# Condensed Protein Consumers keep portion control top-of-mind when it comes to red meat. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published May 11, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/streamlined-carnivore ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Condensed Protein trend? **Condensed Protein:** Consumers are searching for reduced or alternative forms of red meat to relieve the guilt brought on by the health food movement. Besides easier delivery and consumption, these reformatted meals suggest that steak is an indulgence that can be portioned for both healthier consumption and on-the-go enjoyment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 7, 2015 to Dec 28, 2016 - Published: May 11, 2015 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Condensed Protein trend ### Alternative Proteins Consumers desire reduced or alternative forms of red meat in search of healthier consumption, suggesting a market opportunity for alternative protein sources such as plant-based foods, algae, fungi, and cellular agriculture. ### Healthy Fast Food Options Fast food companies are showcasing healthier options to cater to the increasingly health-conscious consumers, providing a market opportunity for fast food restaurants to invest in nutritious options to encourage more health-centric trends. ### Ethnic Fusion Foods Innovative combinations of different world cuisines are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, presenting an opportunity for chefs and restaurants to create exciting new flavor combinations that blend various cultures and ingredients. ## What the Condensed Protein trend means for industry ### For Food Industry With the increasing demand for alternative protein sources and the popularity of ethnic fusion foods, food companies need to adapt to the changing consumer preference and develop healthier, more diverse, and unique products. ### For Fast Food Industry To cater to the health-centric trend, fast-food restaurants have to provide healthier options for the growing demand, as seen with Taco Bell's new Flatbread Sandwiches and McDonald's spicy McWraps. ### For Food Tech Industry The alternative protein industry is booming, and the production of plant-based foods, algae-based foods, and cellular agriculture presents an opportunity for food tech companies to innovate and offer sustainable solutions for the food industry. ## Workshop question What is the biggest barrier most consumers face when it comes to your industry? ## Trend signals for Condensed Protein Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Condensed Protein trend 6 featured examples from May 7, 2015 to Dec 28, 2016. - [Lightened-Up Steak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flatbread-sandwiches): Taco Bell's New Flatbread Sandwiches are a Lighter Fast Food Option (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fast food industry can diversify its offerings by capitalizing on the trend of lighter and healthier options to cater to a wider range of consumers. - [Greek-Themed Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tostada): These Tostadas Draw Inspiration from Multiple Worldly Cuisines (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants and food companies to capitalize on the growing demand for unique and fusion cuisine. - [Gourmet Fast Food Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knockout-tacos): These New 'Knockout Tacos' Feature Bold and Unexpected Flavors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The trend towards offering greater menu variety and more diverse flavor options is a trend within the fast casual dining industry. - [Steak Roll Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-roll): Maebells' Steak Recipe Provides a Versatile Base to Make Your Own (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Develop new breadless wrap options and innovative steak recipes to cater to health-conscious and adventurous eaters. - [Steak Lettuce Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-lettuce-wraps): Jamie Purviance Creates a Healthy Recipe with a Ginger and Soy Base (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry has the potential to embrace healthier recipes and create disruptive innovations in the culinary space. - [Piquant Steak Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-mcwraps): McDonald's Australia is Adding Two Spicy McWraps to Its Menu (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Introducing ethnically and regionally-inspired dishes could differentiate fast food chains and increase sales in respective regions. ## 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)