A generational shift on the plate
Move over avocado toast—there’s a new favourite on the rise, and it swims. Gen Z, known for rewriting the rules around wellness, sustainability, and food culture, is embracing seafood like no generation before. From poke bowls and prawn tacos to seaweed snacks and grilled octopus, young eaters are redefining what modern meals look like—and seafood is right at the centre of the movement.
What’s behind Gen Z’s seafood obsession?
1. Sustainability matters
Gen Z is more environmentally conscious than any generation before them. They’re asking where their food comes from, how it’s sourced, and what impact it has on the planet. Seafood, especially when sustainably caught or farmed, is seen as a lower-impact protein compared to red meat. Choosing locally sourced Australian seafood or certified sustainable options aligns perfectly with their values.
2. Global food culture is the norm
Raised in a digital world, Gen Z has grown up watching mukbangs, TikTok cooking hacks, and international street food tours on YouTube. This exposure to global flavours has helped normalise dishes like ceviche, sushi, grilled squid, and seaweed salad. Seafood’s versatility across cultures makes it a natural fit for a generation hungry for variety.
3. Health is cool again
Forget boring diet rules—Gen Z is into food that fuels their bodies and brains. Seafood is high in protein, low in saturated fat, and packed with nutrients like omega-3s, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D. Whether they’re into gym gains, glowing skin, or mental clarity, seafood checks the right wellness boxes.
4. It’s social media-ready
Let’s face it: seafood is photogenic. Whether it’s a prawn poke bowl, salmon sushi platter, or grilled octopus on sourdough, seafood dishes look good on camera. Gen Z loves sharing their food, and seafood is an aesthetic—and often affordable—way to flex good taste on Instagram and TikTok.
Top seafood trends Gen Z is loving
- Poke bowls: Customisable, colourful, and packed with raw tuna or salmon, these bowls are a go-to lunch staple.
- Seaweed everything: From roasted snack sheets to seaweed-topped rice bowls, this mineral-rich sea veggie is having a moment.
- Tinned fish boards: Yes, it’s a thing. Sardines, mussels, and smoked oysters are being served charcuterie-style with bread, olives, and flair.
- DIY sushi nights: Rolling sushi at home has become a popular, affordable way to host friends and eat well.
- Frozen seafood meal prep: Time-strapped students and young professionals are turning to frozen prawns, salmon, and squid to meal prep without breaking the bank.
What does this mean for the seafood industry?
With Gen Z setting the tone for future food trends, the seafood industry is taking notice. More brands are leaning into transparent sourcing, innovative flavours, and frozen or ready-to-eat options that make seafood more accessible than ever. The demand for sustainable seafood isn’t a trend—it’s a shift in how the next generation eats.
Where to shop like Gen Z
At Seafood Factory Outlet, we offer a wide selection of sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood that aligns with Gen Z’s values and taste. Whether you’re stocking up on frozen prawns for a meal prep session or trying octopus for the first time, we make seafood easy, exciting, and ethical.
Visit us at 41 Clapham Rd, Regents Park NSW 2143, Australia, or shop online at www.seafoodfactoryoutlet.com.au.