# Simplified Takeout Food retailers heighten takeout packaging with greater on-the-go portability. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 17, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/simplified-takeout ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Simplified Takeout trend? **Simplified Takeout:** Focusing more on function than aesthetic appeal, fast food retailers are enhancing their packaging with features to make on-the-go consumption easier. Customizing takeout containers with drink holders and easy-to-hold frames, brands are seeking to make takeout not only mobile but conducive to individual use. This suggests a turn toward more convenient methods of consumption. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 4, 2013 to Aug 4, 2014 - Published: Oct 17, 2014 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Simplified Takeout trend ### On-the-go Packaging Fast food retailers are enhancing their packaging with features to make on-the-go consumption easier by customizing takeout containers with drink holders and easy-to-hold frames. ### Compact Packaging Designers are developing fast food packaging that eliminates the need for paper bags, such as McDonald's Big Mac box that combines fries and burgers in a single box, or KFC's bento box that contains multiple items in a single container. ### Branded Packaging Fast food companies are incorporating branding into their packaging to differentiate themselves, such as Chicken Kitchen's custom-shaped carton with bold illustrations, or White Castle's typographic food boxes that spell out 'Crave.' ## What the Simplified Takeout trend means for industry ### For Fast Food Industry Fast food retailers can use innovative packaging designs to differentiate their products and create a more convenient experience for customers. ### For Packaging Industry The packaging industry can develop more on-the-go and compact packaging solutions to meet the growing demand for convenience in the fast food industry. ### For Advertising Industry Advertising agencies can create brand packaging designs that resonate with customers and tell a story, such as Chicken Kitchen's packaging, which features bold illustrations of their rooster mascot. ## Trend signals for Simplified Takeout Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 69%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Simplified Takeout trend 4 featured examples from Dec 4, 2013 to Aug 4, 2014. - [Fast Food Bento Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-bento): KFC Japan Now Serves Chicken-Filled Bento Boxes with Rice and Sides (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing new formats and meal options to attract a wider customer base and stay competitive amidst changing consumer preferences. - [Poultry-Headed Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-kitchen-packaging): Chicken Kitchen Branding Lets the Illustration Dictate the Carton's Shape (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food and beverage brands can explore incorporating interactive and enhanced branding techniques to make their products stand out on the shelves. - [Compact Fast Food Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-containers): Rob Bye Designs a New Concept for McDonald's Fast Food Containers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can benefit from adopting innovative packaging designs that enhance the customer experience and reduce waste. - [Typographic Food Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-boxes): White Castle's Fast Food Boxes Contain and Spell Out What You Crave (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can leverage interactive packaging design to create memorable experiences for their customers and differentiate themselves in the market. ## 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)