# Intentionally Unappetizing A fixation on the eating experience sparks a focus on shocking cuisine. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jul 4, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/intentionally-unappetizing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Intentionally Unappetizing trend? **Intentionally Unappetizing:** Consumers aren't simply looking for something delicious to eat, but a story to tell afterward. As foodie culture becomes ubiquitous, the unappetizing is becoming a focus for consumers craving an experience that's both satisfying for their palate and worthy of being shared on social media. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 8 to Sep 17, 2014 - Published: Jul 4, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Intentionally Unappetizing trend ### Shock Value Food Food is being taken to the extreme as consumers search for unique and unforgettable experiences. ### Unconventional Desserts Desserts are being reimagined as artists and bakers take inspiration from unusual sources. ### Morbid Confectionaries Dark and eerie imagery and themes are entering the world of sweets and desserts. ## What the Intentionally Unappetizing trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Companies can innovate by creating new, bold food options for consumers looking for something unique. ### For Art and Design Artistic expression is being infused into how food is created and presented. ### For Retail and E-commerce Companies can capture consumers' attention by offering niche and unconventional food options through online stores. ## Trend signals for Intentionally Unappetizing Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 64%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Intentionally Unappetizing trend 6 featured examples from May 8 to Sep 17, 2014. - [Repulsive Delicacy Photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invasive-species-photo): The 'Invasive Species' Photos Show Dishes Made from Rodents & Insects (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The culinary arts industry can take advantage of incorporating invasive species into their menus, offering a new and exciting dining experience. - [Monster Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monster-cake): Artist Christine McConnell Creates Terrifying Desserts Dressed as a 50s Housewife (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for bakeries and restaurants to offer unconventional desserts to cater to the demand for experiential and visually striking food experiences. - [Reptilian Watermelon Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermelon-sculpture): This Watermelon Sculpture Looks Like an Sinister Alligator (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity to add value to the food presentation experience through fruit and vegetable art. - [Strange Scorpion Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-topping): The Calgary Stampede Will be Serving Scopions as a Pizza Topping (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants and eateries can capitalize on the demand for unique and daring food choices like scorpion pizza toppings to create a memorable and distinctive dining experience for c… - [Bloody Medieval Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/of-thrones-cake): PurPlePete24 Created a Game of Thrones Cake that is Intricately Detailed (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bakeries can capitalize on the trend of detailed edible art by offering custom cake designs inspired by popular TV shows, drawing in customers who want unique and visually stunnin… - [Creepy Cranium Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anatomical-skull): Blackchocolateco Makes Chocolate That Resembles an Anatomical Skull (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce unique and unconventional chocolate products to differentiate from traditional offerings and attract novelty-seeking customers. ## 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)