# Unexpected Dairy Alternative dairy recipes fuse nutrition with the need for diverse consumption. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 31, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unexpected-dairy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Unexpected Dairy trend? **Unexpected Dairy:** Encouraging sources of nutrition to a society dominated by fast food can be challenging, prompting more diversified meal options to create more of an attractive allure. Aiming to infuse elements such as dairy into outside-the-box-creations, consumers seek to blend nutritional ingredients with unexpected dishes such as sushi and dumplings to add exotic elements to traditional goods. The fusion of dairy into culturally diversified meals reflect a growing need for familiar, comforting elements, even in exotic foods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 10 to Dec 29, 2013 - Published: Mar 31, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Unexpected Dairy trend ### Cultural Fusion The infusion of dairy into culturally diversified meals reflects a growing need for familiar, comforting elements, even in exotic foods. ### Sweet and Salty Mixes The trend of mixing sweet and savory elements creates a unique and pleasant taste experience, like the Blue Cheese Lollipop and the savory donut desserts. ### Holiday Hybrid Desserts Combining two holiday favorites, like eggnog and gingerbread, creates a new and exciting flavor experience, as seen in the Mini Eggnog Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust. ## What the Unexpected Dairy trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage There is an opportunity to explore non-traditional flavor combinations in the food and beverage industry. ### For Hospitality and Tourism The fusion of cultures in culinary creations can lead to new tourism opportunities and unique experiences for travelers. ### For Retail and Consumer Goods Brands in the retail and consumer goods industry can experiment with unusual flavor combinations to attract adventurous consumers. ## Trend signals for Unexpected Dairy Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 39%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 39% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unexpected Dairy trend 4 featured examples from Sep 10 to Dec 29, 2013. - [Fusion Dessert Sushi Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waffle-breakfast-sushi-rolls): These Waffle Breakfast Sushi Rolls Don't Need Soy Sauce (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The creation of new dessert and breakfast sushi rolls could lead to new menu items at restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. - [Dairy-Infused Candy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-cheese-lollipop): The Blue Cheese Lollipop is a Surprisingly Tasty Treat (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for food and beverage companies to develop innovative products and capture niche markets. - [GingerNog Holiday Hybrid Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eggnog-cheesecake): The Mini Eggnog Cheesecake Brings All Holiday Favorites Together (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bakeries, restaurants, and food businesses can capitalize on the trend of hybrid desserts and holiday-themed desserts to appeal to customers and increase sales during the holiday… - [Savory Donut Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourdoughs-donuts): Gourdough's Donuts Bakes Delicious Gourmet Options (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for chefs and food service providers to develop and market unique, savory twists on classic desserts. ## Recent trend clusters - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Simplified Golf Launch Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simplified-golf-launch-monitors) - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Commemorative Tennis Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roger-centre-court) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)