# Oversized Protein Excessive behavior is reflected in the rise of oversized protein dishes. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 27, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oversized-protein ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Oversized Protein trend? **Oversized Protein:** While traditional burgers and sandwiches offer a convenient source of daily protein, societal emphasis on advancement and excess prompts traditional meals to be re-invented in a much more grandiose manner. Catering to consumers who desire above and beyond the ordinary, restauranteurs are turning to oversized creations of classic protein dishes to add shock and visual allure to traditionally simple dishes. This speaks to a desire for consumption that goes beyond nutritional gain, toward more superfluous and expressively flamboyant alternatives. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 20, 2014 to Oct 29, 2015 - Published: May 27, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Oversized Protein trend ### Oversized Protein Dishes The trend of oversized protein dishes speaks to a desire for consumption that goes beyond nutritional gain, toward more superfluous and expressively flamboyant alternatives, offering restaurant owners an opportunity to create dishes that cater to customers seeking visually alluring and filling meals. ### Unconventional Food Combinations Innovative and creative food combinations like savory monkey bread, chicken tikka poutine and salted caramel chicken strips add an unexpected twist to classic and familiar dishes, which can attract consumers looking for unique and exciting culinary experiences. ### Gourmet Fast Food Gourmet reinventions of fast-food favorites like superior chicken poutines and supersized chicken sandwiches offer customers a premium and elevated experience of their favorite comfort foods while being convenient and accessible, providing business opportunities for upscale fast food chains. ## What the Oversized Protein trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry is significantly impacted by the trends of oversized protein dishes, unconventional food combinations, and gourmet fast food, as they challenge restaurants and food chains to innovate, experiment, and attract customers with fresh and unique menu items. ### For Hospitality The hospitality industry can benefit greatly from the trend of oversized protein dishes and unconventional food combinations, as they provide restaurants and hotels with an opportunity to offer visually striking and attention-grabbing dishes, making their brand stand out from competitors. ### For Retail Retailers can also tap into the trend of unconventional food combinations and gourmet fast food by collaborating with food and beverage partners to offer exclusive and unique products to their customers, resulting in increased foot traffic, sales and brand awareness. ## Trend signals for Oversized Protein Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Oversized Protein trend 7 featured examples from Mar 20, 2014 to Oct 29, 2015. - [DIY Big Flat Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-flat-sandwich): This Instructional Allows You To Make a Meal in Hollowed Out Bread Loafs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring the opportunity for cafes and restaurants to offer hollowed-out bread sandwiches with unique fillings, in line with the DIY and convenience trends. - [Extreme Corn Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dbat-dog): This D-bat Dog is an Extreme Form of a Ballpark Corn Dog (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Developing creative and unique menu items to attract customers and drive sales. - [Poultry Potato Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potato-cake): This Savory Cake is Topped with Mashed Potatos, Gravy and Chicken Wings (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore and capitalize on the trend of unconventional cakes and fusion cooking by introducing new savory dessert products and menus that cater t… - [Salted Caramel Chicken Fingers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourmet-chicken-strips): This New York-Based Restaurant Focuses on Gourmet Chicken Strips (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants to differentiate themselves and attract customers by offering gourmet chicken strips with unique flavors and locally sourced ingredients. - [BBQ Chicken Breads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monkey-bread): This Savory Monkey Bread is Stuffed with Buffalo Chicken (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Creating and marketing new savory bread products that cater to consumers seeking unique flavors and tastes. - [Superior Chicken Poutines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-tikka-poutine): This Eatery's Chicken Tikka Poutine Fuses Canadian and Indian Cuisine (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating international fusion cuisine, elevated comfort food, and experiential dining concepts can differentiate restaurants and attract new customers. - [Supersized Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-breast-fillet): This Hearty Sandwich Features a Monstrous Chicken Breast Fillet (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Industry-wide opportunity to innovate food sizes and choices to cater to customers with large appetites. ## 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)