods: ice cream, chocolate, grilled cheese, chips. However, different generations can crave different foods─and, as importantly, different incarnations of those foods─for different reasons. How does this play out with comfort food, a topic near and dear to consumers’ hearts in times of economic turmoil and financial stress? Do Boomers and their Gen Y offspring turn to the same foods for comfort? How about Gen Xers, raising children in a new world of healthful options and global flavors? And what role do venerable food brands play in definitions of comfort food by generation?

1. Generational Comfort Foods

2. The ingredient, dish and/or cooking technique appears at upscaledining establishments, ethnic and popular independent restaurants blessed with creative chefs and diners with adventurous palates. The item is featured in specialty consumer-oriented food channels such as Gourmet and Bon Appétit magazines, The Food Network plus retail stores such as Sur la Table that target culinary professionals and serious home chefs. STAGE 4 STAGE 3 STAGE 1 STAGE 2 Trend Mapping STAGE 5 The item begins to appear in mainstream chain restaurants – Applebee’s or Chili’s – as well as retail stores such as Williams-Sonoma that target recreational cooks. The women’s magazines and family-oriented publications – Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens – pick up the buzz. Finally, the trend makes its way to quick service restaurant menus and is either starting to appear or is having an increased presence on grocery store shelves.

3. When seeking comfort from food, which category do you turn to most? Survey

4. Generational Comfort Food Trends The Three Overarching Trends influencing comfort food evolution. 1. Contemporary Quality 2. The New Diversity 3. Balanced Eating

5. Where are they now?

6. Generational Comfort Foods View our extensive catalog of Culinary Trend Mapping Reports