# Fermented Comfort Consumers avoid the guilt of comfort foods with fermented additions. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 1, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fermented-comfort ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Fermented Comfort trend? **Fermented Comfort:** As consumers look for ways to make incremental changes to their lifestyle choices in the interest of wellness, many are turning to fermented foods to elevate traditional comfort food dishes. A means to achieving a more balanced meal while accessing familiar flavors, the inclusion of probiotic-rich ingredients offers discerning consumers a compromise they can justify in both regards. In addition to highlighting scientific advancements that have resulted in greater public knowledge regarding the health of bodily systems, this shift speaks to the interest in recreating familiar experiences through more responsible means. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 22, 2014 to Apr 15, 2017 - Published: Mar 1, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Fermented Comfort trend ### Fermented Foods Probiotic-rich fermented ingredients offer health-conscious consumers familiar flavors in a more responsible way, providing openings for research and development in incorporating these ingredients in innovative dishes. ### Regional Fusion Cuisine Asian flavor profiles infused in Western dishes, such as the Korean Waffle Bowl and Korean Quesadilla, create a new dimension in traditional recipes, and could pave the way for entrepreneurs to experiment and develop new fusion dishes. ### Plant-Based Foods Vegan-friendly foods are becoming a popular choice for consumers that want a quick and healthy meal option, expanding the market for innovative plant-based products. ## What the Fermented Comfort trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry shows openings for those looking to innovate with ingredients such as fermented foods while catering to health-conscious consumers. ### For Restaurant Industry Restaurants that incorporate fusion cuisine trends, such as Korean-inspired flavor profiles, can capitalize on the growing trend towards merging different cultural cooking methods and recipes. ### For Fast food industry The fast food industry could benefit from offering regional menu items that appeal to international consumers, opening a door for fast food chains to include unique dishes not common in North America. ## Workshop question How might your brand tap into consumers' desire for a familiar experience? ## Trend signals for Fermented Comfort Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Fermented Comfort trend 7 featured examples from Dec 22, 2014 to Apr 15, 2017. - [Cheesy Kimchi Breads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-bread-recipe): This Cheesy Bread Recipe is Topped with Kimchi Butter and Six Cheeses (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating diverse global flavors into traditional recipes. - [Asian Grilled Cheese Hybrids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandwich-with-ramen): This Recipe is for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Ramen and Kimchi (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants, food trucks, and food delivery services to offer innovative grilled cheese variations that cater to diverse taste preferences. - [Cultured Breakfast Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-burritos): Sweet Earth's Healthy Burritos Have Probiotics for Easy Digestion (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The development and marketing of Sweet Earth's functional burrito line, including their probiotic 'Get Cultured' option, presents opportunities for innovation and growth in the fr… - [Fermented Tea Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-tea-extract): The Ishimaru Sanuki Cha-udon Are Made Using Green Tea Extracts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate unconventional flavors and ingredients in their products. - [Korean Quesadilla Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimchi-quesadilla): Taco Bell in Korea Started Serving a Kimchi Quesadilla Last June (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can innovate and create regional dishes to increase their appeal to local customers. - [Korean Waffle Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waffle-bowl): This Korean Waffle Bowl Serves Up a Hearty Morning Kick (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants can capitalize on cultural fusion and breakfast menus to attract customers and build a unique identity. - [Dairy-Free Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-macaroni): Field Roast's Vegan Macaroni is Made with Fermented Soybean Curds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: A chance to innovate in the vegan 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 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)