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The most recent Michigan State University (MSU) Food Literacy and Engagement Poll, conducted in September, reveals that Americans under 40 are more receptive to trying new food products, such as plant-based meats and insect protein, than those 40 and older.

"The food landscape is changing rapidly” said Sheril Kirshenbaum, co-director of the poll. "Willingness to adopt new alternatives to traditional agricultural products varies tremendously across age groups, and public acceptance of these emerging technologies will determine winners and losers in the international marketplace.”

The poll surveyed more than 2,100 Americans on a variety of emerging food technologies and options, including:

• Plant based meats.
• Cell-cultured meats
• Protein powder made from insects, such as crickets.
• Meal kits.
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

“The results of this poll represent another step in gaining a better appreciation of the state of things in the consumer community,” said Doug Buhler, co-director of the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll. “As part of the older demographic, I find the age response particularly interesting. This provides yet more evidence that we are just at the beginning of changes in consumer behavior.” 

Around 2050, it’s estimated that there will be more than 9 billion people on earth — approximately 1.3 billion more than there are now — and food production will need to nearly double to meet anticipated demand. Emerging technologies and innovations in food can help feed our growing world population with fewer resources in more extreme environments. 

Plant-based meats 

Plant based meats, such as the Impossible Burger or Beyond Meat, have been engineered to taste like meat, but lack animal tissue. According to the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll:

• 35% of Americans have consumed plant-based meat in the last year. Ninety percent say they would do so again.
• 42% have not consumed it, but are willing to try it.
• 30% of respondents who have not consumed plant-based meats in the last 12 months are unwilling to try it.
• Of consumers already eating plant-based meat, 48% are under 40 years old. Twenty-seven percent are over 40.

Cell-cultured meats

Cell-cultured meats are on the verge of becoming commercially available, but the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll suggests Americans aren’t as eager to try them as they are to try plant-based meats.

Often referred to as a more humane option, these proteins, or “artificial meats,” are grown from animal cells without needing to involve a fully-grown animal in the process. The poll found that: 

• 35% of American consumers say they are likely to buy cell-cultured meats.
  • 49% of these consumers are under 40 years old.
  • 25% are 40 and older. 

Insects

Two billion people around the globe already eat insects, but the practice is uncommon in the United States. The MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll finds that:

• 25% of American consumers are willing to try foods made with insect-based protein, such as cricket powder.
  • 40% of these consumers are under 40 years old.
  • 15% are 40 and older. 

Meal kits

Meal kits, such those from BlueApron, HelloFresh and other similar companies, have exploded in the marketplace as a readily available and quick way to prepare meals. According to the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll:

• 32% of American consumers have tried meal kits within the past 12 months.
  • 44% of these consumers are under 40 years old.
  • 24% are 40 and older. 

The top reason why people purchase meal kits is convenience, while the most common reason for not using them is the consumers' desire to choose their own ingredients.