Generational Comfort Foods

ROCKVILLE, Md.Market research publisher Packaged Facts released its Generational Comfort Food: Culinary Trend Mapping Report that analyzes the evolution of comfort foods and how different generations crave various foods and the role food brands play in definitions of comfort food by generation.

Based on The Center for Culinary Developments national online Generational Comfort Food Survey there are five new stages of niche-to-mainstream trend mapping soothing tastes of all ages.

Stage 1: Breakfast for Dessertconsumers of all ages are enjoying sweet breakfast foods in after-dinner slots.

Stage 2: The New Meatloafchefs are updating meatloaf with new meats (some more healthful), new global flavorings and new forms; and The Return of Pieinspired bakers re-do pie with fresher, more seasonal fillings and exotic twists.

Stage 3: Pho/Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soupthanks to a more diverse Gen Y, many consumers are finding comfort in this flavorful and healthful Vietnamese noodle soup.

Stage 4: Asian Curriesaromatic and satisfying Indian and Thai curry dishes have attracted a broad fan base of adventurous eaters, including those seeking more nourishing comfort; and Casserole Reduxtodays casseroles are fresher and more healthful, improved with seasonal vegetables and lighter fillings.

Stage 5: Mac and Cheese With a Twistwhether updated with creative twists or supplemented with healthful veggies, mac n cheese remains a crowd pleaser.