# Experiential Protein Protein sources are adapted into fun shapes for experiential appeal. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 27, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/experiential-protein ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Experiential Protein trend? **Experiential Protein:** Adding an alluring twist to traditional protein products, brands and consumers are reformatting goods like pork into creative, unexpected food forms to pique the interest of consumers. Shaping protein items to reference pop culture characters and geometric patterns, consumers are seeking to not only create a more visually appealing source of consumption, but also reinvent conventional food products into items that provoke and stimulate the senses. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: May 18, 2015 to Aug 3, 2016 - Published: Apr 27, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Experiential Protein trend ### Experiential Food Consumers seek to reinvent conventional food products into items that provoke and stimulate the senses. ### Creative Food Shaping Shaping protein items to reference pop culture characters and geometric patterns is a way to add an alluring twist to traditional protein products. ### New Fast Food Experiences Fast-food chains are experimenting with innovative ways to serve chicken tenders to drive up sales. ## What the Experiential Protein trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industries should look into creating unconventional food product offerings. ### For Entertainment Industries can reference pop culture trends to create visually appealing products and experiences. ### For Fast Food Fast food chains should experiment with new menu additions and new shapes for traditional fast food items. ## Workshop question In what ways could your brand adapt or reinvent your packaging or general aesthetics to add a sense of novelty to the experience? ## Trend signals for Experiential Protein Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Experiential Protein trend 5 featured examples from May 18, 2015 to Aug 3, 2016. - [Porky Cinnamon Buns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-buns): These Tasty Cinnamon Bacon Buns Look Just Like Adorable Little Piggies (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bakeries can experiment with animal-shaped sweets or fillings like candied bacon to create unique treats that stand out from the competition. - [Meaty Anime Monster Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pork-patties): These Breaded Pork Patties are Shaped Like the Pikachu Pokemon (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food manufacturing industry can explore the production of specialized meat snacks designed to resemble beloved anime characters, capitalizing on the growing demand for unique… - [Savory Chicken Cones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-cones): 'Swiss Chickornetto' Snacks are Dressed Up Like Ice Cream Treats (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovative restaurants can experiment with savory dessert options that surprise and delight customers with their unique presentation. - [Ring-Shaped Chicken Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-fries-rings): The Chicken Fries Rings Provide a New Way to Enjoy Fried Chicken (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can capitalize on innovative menu items to attract and retain customers. - [Pretzel-Coated Chicken Tenders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzel-chicken-rings): White Castle's Pretzel Chicken Rings Feature a Salty Coating (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fast food industry can leverage the trend of innovative chicken tenders and pretzel-coated foods to offer unique menu items that attract customers and increase sales. ## 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)