Researchers in Saudi Arabia studied how three different age groups eat and make food choices. They surveyed over 1,100 people from Generation X (born in the 1960s-1980s), Generation Y (born in the 1980s-1990s), and Generation Z (born in the 1990s-2010s). The biggest surprise? Teenagers and young adults in Generation Z drink way more sugary sodas, eat fewer fruits and vegetables, and care more about what their friends eat and how food tastes than about staying healthy. Older generations prioritize nutrition and long-term health when choosing what to eat. These findings could help Saudi Arabia create better health programs for young people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating habits and food choices differ between three age groups: people born in the 1960s-80s, 1980s-90s, and 1990s-2010s
  • Who participated: 1,153 people living in Saudi Arabia from three different generations, recruited through social media, email, and university networks
  • Key finding: Generation Z (youngest group) drinks sugary sodas more than 3 times per week (34%), compared to only 6% of the oldest group. They also eat far fewer fruits and vegetables and make food choices based on taste and peer pressure rather than health
  • What it means for you: If you’re a young person, this research suggests you might benefit from being more intentional about eating fruits, vegetables, and drinking water instead of sodas. If you’re a parent or educator, understanding these generational differences can help you have better conversations about healthy eating with young people

The Research Details

Researchers used a cross-sectional study design, which is like taking a snapshot of eating habits at one point in time rather than following people over years. They recruited 1,153 people from Saudi Arabia through digital platforms like social media and university networks. All participants completed an online questionnaire that asked them to recall everything they ate in the past 24 hours, what factors influenced their food choices (like taste, price, health, or friends), and details about their lifestyle habits.

The researchers used statistical software to analyze the data and looked for meaningful differences between the three age groups. They considered a finding important if the chance of it happening by random luck was less than 5% (written as p<0.05 in science).

This research approach is useful because it captures real-world eating patterns across different age groups living in the same country. By asking people about their actual food choices and what influences those choices, researchers can identify specific areas where young people might need support. The digital recruitment method also reaches people who use technology, which is especially relevant for understanding younger generations’ behaviors.

This study has some strengths: it included a large number of participants (over 1,100), used a validated questionnaire (meaning the questions have been tested and proven reliable), and found very strong statistical differences between groups (p<0.001, meaning there’s less than a 0.1% chance these differences happened randomly). However, because participants self-reported their eating habits online, there’s a possibility they may not have remembered everything accurately or may have answered differently than they would in person. The study also recruited people through digital platforms, which might mean it captured more tech-savvy individuals and may not represent all Saudis equally.

What the Results Show

The research revealed striking differences in how generations eat. Generation Z (the youngest group) drinks sugary soft drinks more than three times weekly at a rate of 34%, which is five times higher than Generation X (6%) and significantly higher than Generation Y (21%). When it comes to fruits and vegetables, Generation Z falls far behind: only 4.8% eat three or more servings of fruit daily, and just 8.4% eat three or more servings of vegetables daily.

When asked what influences their food choices, Generation Z prioritizes taste (60.6%) and price (10.5%) over nutrition. In contrast, Generations X and Y care much more about long-term health (69.5% and 38.9% respectively) and nutritional value (71.1% and 38.5% respectively). Generation Z also shows stronger influence from peers when deciding what to eat (63.2% report peer influence).

Additionally, Generation Z eats out at restaurants much more frequently (40.3% prefer restaurant dining) and skips meals more often (88.3% report regular meal skipping). They also consume significantly more snacks (51.6%) compared to older generations. Across all three generations, water consumption and fruit/vegetable intake declined, while soft drink and snack consumption increased—but this trend was most extreme in Generation Z.

The study found that meal-skipping behavior is particularly common in Generation Z at 88.3%, suggesting this group may have irregular eating patterns. The preference for restaurant and fast-food dining in younger generations likely contributes to higher intake of processed foods, salt, and sugar. The strong peer influence on Generation Z’s food choices (63.2%) suggests that social factors play a major role in their dietary decisions, which differs markedly from older generations who prioritize personal health considerations.

These findings align with global research showing that younger generations in many countries consume more ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages than previous generations. The shift from health-focused decision-making in older generations to taste and peer-influence-focused decisions in younger generations mirrors patterns observed in Western countries. The study suggests that Saudi Arabia is experiencing similar generational dietary shifts seen worldwide, likely driven by increased access to Western fast food, social media influence, and changing lifestyles.

The study relied on people remembering and accurately reporting what they ate in the past 24 hours, which can be imprecise. People recruited through social media and email may not represent all Saudis—they’re likely younger and more tech-savvy. The study was conducted at one point in time, so we can’t know if these differences are due to age, generation, or just the time period when the study was done. Additionally, the study didn’t measure actual body weight or health outcomes, so we can’t directly confirm that these dietary differences lead to obesity or disease, though previous research suggests they likely do.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research (moderate confidence level): Young people should aim to replace sugary drinks with water and increase fruit and vegetable intake to at least 3 servings daily of each. Parents and educators should have conversations with young people about nutrition, emphasizing both immediate benefits (energy, clear skin, better focus) and long-term health. Public health programs should use social media and digital platforms to reach Generation Z with messages about healthy eating that emphasize taste appeal and affordability of nutritious foods, not just health warnings. Schools should implement nutrition education that addresses peer influence and helps young people make independent food choices.

This research is most relevant for Generation Z (people currently ages 12-27), their parents, teachers, school administrators, and public health officials in Saudi Arabia and similar countries experiencing rapid dietary shifts. Healthcare providers working with young people should be aware of these generational patterns. However, these findings may not apply equally to all cultures or countries with different food systems and social influences.

If a young person starts replacing sugary drinks with water and eating more fruits and vegetables, they might notice improved energy levels and better concentration within 2-4 weeks. More significant health benefits like improved weight management and reduced disease risk typically take 3-6 months of consistent dietary changes to become apparent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of fruits and vegetables (goal: 3+ of each) and sugary drink consumption (goal: reduce to less than once per week). Use a simple counter or photo log to record meals and drinks consumed.
  • Set a specific goal like ‘Replace one sugary drink per day with water’ or ‘Add one fruit or vegetable to each meal.’ Use the app to set reminders for meal times to reduce skipping, and track restaurant visits versus home-cooked meals to increase awareness of eating patterns.
  • Weekly check-ins on fruit/vegetable intake and sugary drink consumption. Monthly reviews of meal-skipping frequency and restaurant dining patterns. Track energy levels and mood alongside dietary changes to help users see the connection between food choices and how they feel.

This research describes dietary patterns in Saudi Arabia and should not be considered medical advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, health conditions, and other factors. If you have concerns about your diet or health, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This study shows associations between generational groups and eating habits but does not prove that specific foods directly cause disease in any individual. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.