Category
Lifestyle
Shortcut Suppers
Trend cluster
Category
Extreme
Imitation
Vegetarian meals are created with hyper-realistic detailing to imitate meat.
3.4
Trend score
What's Happening
What is the Extreme Imitation trend?
Extreme Imitation: Moving away from what's sometimes seen as unappealing meat alternatives, brands are cleverly reinventing how vegetarian meals are perceived to broaden appeal. Going to lengths to imitate the look and texture of consumer favorites like hamburgers, brands are making references to such specific features to heighten consumption with a unique sensory experience. This reflects a continuing desire for healthier alternatives that don't feel like a sacrifice.
Evidence
Examples of the Extreme Imitation trend
CategoryLifestyle
Fresh Veggie Burgers
These Plant-Based Burger Patties are Sold in the Refrigerated Case
The vegetarian food industry could see growth with the introduction of new and unique products like fresh vegetarian burgers.
CategoryLifestyle
Vegan Deli Meat Alternatives
Wheaty's Offers Salami and Sauages That Contain No Animal Bi-Products
Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the food and beverage industry by capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives.
CategoryEco
Juice Pulp Burgers
Shake Shack's Juice Pulp Veggie Burger Redefines Patty Meat
The food and beverage industry can explore the potential of incorporating food waste into product development to meet the growing demand for sustainable and plant-based options.
CategoryLifestyle
Vegetarian Tempeh Fish Sticks
This Popular Fried Fish Meal is Made Using Fermented Soy Beans
Food manufacturers can explore the production of fermented soy-based ingredients for meat alternatives to cater to the increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan products.
CategoryLifestyle
Fast Food Bean Burgers
The New Black Bean Burger from Wendy's is a Tasty Vegetarian Option
Fast food chains like Wendy's are testing and introducing vegetarian menu items to attract more customers.
Trend themes
Themes within the Extreme Imitation trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Hyper-realistic Vegetarian Meals
Brands are imitating the look and texture of meat to make vegetarian meals more appealing, generating a unique sensory experience.
02
Fresh Plant-Based Burgers
Beyond Meat's fresh veggie burgers are sold in the refrigerated case and boast nearly the same taste and texture as real meat, providing a viable substitute.
03
Vegan Deli Meat Alternatives
Brands like Wheaty's are perfecting vegan deli meat options that taste like their non-vegan counterparts, targeting a growing demographic of vegan consumers.
Industry implications
What the Extreme Imitation trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Alternative Protein
Innovative food products and meatless meat substitutes are disrupting traditional protein sources and generating more sustainable food options.
For
Fast Food
Fast food restaurants are expanding vegetarian and vegan options to attract a new type of consumer and cater to growing dietary restrictions and preferences.
For
Health and Wellness
Consumers are seeking healthier and more nutritious options that don't sacrifice taste or convenience, leading to the development of more plant-based and meatless products.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Extreme Imitation
Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 40%, freshness 8%.
Popularity55%
Activity40%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
