Menu Anxiety Overwhelms American Diners

In a OnePoll survey of 2,000 American adults, more than 30% reported "menu anxiety," or distress when ordering at a restaurant or cafe. More than 40% of Gen Z and millennials ages 18 to 43 experienced it, compared with 15% of Gen X and baby boomers ages 44 to 77. Too many choices, unfamiliar ingredients, fear of choosing badly, allergies, and dietary restrictions could turn a simple meal decision into paralysis. The report also cited people who obsessively reviewed menus online before accepting invitations.

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