# Mainstream Gourmet Lux cuisine is rebranded in unhealthy ways to satisfy cash-strapped foodies. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Mar 31, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mainstream-gourmet ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Mainstream Gourmet trend? **Mainstream Gourmet:** The number of self-professed foodies is steadily rising thanks in part to social media sites like Instagram that offer an outlet for sharing indulgences, but as the niche community grows, so, too, does the need for cost-effective alternatives for younger generations unable to afford lavish edibles. As such, cuisine previously labeled as low brow and unhealthy is receiving an overhaul to satisfy consumer demand for cheap ways to enter the entitled community of food connoisseurs and further expand the concept of mainstream gourmet. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 2, 2013 to Mar 20, 2014 - Published: Mar 31, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mainstream Gourmet trend ### Mainstream Gourmet Low-brow cuisine is rebranded for cost-effectiveness to satisfy the growing number of self-professed foodies and create a concept of mainstream gourmet. ### Customizable Desserts Variations of recognizable foods like pizza, burgers, and fries are given a sweet twist by infusing them with desserts and using cookies or cake alternatively for crusts. ### Edible Gold Adding glimmer and status to an event, edible gold is infused in some of the delicacies of a gourmet menu to add a touch of finesse to dishes. ## What the Mainstream Gourmet trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry Innovation in mainstream gourmet, dessert variations, and edible gold dust have influenced the food and beverage industry, with new products and experiences for consumers. ### For Luxury Goods Industry Edible gold has become a desirable and fashionable inclusion for high-end events, therefore creates opportunities for luxury good companies to supply edible gold dust for use in gourmet delights. ### For Marketing and Advertising Industry The rise of mainstream gourmet and creative dessert variations allows for marketers to create different promotional campaigns and advertisements for food products and create different marketing strategies. ## Trend signals for Mainstream Gourmet Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mainstream Gourmet trend 5 featured examples from Aug 2, 2013 to Mar 20, 2014. - [Cookie-Combined Dessert Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizookie): The Pizookie Party Platter Has Something for Everyone (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants and food brands can innovate by introducing unique dessert menu options that cater to the trend of customizable and personalized desserts. - [Gigantic Ramen Noodle Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-burger): This Ramen Burger is a Delicious Hybrid of Noodles and Beef (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants can explore the trend of ramen noodle burgers and offer them as a new menu item, appealing to customers seeking unique and innovative dining experiences. - [Gourmet Date Night Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodbridge-by-robert-mondavi): Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi and Miss Vickie's Make the Perfect Couple (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Partnering with food brands to offer unique flavor pairings is an opportunity for wine and spirits companies to expand their market and attract new customers. - [Gold-Infused Finger Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oscar-treats): Wolfgang Puck Creates a Menu of Fine Oscar Treats with Edible Gold Dust (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The luxury dining industry can explore the incorporation of edible gold and unique menu offerings to attract high-end clientele. - [Flower-Flavored Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floral-ice-cream): Haagen-Dazs Blooms New Ice Cream Flavors to Celebrate 30 years in (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating unique and unconventional flavors and partnering with celebrities or influencers can help ice cream brands stand out in a crowded market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (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) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)