# Flavor Prototyping Evolving food truck menus allow brands to test new menu creations. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published Sep 14, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/experimental-mobile ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Flavor Prototyping trend? **Flavor Prototyping:** The success of food trucks continues to appeal to busy consumers, but these eateries are beginning to push the boundaries by testing offbeat menu options that combine food form, flavor and creative dietary ingredients as a way to gauge the public’s reaction. This shift provides a new way for brands to assess their ideas and reach the public without fully committing large amounts of time or money to an uncertain project. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 13, 2015 to Apr 26, 2017 - Published: Sep 14, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Flavor Prototyping trend ### Gourmet Food Trucks Food trucks are evolving from their traditional backgrounds and serving gourmet meals with a combination of new ingredients in order to appeal to consumers. ### Unique Sampling Techniques Companies are using food trucks to promote new products and provide customers with a chance to try them in an interactive way. ### Celebrity Endorsements By using celebrity food trucks which offer a unique and quirky experience, brands can create buzz and drive attention for their products. ## What the Flavor Prototyping trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage These food truck concepts are disrupting the traditional food and beverage industry and creating unexpected dining experiences. ### For Marketing and Advertising Companies are using food trucks as a way to promote their brands and products through experiential marketing campaigns. ### For Entertainment and Culture Celebrities are using these food trucks to connect with their fans and create unique cultural experiences. ## Workshop question What platform could your brand better use for experimentation? ## Trend signals for Flavor Prototyping Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 64%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Flavor Prototyping trend 7 featured examples from Mar 13, 2015 to Apr 26, 2017. - [Black Ice Cream Parlors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-ice-cream): 'The Kraken I Scream' Van Doles Out Dark Ice Cream Treats (Category: Marketing) Implication: The ice cream industry can innovate by creating unconventional flavors and adding alcoholic twists to appeal to adult consumers. - [Casual Dining Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-food-truck): A McDonald's Food Truck and Lounge at SXSW Tempts Millennials (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants and fast food chains to leverage food trucks and mobile experiences to attract younger consumers and stay competitive in the industry. - [Kaleidoscopic Cookie Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-cookie): Oreo is Using a 'Flavor Mobile' to Launch Its Newest Flavored Cookies (Category: Autos) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage interactive food truck experiences to promote their products and create memorable brand interactions. - [Banana Burger Food Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-burger): The Tropical Point Food Truck Serves Banana Burgers and Egg-Topped Pizza (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The introduction of unconventional dishes like banana burgers can attract customers seeking novel and Instagrammable street food experiences. - [Food Truck Pumpkin Giveaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pumpkin-pie-quest): This Healthy Food Truck is Giving Out Free Pumpkin Pie Quest Bars (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for food and beverage brands to create innovative marketing campaigns using promotional giveaways and seasonal flavors. - [Mobile Tea Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-on-wheels): This David's Tea Shop on Wheels Drives Around and Doles Out Tea Samples (Category: Autos) Implication: Food trucks have become a popular option for mobile businesses, and tea trucks could have the potential to take advantage of this growing market. - [Celebrity Sausage Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chef-goldblums): Jeff Goldblum Gave Out Free Sausages from 'Chef Goldblum's' Food Truck (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage the emergence of celebrity and promotional food trucks to create new revenue streams and reach consumers in unique ways. ## 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)