# Self-Directed Culinary Consumers partake in workshops to up their personal culinary skills. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Sep 9, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/selfdirected-culinary ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Self-Directed Culinary trend? **Self-Directed Culinary:** As consumers look to learn more about what goes into our food, many are doing so by participating in workshops around the food or beverage of their choosing. In addition to highlighting the continued interest in the "slow food" movement, this progression demonstrates the ways in which consumers are expanding their knowledge on personal interests while mingling with other members of their community. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 28, 2015 to Aug 23, 2016 - Published: Sep 9, 2016 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Self-Directed Culinary trend ### Hands-on Cooking Workshops Consumers are seeking interactive workshops that allow them to learn new culinary skills while interacting and socializing with others. ### Customized Cooking Classes Cooking classes that allow attendees to personalize their dishes and learn about healthy ingredients will become more popular as consumers look to take control of their own health and nutrition. ### Themed Cooking Classes Classes that offer a unique or themed experience, such as a Harry Potter or Cinco de Mayo-inspired cooking class, are becoming increasingly popular as consumers look for interactive and memorable experiences. ## What the Self-Directed Culinary trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can offer interactive cooking experiences to consumers as a way to enhance their brand and create memorable experiences. ### For Education Education professionals can tap into the popularity of cooking workshops by offering culinary classes as a way to engage learners while teaching them valuable skills. ### For Fitness and Health Cooking workshops that focus on healthy and nutritional ingredients can be marketed as a way for fitness and health professionals to teach their clients healthy eating habits and encourage a healthy lifestyle. ## Workshop question What's a fresh way to engage and educate your consumers about your brand (products or services)? Consider things like workshops or online tutorials. ## Trend signals for Self-Directed Culinary Trend score 2.8 out of 10, from popularity 37%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 37% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Self-Directed Culinary trend 5 featured examples from Oct 28, 2015 to Aug 23, 2016. - [Nutritional Bar Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutritional-bar): The CLIF Bar 'Build-a-Bar' Seminar Offers Energy Bar Personalization (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend towards personalized food and healthy snacking by offering customizable products with a focus on nutritional value. - [Mother's Day Cooking Classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mothers-day-cooking): This Event Teaches Moms and Their Children How to Make Brunch (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Culinary schools and businesses can utilize interactive cooking classes to reach out to families - [Botanical Gin Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gin-workshop): This Bombay Sapphire Gin Workshop Features Custom Cocktails (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the alcohol industry can offer interactive workshops that educate customers on their products and allow for customization. - [Fiesta-Themed Cooking Demonstrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo): This Cooking Class Helps Consumers Celebrate Cinco De Mayo (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop AI-powered cooking assistants that guide users through step-by-step recipes and provide personalized feedback to improve culinary skills… - [Wizardly Cooking Classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-potter-recipes): Southern Season is Running Classes on Cooking Harry Potter Recipes (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Businesses in the culinary industry can capitalize on the trend of themed menus and experiential cooking classes to generate interest in their services. ## 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)