How Much Boomers Actually Spend On Fast Food Compared To Younger Generations

Gen Z is notoriously dogged-upon for "ordering too much takeout." But, according to Nation's Restaurant News, nearly 75% of all food orders are eaten away from the restaurant nowadays, so boomers cannot be that far behind. Or can they? Food delivery and carryout have seen a major, industry-changing uptick in recent years, for consumers of all ages. Yet, even within this shift, consumer age plays a big role in shaping dining habits, especially when it comes to fast food.

According to a YouGov report, 76% of U.S. consumers ages 65 and above spend up to $100 on fast food every single month. By comparison, a significantly smaller 56% of Gen Z consumers (ages 18 to 29) spend the same amount, followed by 50% of Millennial consumers (ages 30 to 44). These figures may seem to suggest that Boomers are regularly shelling out more on fast food than younger generations. However, per the study, only 2% of Boomers report spending more than $300 per month on fast food — the lowest percentage of any age group demographic in that spending bracket. 

One thing consumers of all ages included in the study (18 to 65+) have in common is an "extreme" position on the spending continuum — tending either relatively frugal or veering toward exorbitant. Less than 22% of consumers, regardless of age, say they spend $100 to $300 per month on fast food. Of the foodies who spend $300 or more per month on salty, value-centric burgers and chicken nuggets, the biggest age demographics are Gen Z (17%) and Millennial (16%) consumers. 

Boomer dining habits in general seem to differ from other age groups. Choice of preferred fast food chain also varies by generation. Wendy's, McDonald's, and Subway are the three most popular fast food chains among Boomer generation consumers, per the report. Fast food offers a convenient, easy dining option for seniors — who grew up during the era when traditional fast food saw its initial rise across the U.S., offering familiar flavors from younger years. Still, compared to younger generations, Boomers aren't spending more on fast food overall. McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell are where Gen Z prefers to dine — as well as many Millennial foodies looking to satisfy their fast food cravings. More specifically, Chic-fil-A has a strong hold on younger generations.

When they do order fast food, Boomers are most likely (71%) to hop in their cars and pick up their orders from a drive-thru lane, per the YouGov study. While Gen Z consumers are also fairly likely to hit the drive-thru, this younger generation also represents the age demographic most likely to have their fast food order delivered (51%). Boomers, by contrast, almost never have fast food delivered (9%). Indeed, the digital literacy largely built into Gen Z's formative years makes using online ordering platforms as simple as the press of a button. In fact, Gen Zers and Millenials rather order food with kiosks. Less innately tech-savvy Boomer consumers might prefer to navigate a drive-thru lane rather than messing with a mobile app.