# Meal-Ready Advent Brands are introducing more culinary-forward surprises in their advent calendars. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Nov 1, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mealready-advent ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Meal-Ready Advent trend? **Meal-Ready Advent:** Companies are breaking the tradition of the chocolate advent calendar as they introduce more creative and hyper-targeted surprises in their holiday collections. Realizing the emphasis on home-cooking during the holidays, brands see opportunity in the culinary-focused niche. This shift is motivated as companies seek to introduce a better curated selection of gift-giving occasions. ## The consumer insight behind the Meal-Ready Advent trend Personalization plays a big role in the lives of contemporary consumers as people are interested in products that match their unique tastes. This is especially true for gift-giving occasions as shoppers wish for the product to not only mirror the taste and personality of the receiver but to also highlight the level of understanding in the relationship. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 4, 2019 to Dec 11, 2020 - Published: Nov 1, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Meal-Ready Advent trend ### Culinary-Focused Advent Calendars Companies are breaking the tradition of the chocolate advent calendar as they introduce more creative and hyper-targeted surprises in their holiday collections, realizing the emphasis on home-cooking during the holidays. ### Personalization for Gift Giving Personalization plays a big role in the lives of contemporary consumers as people are interested in products that match their unique tastes- especially for gift-giving occasions. ### Eco-Friendly Advent Calendars While people of all ages love the surprises that come from advent calendars, consumers are choosing to invest in holiday countdowns that are as delightful as they are sustainable. ## What the Meal-Ready Advent trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The introduction of various culinary-themed advent calendars presents an opportunity to disrupt the food and beverage industry by attracting food enthusiasts as well as offering food-focused gift giving experiences. ### For Retail The personalization trend presents a unique disruption opportunity for the retail industry, with companies offering products that tailor to the unique tastes of their consumers, ultimately growing brand loyalty and increasing sales. ### For Entertainment and Media The rise of unconventional advent calendars presents an opportunity for companies in the entertainment and media industry to leverage pop culture trends and offer consumers a unique way to count down to the holidays. ## Workshop question What kind of advent calendar can your business launch for the holidays? ## Trend signals for Meal-Ready Advent Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 71%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 71% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Meal-Ready Advent trend 8 featured examples from Oct 4, 2019 to Dec 11, 2020. - [Cheese-Filled Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emporium-selection-advent-cheese-calendar): Aldi is Bringing Back Its Emporium Selection Advent Cheese Calendar (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food retailers like Aldi can continue to increase profits during the holiday season by creating and promoting unique holiday-themed food products. - [Eco Chocolate Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-chocolate-advent-calendar): Play in Choc Combines Organic Chocolates & Recyclable Puzzle Toys (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the confectionery industry by creating eco-friendly and allergen-free products. - [Eco Tea Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-tea-advent-calendar): Teapigs' Christmas Tea Advent Calendar is 100% Plastic Free (Category: Eco) Implication: Tea companies can create innovative advent calendars that showcase their tea blends. - [Pork Crackling Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snaffling-pig-co): The Snaffling Pig Co. Boasts Unconventional Treats for Christmas (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Snaffling Pig Co.'s pork crackling advent calendar is an example of how the food and beverage industry can create alternative and innovative products for the holiday season. - [Spicy Condiment Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiery-hot-sauces): The Spicy Gourmet Sampler is Full of Fiery Hot Sauces (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend by creating and marketing their own spicy condiment advent calendars. - [Curry-Filled Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-advent-calendarr): The 12 Curries of Christmas Advent Calendar Shares Fragrant Blends (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of unique advent calendars by offering innovative and flavorful products during the holiday season. - [Cannabis-Infused Truffle Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-chocolate-truffles): This Advent Calendar Shares Luxury Chocolate Truffles (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can explore the production of CBD-infused truffle advent calendars to tap into the growing demand for wellness-oriented treats. - [Carved Cheese Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheese-advent-calendars): Borden Created a Festive Sculpture with 55 Cheese Doors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food and beverage companies can leverage the trend of creating festive food sculptures and engaging social media campaigns to build brand awareness and boost sales during the holi… ## 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)