Inspired by its own Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, Trader Joe's created Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites as a new seasonal treat. These bite-sized snacks or appetizers prominently feature roasted butternut squash as the main ingredient, along with elbow pasta, Cheddar and Gouda cheeses, béchamel and seasonally appropriate spices like sage, nutmeg and thyme.
The breadcrumb-coated bites from Trader Joe's are lightly fried and they are just as easy to enjoy during weeknight as they are special gatherings.
Fans of the brand's original Mac & Cheese Bites are bound to appreciate the autumnal twist on macaroni and cheese, and the product also speaks to consumers who want to sneak more veggies into their diet.
Butternut Macaroni Bites
The Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites are Full of Holiday Spices
Trend Themes
1. Butternut Squash Snacks - There's an opportunity for food and beverage companies to innovate in the creation of snacks or dishes that feature butternut squash as a main ingredient.
2. Seasonally Appropriate Flavors - There's an opportunity for food and beverage companies to create flavors that are appropriate to the current season.
3. Vegetable-based Comfort Food - There's an opportunity for food and beverage companies to create comfort food favorites such as mac and cheese, using vegetables to add nutritional value.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and Beverage companies could innovate in order to create similar products or even new dishes incorporating butternut squash, more seasonal ingredients or comfort foods with added nutritional value.
2. Healthy Snacks - Healthy Snacks companies could innovate and integrate more vegetable-based snacks, such as butternut squash bites, for people who prefer healthier snack options.
3. Vegetarian and Vegan Foods - There's an opportunity for Vegetarian and Vegan Foods companies to create healthier versions of comfort foods like mac and cheese using butternut squash as a main ingredient.