Hispanic Millennials in the US Have Different Health Attitudes from Those in Latin America

Nov 28, 2016

Millennials
A national study was recently conducted and delved into the health patterns and attitudes of young Hispanic adults, or more specifically, millennials. The results showed that there are huge differences in the way Latinos born in the United States perceive health, compared to their counterparts born abroad.

Houston Chronicle wrote that the new study, dubbed “The Hispanic Millennial Study,” was unveiled in Houston, which cited several differences between Latinos born in the U.S. and those born abroad. For example, Latinos living in the U.S. had described health as a state of happiness, while the foreign-born Latinos defined the term as the absence of illness.

Hispanic millennials are the second largest Hispanic group residing in the U.S. The Hispanic Millennial Project is a joint study formed by ThinkNow Research and Sensis, which provided more insight on the group. The study showed that Latino millennials shop independently and tend to spend more money on groceries compared to other groups.

Based on the report, 66 percent of Hispanic millennials stated that their culture and background affect their purchasing habits to some extent, 85 percent believe that chicken is healthy, while 57 percent believe that sugar is healthy. 80 percent of Hispanic millennials use recipes, 74 percent do most or all of the grocery shopping for the home and 39 percent rarely or never use coupons. Hispanic millennials spend about $149 per week on groceries. 63 percent like to consume tequila and vodka, 51 percent prefer beer, while 38 percent prefer wine.

The report also showed that 56 percent of Hispanic millennials use both food and drinks to connect to their cultural roots. Hispanic millennials born abroad consume mass market food with the purpose of getting in touch with mainstream culture. Hispanics are not very fond of doing research and availing of coupons. Many who consume large amounts of beer also state that their habit is influenced by friends and culture. Latinos that earn well are less likely to pick foods that relate to their cultural heritage.

Hispanic millennials are also affected by health and finances. They are more likely than other groups to indicate when they are on a diet to shed weight, although they are not as cautious about their diet as before. They also find whole foods important, although they do not believe that processed food pose risks. 81 percent like home-cooked dishes, although 62 percent prefer eating out.

Overall, Hispanic millennials refer to themselves as “foodies.”

Source:Published originally on LatinPost.com.  Hispanic Millennials in the US Have Different Health Attitudes from Those in Latin America, by Staff Writer, January29, 2016.