# Experiential Instant Instant noodles get revitalized with new, unlikely ingredients & branding. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 7, 2019 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/experiential-instant ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Experiential Instant trend? **Experiential Instant:** A staple among comfort foods, cup noodles is something consumers seek out for its ease and cost-efficiency. With that, we're seeing a resurgence in this cultural staple, with the addition of new, unexpected features—including non-traditional Asian ingredients like chicken nuggets and cheesecake. ## The consumer insight behind the Experiential Instant trend Globalization continues to influence consumers' preferences and values, and this phenomenon is especially visible in the evolution of food products in North America. As immigration rates in North America increase, so too do levels of cultural diversity, causing many consumers to become more open and enthusiastic about what's popular in other parts of the world. This demographic seeks to enjoy new foods and international flavors and are looking to brands to provide these novel products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 13, 2018 to Mar 4, 2019 - Published: Mar 7, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Experiential Instant trend ### Globalization of Taste As immigration rates in North America increase, consumers seek to enjoy new foods and international flavors, creating opportunities for brands to provide novel products. ### Comfort Food Reinvented Brands are reinventing classic comfort foods like instant noodles with new, unexpected features, ingredients, and flavors. ### Social Media Vending Vending machines powered by social media allow consumers to collect prizes, discounts, and even meals by sharing posts with a specific hashtag. ## What the Experiential Instant trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Opportunity for brands to experiment with unusual ingredient combinations and international flavors to appeal to adventurous eaters and boost sales. ### For Marketing and Advertising Social media-powered vending machines offer disruptive innovation opportunities in influencer marketing and customer engagement. ### For Technology and Retail Retrofitting vending machines with Internet-connected computers creates new opportunities for experiential marketing, customized rewards, and optimized operations. ## Workshop question In what way could you reinvent your most traditional, well-known product? ## Trend signals for Experiential Instant Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 63%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 63% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Experiential Instant trend 4 featured examples from Jan 13, 2018 to Mar 4, 2019. - [Social Media Noodle Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodbeast-dream-machine): The Foodbeast Dream Machine Accepts Instagram Posts as Currency (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The integration of social media as a form of currency in marketing campaigns can revolutionize the way brands connect with their audience. - [Indulgent Cheesesteak Ramen Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teriyaki-cheesesteak-ramen): The Ninjas With Appetite Teriyaki Cheesesteak Ramen is Tasty (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As the demand for convenience and unique food options increases, the food industry can take advantage of customers’ willingness to try indulgent fusion dishes like the Teriyaki Ch… - [Chicken Nugget Noodle Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cup-noodle-potenage-big): Nissin's 'Cup Noodle Potenage Big' Has Scrambled Egg, Chicken & Potato (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fusion of fast food items and instant noodles create a convenient and easy meal option for busy consumers. - [Potato Chip Instant Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pringles-flavor): The Latest Pringles' Flavor Boasts a New Mode of Intake Altogether (Category: World) Implication: The collaboration between Pringles and Super Cup offers opportunities for innovation and product development within the snack food industry. ## 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 Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)