# Lightened Black Bean Traditionally hearty ingredients like black bean are being used in a new way. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 13, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/lightened-black-bean ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Lightened Black Bean trend? **Lightened Black Bean:** Traditionally used in heavy, ingredient-dense dishes like burritos, black bean is seeing a resurgence and popping up in much lighter, healthier meal options. The digestive properties of this Hispanic cuisine staple are being promoted and utilized in dishes like breakfast bowls and salads as a dietary alternative. The use of hearty, yet exotic ingredients to forward the heavily North American agenda of "self care" is an interesting case study in health food marketing that highlights the importance of newness and exoticism. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 10, 2017 to Apr 12, 2019 - Published: Feb 13, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Lightened Black Bean trend ### Exotic ingredient promotion Use of hearty, yet exotic ingredients to forward the heavily North American agenda of "self care" presents disruptive innovation opportunities in health food marketing that highlight the importance of newness and exoticism. ### Photo-ready presentation Presenting new dishes in a way that is photo-ready and entices consumers to share their healthy meals on social media can drive disruptive innovation opportunities in food and beverage marketing. ### Diet-specific offerings Many eateries are creating different kinds of sandwiches, wraps and bowls with ingredients that are in line with the guidelines of popular diets, providing disruptive innovation opportunities in food and beverage product development and marketing. ## What the Lightened Black Bean trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Food and beverage marketers can leverage exotic ingredient promotion in new, photo-ready presentations and diet-specific offerings to innovate and stay ahead in the industry. ### For Health Food Innovations in exotic ingredient promotion, photo-ready presentation and diet-specific food and beverage offerings are disrupting the health food industry. ### For Quick-Prep Meal Kits Incorporating exotic ingredients and diet-specific options in quick-prep meal kits can create disruptive innovation opportunities in the on-the-go food industry. ## Workshop question What is the most functional aspect of your product, and how can you better emphasize this in marketing? ## Trend signals for Lightened Black Bean Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Lightened Black Bean trend 6 featured examples from May 10, 2017 to Apr 12, 2019. - [Diet-Friendly Quick-Prep Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ww-fresh): The 'WW Fresh' Meals Can Be Enjoyed in 10 Minutes or Less (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The meal delivery industry can focus on creating quick-prep, diet-friendly meals that cater to health-conscious and busy consumers. - [Bean-Based Snack Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thats-it-nutrition): 'That's It Nutrition' is Now Selling Bars Made from Black Beans and Veggies (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The demand for healthy snack foods continues to grow and presents opportunities for companies to create new product lines. - [Diet-Specific Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mooyah-burgers): Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes Created Keto & Paleo 'Lifestyle Burgers' (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: More food and beverage businesses could create diet-specific options to appeal to health-conscious customers and offer inclusivity. - [Multi-Layered Avocado Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-salads): El Pollo Loco's Newest Menu Addition is Accentuated by Clear Bowls (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating unique and visually appealing food items to attract and engage social media-savvy consumers. - [Low-Calorie Mexican Entrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/under-500-calories): El Pollo Loco Expands Its 'Under 500 Calories' Menu with New Dishes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can disrupt the industry by offering healthier options and catering to the growing demand for low-calorie meals. - [Summery Roasted Shrimp Entrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fireroasted-shrimp): Qdoba is Offering Fire-Roasted Shrimp Three Ways for Summer 2017 (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive opportunity to introduce fire-roasted shrimp dishes and explore unique flavor combinations in the restaurant 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)