# Macho Snacking Snack foods turn to overtly masculine aesthetics for gender-targeted appeal. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 9, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/macho-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Macho Snacking trend? **Macho Snacking:** Seeking to capture the attention of male consumers, brands are turning to overtly masculine aesthetics for appeal. Referencing elements like body strength and facial hair, brands are using blunt marketing tactics to not only attract male consumers, but also change the way traditionally female-targeted products are viewed. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 27, 2013 to Apr 6, 2016 - Published: Jan 9, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Macho Snacking trend ### Macho Branding Brands are turning to overtly masculine aesthetics for appeal, referencing elements like body strength and facial hair to attract male consumers. ### Healthy Convenience for Men Brands are targeting men who are health-conscious and busy by providing a range of convenient healthy food options. ### Non-Meat Options for Men Vegetarian and vegan foods are being marketed to men with branding that emphasizes masculinity. ## What the Macho Snacking trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Many brands in the food and beverage industry are reconsidering their marketing approaches to target men who are traditionally ignored or underserved in the market. ### For Health and Wellness Brands are focusing on the health-conscious demographic and providing them with convenient and healthy food options. ### For Packaging and Design Creating packaging and design that appeals to men and their interests can be a disruptive approach that sets a brand apart. ## Trend signals for Macho Snacking Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Macho Snacking trend 7 featured examples from Feb 27, 2013 to Apr 6, 2016. - [Manly Vegetarian Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/packaging-for-men): BUTCH's Packaging for Men Champions Manly Non-Meat Eaters (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovative brands in this industry can create mock-meat and vegetarian products that target specific demographics such as men interested in non-meat protein sources. - [Healthy Man Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fit-kitchen): Stouffer's 'Fit Kitchen' Appeals to Guys with Protein-Rich Frozen Foods (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for frozen food companies to create healthier meal options with higher protein and complex carbohydrate ratios that appeal to men. - [Masculine Snack Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-for-guys): Manfood's Food for Guys Satisfies a Void with Crisp, Chunky Snacks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for developing and marketing food and beverage products aimed at men, using simple, natural ingredients, and bold, masculine branding to stand out in the crowded marke… - [Masculine Brogurt Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerful-yogurt): Powerful Yogurt Targets Manly Men Who Want to Find Their Inner Abs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to create and market food and beverage products that target specific gender demographics. - [Masculine Frozen Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-ready-meals): These Frozen Ready Meals Are Part Of the Men's Health Kitchen Range (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can tap into disruptive innovation opportunities by developing more specialized frozen ready meals targeted towards health-conscious men. - [Bearded Organic Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bearded-brothers): The Bearded Brothers Create Gluten-Free Energy Bars with Great Taste (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The organic food industry can capitalize on the trend of organic energy bars and expand their product offerings in the snack food category. - [Brutish Artisanal Jerky](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savage-jerky-co): The Kickstarter-Launched Savage Jerky Co Boasts Ferocious Branding (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Chance for companies to enter the artisanal jerky market and offer unique flavor profiles and branding strategies. ## 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)