The effect of popular culture on food and beverage consumption: The case of Generation Z

Popular culture is a multifaceted phenomenon that affects individuals’ daily life habits and consumption preferences. It is a culture that spreads through the media and influences people’s lifestyles. Food and drink are important components of popular culture. It is important to learn how popular culture affects people’s behavior and habits. This research examines the effects of popular culture on food and beverage consumption among Generation Z. In this respect, the study does not include other areas of popular culture. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of popular culture on the food and beverage consumption patterns of Generation Z individuals. The quantitative research method was used in the study. The survey method was used for data collection. The data on participants’ demographic characteristics and their frequency of preference for popular-culture foods were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. T-tests and one-way analyses of variance were used to determine whether the reasons for participants’ preferences for popular-culture foods differed by demographic characteristics. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the scale used in the study using the AMOS 26 (Analysis of Moment Structures). According to the findings, more than half of the participants believe that popular culture influences food and beverage consumption. When participants’ marital and professional status were compared, the reasons for choosing popular culture foods and beverages, the psychosocial impact dimension was statistically significant.