# Extreme Imitation Vegetarian meals are created with hyper-realistic detailing to imitate meat. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 3, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/extreme-veggie ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Extreme Imitation trend? **Extreme Imitation:** Moving away from what's sometimes seen as unappealing meat alternatives, brands are cleverly reinventing how vegetarian meals are perceived to broaden appeal. Going to lengths to imitate the look and texture of consumer favorites like hamburgers, brands are making references to such specific features to heighten consumption with a unique sensory experience. This reflects a continuing desire for healthier alternatives that don't feel like a sacrifice. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 3, 2015 to Jun 18, 2016 - Published: Dec 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Examples of the Extreme Imitation trend 5 featured examples from Jun 3, 2015 to Jun 18, 2016. - [Fresh Veggie Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-veggie-burgers): These Plant-Based Burger Patties are Sold in the Refrigerated Case (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The vegetarian food industry could see growth with the introduction of new and unique products like fresh vegetarian burgers. - [Vegan Deli Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-deli-meat): Wheaty's Offers Salami and Sauages That Contain No Animal Bi-Products (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the food and beverage industry by capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives. - [Juice Pulp Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patty-meat): Shake Shack's Juice Pulp Veggie Burger Redefines Patty Meat (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the potential of incorporating food waste into product development to meet the growing demand for sustainable and plant-based options. - [Vegetarian Tempeh Fish Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fish-sticks): This Popular Fried Fish Meal is Made Using Fermented Soy Beans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food manufacturers can explore the production of fermented soy-based ingredients for meat alternatives to cater to the increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan products. - [Fast Food Bean Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-bean-burger): The New Black Bean Burger from Wendy's is a Tasty Vegetarian Option (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains like Wendy's are testing and introducing vegetarian menu items to attract more customers. ## Themes within the Extreme Imitation trend ### Hyper-realistic Vegetarian Meals Brands are imitating the look and texture of meat to make vegetarian meals more appealing, generating a unique sensory experience. ### Fresh Plant-Based Burgers Beyond Meat's fresh veggie burgers are sold in the refrigerated case and boast nearly the same taste and texture as real meat, providing a viable substitute. ### Vegan Deli Meat Alternatives Brands like Wheaty's are perfecting vegan deli meat options that taste like their non-vegan counterparts, targeting a growing demographic of vegan consumers. ## What the Extreme Imitation trend means for industry ### For Alternative Protein Innovative food products and meatless meat substitutes are disrupting traditional protein sources and generating more sustainable food options. ### For Fast Food Fast food restaurants are expanding vegetarian and vegan options to attract a new type of consumer and cater to growing dietary restrictions and preferences. ### For Health and Wellness Consumers are seeking healthier and more nutritious options that don't sacrifice taste or convenience, leading to the development of more plant-based and meatless products. ## Trend signals for Extreme Imitation Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Shortcut Suppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/premium-ready-meals) (Lifestyle) - [Festive Boosts](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/seasonal-energy-flavors) (Lifestyle) - [Tasting Ladders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bourbon-sampler-packs) (Lifestyle) - [Elevated Sipping](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mineral-juice-drinks) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Market-Exclusive Spirit Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/market-exclusive-spirit-releases) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Fragrant Body Care Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-fridays-body-collection1) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)