# Exotic Snacking Asian recipes are adapted into bite-size snacks for consumer allure. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 7, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/exotic-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Exotic Snacking trend? **Exotic Snacking:** Despite an increased interest in Asian cuisine over the years, there are still certain ingredients and flavors consumers are hesitant to try. Seeking a more digestible alternative, consumer are turning to customized snack foods for experimentation in a smaller, more manageable form. This reflects not only a curiosity, but also a need for approachability, when it comes to new flavors. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 11, 2015 to May 14, 2016 - Published: Dec 7, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Exotic Snacking trend ### Exotic Snacks Consumers are seeking out customized snack foods for experimentation in a smaller form, reflecting a curiosity and need for approachability when it comes to new flavors. ### Asian-Inspired Flavors The convergence of exotic flavors and a healthy ingredient like citrus is a recipe that will appeal to consumers who are seeking adventure, as well as a new way to experience familiar grocery store fruits and vegetables. ### Unconventional Flavors The rise of on-the-go eating has turned the majority of young consumers into snackers, especially ones who are excited by the prospect of sampling unexpected food flavors. ## What the Exotic Snacking trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Developing customized snack foods with exotic and unconventional flavors can appeal to consumers seeking new taste experiences. ### For Health and Wellness The use of healthy ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits, in snack foods can appeal to health-conscious consumers. ### For Hospitality Restaurants and hotels can experiment with Asian flavors in appetizers and snacks to create unique and attractive menu options for guests. ## Workshop question How can you better ease consumers into a new product experience? ## Trend signals for Exotic Snacking Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Exotic Snacking trend 7 featured examples from Jun 11, 2015 to May 14, 2016. - [Asian-Inspired Egg Recipes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soy-sauce-eggs): These Soy Sauce Eggs are Garnished With Diced Scallions (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Entrepreneurial space to explore new food products and recipes inspired by Asian cuisine, catering to the growing demand for unique flavors and healthy options. - [Mascarpone Melon Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hokkaido-melon): This Unconventional Kit Kat is Hokkaido Melon and Cheese-Flavored (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can explore and capitalize on the trend of introducing unconventional flavors to attract adventurous consumers seeking unique chocolate experiences. - [Toast-Flavored Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-snack): This Flavored Snack from Koikeya is Meant to Taste Like Toasted Bread (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack food industry has the potential to capitalize on the trend of unconventional flavors and innovative ingredients. - [Sour Citrus Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-snack): This Asian Snack from Calbee Touts an Extreme Sour Warning (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Snack companies can create new and exciting flavors to appeal to foodies and adventurous consumers alike. - [Cheeseburger Egg Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/egg-roll-recipe): This In-N-Out Egg Roll Recipe Contains Burger Ingredients for Asian Fusion (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating different cultural cuisines into their menus can attract new customers and revitalize their brand. - [Broccoli Citrus Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/broccoli-bites): These Rhythm Superfoods Broccoli Bites Boast a Citrus Soy Sauce Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the healthy snack food market by offering innovative, nutritious, and delicious options like citrus-infused broccoli snacks. - [Rice Wine Chocolate Wafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-kat-flavor): The Sake Kit Kat Flavor Offers a Boozy Japanese Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the food and beverage industry can innovate on flavors to create unique and exotic food products. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)