# Imitation Cuisine The consumer mindset comes to expect the unexpected, which prompts imitation. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Aug 26, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/imitation-cuisine ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Imitation Cuisine trend? **Imitation Cuisine:** For the modern consumer, it's not simply about eating something obscure or interesting but bragging about it afterward, which has prompted the rise of imitation cuisine that looks like something but tastes like another. As we see the acceptance of prepackaged food become commonplace, the consumer expects unusual flavor variations. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 28, 2013 to Aug 26, 2014 - Published: Aug 26, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Imitation Cuisine trend ### Imitation Cuisine Consumers now want to eat something unexpected and unusual flavor variations in prepackaged foods have become commonplace. ### Deceptive Food The rise of deceptive food has been used as pranks and for fun, and has become a trend. ### Chocuterie Chocuterie offers chocolate products made with authentic butchers' craftsmanship that mimic meat. ## What the Imitation Cuisine trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Businesses can create new, innovative products that play with the consumers' senses and stimulate their tastebuds. ### For Marketing and Advertising Companies can use the trend of deceptive food to create successful marketing campaigns and engage their audience. ### For Artisanal Chocolate Making Manufacturers can expand their product line and create unique chocolate products based on current trends, such as Chocuterie's chocolate sausages. ## Trend signals for Imitation Cuisine Trend score 2.8 out of 10, from popularity 41%, activity 34%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 41% - Activity: 34% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Imitation Cuisine trend 5 featured examples from Feb 28, 2013 to Aug 26, 2014. - [Illusionary Fake Confection Pranks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/april-fools-joke): This April Fool's Joke Comes with a Tasty Surprise (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Companies in the food and beverage industry can create fake food products as a new line of business or a seasonal offering for April Fool's Day. - [Deceptive Soup Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-soup): Machi No Kumasan is Offering These Realistic Looking Ramen Soup Cakes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: In the bakery industry, the creation of realistic-looking food products opens up new possibilities for capturing customer attention and creating innovative dessert options. - [Candy Apple Cake Pops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caramel-apple-cake-pop): Bakerella's Caramel Apple Cake Pop Recipe Uses the Limited Oreo Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Retailers can leverage limited edition food products to create innovative recipes, attracting customers and increasing sales. - [Chilly Cheeseburger Confectionaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-ice-cream-sandwiches): These Burger Ice Cream Sandwiches are a Delicious Dessert Item (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food service businesses can experiment with hybrid food items like chilly cheeseburger confectionaries to attract customers and increase sales. - [Deceptive Chocolate Sausages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-sausages): Chocuterie Made Chocolate That Looks Exactly Like a Slab of Salami (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovative opportunities for confectionery manufacturers to create visually deceptive chocolate products that appeal to consumers' sense of novelty and curiosity. ## 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)