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It looks like Gen Z has developed a new fear: ordering food at the restaurant.
A recent study conducted by British restaurant chain Prezzo reveals that a significant portion of Gen Z is grappling with “menu anxiety” when it comes to dining out, adding to the growing list of activities they find challenging or choose to avoid. The study, involving over 2,000 participants, aimed to assess the enjoyment levels of dining out across different age groups, according to the New York Post.
Surprisingly, 86% of Gen Z adults (aged 18 to 24) admitted experiencing “menu anxiety” while dining in restaurants, surpassing the 67% reported by respondents of all age groups. Menu anxiety, characterized by concerns about the cost of meals, fear of not finding something appealing on the menu, or regretting the order, has led 34% of these young adults to delegate communication with waitstaff to others at the table.
Dean Challenger, CEO of Prezzo, acknowledges the holiday season exacerbating stress for some individuals during dining-out experiences. The fear of menu-related decisions appears closely linked to the rising costs of restaurant meals. Additionally, nearly 40% of Gen Z participants confessed they would opt not to go out for dinner if they couldn’t preview the menu in advance.
A parallel U.S. study echoes these findings, with three in 10 Americans reporting menu anxiety. Notably, Gen Z and millennials (ages 18–43) exhibit higher levels of anxiety while ordering (41%) compared to Gen X and baby boomers (ages 44–77) at 15%.
This pattern aligns with broader trends of heightened anxiety reported by Gen Z, impacting typically enjoyable activities like dining out. Professor Gabriel Rubin from Montclair State University notes that Gen Z’s anxiety extends to socializing in real-world conditions, attributing this discomfort to a lack of in-person social skills exacerbated by factors like COVID-19. The study emphasizes that, for many Gen Z individuals, even seemingly simple activities such as ordering food become aspects of life to be avoided due to their overall anxiety and challenges in non-digital social spaces.
Noumaan Faiz, (he/him) is a journalist and entertainer from Hayward, CA who covers culture and entertainment.
Edited by Nykeya Woods