# Mix-and-Match Mealtime Consumers satisfy their adventurous eating habits with customizable menus. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Jul 21, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mealtime-remixed ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Mix-and-Match Mealtime trend? **Mix-and-Match Mealtime:** The individualistic climate of today's market means that customization is the quickest way into the heart of the consumer. Restaurants looking for an edge over the competition are opting for menus with both greater flexibility and affordability. The mix-and-match approach to dining and traditional meals allows for greater experimentation at a lower cost, which appeals to the modern foodie. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 18 to Jul 16, 2015 - Published: Jul 21, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mix-and-Match Mealtime trend ### Customization The rise of customizable menus in fast casual dining is a response to the individualistic climate of today's market and offers experimentation at a lower cost. ### Affordability Restaurant chains are introducing cost-efficient menu options, like Applebee's 'Two for $20' menu, to make trying different dishes easy and affordable. ### Healthy eating Offering healthy, low-calorie options like Corner Bakery Cafe's '100 Combos Under 600-Calories' menu is a response to consumer demand for healthier fast casual dining options. ## What the Mix-and-Match Mealtime trend means for industry ### For Fast casual dining Customization and cost-efficiency make fast casual dining an ideal industry for disruptive innovation opportunities. ### For Food technology Technology-driven healthy eating solutions can provide a niche in the food industry and create opportunities for disruptive innovation. ### For Seafood Fast casual dining concepts like Mainland Poke demonstrate the potential for innovation in seafood menus with customizable options and fresh ingredients. ## Workshop question How could you expand the illusion of choice granted to your customer? ## Trend signals for Mix-and-Match Mealtime Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 54%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 54% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mix-and-Match Mealtime trend 4 featured examples from Jun 18 to Jul 16, 2015. - [Buffet-Style Sushi Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-bowl): Mainland Poke is a New Dining Concept Offering Custom Sushi Bowls (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The buffet-style setting of Mainland Poke and the mix-and-match options it provides has the potential to disrupt traditional dining experiences and practices within the restaurant… - [Customizable Italian Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spoleto-italian): Spoleto Italian's First Location Stateside Boasts Total Customization (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast casual restaurants can explore the concept of fully customizable menus to cater to consumer preferences. - [Healthy Customizable Lunch Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bakery-cafe): The Corner Bakery Cafe is a Convenience-Focused Lunch Chain (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast casual dining chains can take note of the success of Corner Bakery Cafe's 100 customizable and health-conscious lunch menus. - [Customizable Entree Combos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/applebees): This Applebee's Menu Makes Trying Different Dishes Affordable (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast casual restaurants like Applebee's have an opportunity to build on the mix & match trend to drive footfall ## 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)