In a world shaped by rapid digital transformation and shifting geopolitical currents, Gen Z emerges as more than just the next wave of consumers — they are strategic drivers of global product sourcing. With spending power projected to surpass USD 3 trillion by 2026, Gen Z’s behavior signals aren’t merely trends — they’re sourcing roadmaps.
Recent consumer insights from NielsenIQ, Exploding Topics, and Mintel reveal that Gen Z’s purchasing power — projected to reach USD 450 billion globally in 2025 — is increasingly concentrated in four high-growth categories:
- Beauty & Skincare: 69% of Gen Z turn to TikTok for beauty discovery, and 54% trust online influencers for product recommendations. Clean, cruelty-free, and personalized skincare products are especially favored.
- Functional Food & Snacks: Gen Z are dubbed “super snackers,” with a quarter snacking more than once daily. They seek sensory stimulation and global flavors, often subscribing to curated snack boxes.
- Tea & Emotional Wellness: With 53% of Gen Z wanting brands to support mental health, products that promote calm, sleep, or emotional balance — like adaptogenic teas — are gaining traction.
- Smart Devices & Digital Accessories: As digital natives, 74% of Gen Z prefer shopping via smartphones, and they’re 60% more likely than average to use mobile wallets like Apple Pay. Their tech purchases reflect both utility and identity.
In today’s volatile climate — from shifting tariff policies to regional trade tensions — global buyers must stay alert. These Gen Z priorities offer a clear view of what’s gaining traction and where sourcing should pivot next to maximize market relevance and exposure.
Beauty & Skincare: Clean, Conscious, and Tech-Enhanced
Beauty has become wellness — and Gen Z leads this transformation. They seek products that support skin health, emotional wellbeing, and environmental values. For buyers, this means sourcing products that offer both function and philosophy:
- At-home skincare tech like LED treatment masks and cleansing tools
- Refillable creams and solid formats with low-waste packaging
- Multi-use stick cosmetics for minimal routines and maximum flexibility
- Fragrance formats that are compact, portable, and sustainable
- Calming gels and microbiome-safe formulations for sensitive skincare
These beauty essentials are no longer luxuries — they’re part of Gen Z’s daily rituals, blending aesthetic minimalism with proven results.
Functional Food & Snacks: Flavorful, Global, and Purposeful
Gen Z are redefining snacking as a health strategy — choosing foods that enhance focus, fuel busy schedules, and express taste curiosity. For sourcing professionals, this means:
- Protein-rich jerky and chickpea snacks for on-the-go fuel
- Stress-soothing snacks made with calming herbs like chamomile and holy basil
- Plant-forward bites like vegan cookies, puffed rice snacks, and flexitarian bars
- Low-sugar antioxidant beverages positioned as both energizers and wellness drinks
Buyers should respond with snacks that balance function, flavor, and narrative — products that Gen Z can share, post, and snack with intention.
Tea & Emotional Wellness: Calm, Focus, and Functional Sips
In contrast to high-stimulation digital life, Gen Z is investing in quiet moments and emotional balance. Tea has become a wellness anchor — infused with calming ingredients and packaged for both ritual and convenience. Sourcing trends include:
- Herbal blends that support sleep, stress relief, and emotional clarity
- Brain-boosting teas with calming and energizing herbs like green tea, ginseng, and rosemary
- Gut-friendly infusions targeting digestion and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Sparkling botanical drinks — low-sugar, calming and functional, and visually appealing
- Personalized tea kits designed for gifting, journaling, or desk-side calm
This generation views tea not just as a beverage, but as a signal of self-care — pairing it with curated products like diffusers, lamps, or desktop accessories.
Smart Devices & Digital Accessories: Stylish Utility for Digital Lifestyles
Gen Z’s digital identity is curated through their tech — demanding devices that combine performance with aesthetic value. Sourcing is evolving toward products that offer functionality, personalization, and design-led features:
- Wireless earbuds and phone gear with expressive casing and compact formats
- AR-enabled smart glasses and mobile creation tools for content generation
- Ambient desk accessories like LED lamps and digital mirror clocks
- Wellness gadgets including portable air purifiers and humidifiers
- Ergonomic tech kits tailored to home workspaces, study zones, and travel
Tech sourcing is no longer about specs alone — Gen Z’s buying decisions reflect lifestyle integration, creative flexibility, and emotional utility.
Gen Z Signals: Why Future-Ready Sourcing Starts with Understanding Values
As Gen Z continues to shape consumer expectations and product innovation, global buyers must not just react — but anticipate. The categories above aren’t just trending; they’re indicators of deeper generational values. By aligning sourcing strategies with Gen Z’s lifestyle signals, businesses can stay relevant, agile, and future-ready in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Lead the Change: Source Smarter with Gen Z-Driven Trends
The Gen Z sourcing shift isn’t coming — it’s already here. Don’t get left behind. See what global buyers are adapting now to stay ahead of demand. Explore trending categories, connect with suppliers, and start sourcing smarter on The Trusted Online Marketplace. Forecast tomorrow’s sourcing priorities — starting today.
Bonus for Suppliers: Gen Z is rewriting retail norms. Their values—from eco-conscious picks to tech-savvy tastes—are reshaping demand. Show off what speaks to them on hktdc.com Sourcing and get noticed by worldwide buyers.
- Mintel – The Future of Consumer Behaviour in the Age of Gen Z https://www.mintel.com/insights/consumer-research/the-future-of-consumer-behaviour-in-the-age-of-gen-z/
- Accio – Latest Gen Z Trends 2025: Consumer Behavior & Tech Insights https://www.accio.com/business/latest_gen_z_trends
- Mediatool – Gen Z Trends 2025: What Marketers Need to Know
https://camphouse.io/blog/gen-z-trends - Later – Gen Z Stats & Trends: How to Market to Gen Z in 2025
https://later.com/blog/gen-z-trends/
