Dive Brief: Food is Gen Z's top spending priority, taking 23% share of their wallet this spring, according to a semiannual report from Piper Sandler assessing teen spending and brand preferences. This figure is up from 21% in the fall of 2020 but down from 25% a year ago. Food has the greatest share of spending among upper-income male teens age 13 to 19 (23%), according to the survey. It ranks second behind clothing among female teens, who still devote 24% of their spending to food. The report, which looked at teen snacking and plant-based meat, found a high interest in healthier eating. According to the survey, 54% of teens preferred healthy snacks, and 49% consume or were willing to try plant-based meat.