# Sandwich-Inspired Noodle Bowls Trader Joe's Launched a Bowl of Noodles That Mimics Banh Mi By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-03-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bowl-of-noodles References: [traderjoes](https://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/banh-mi-inspired-noodle-bowl) Banh mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that is stuffed with the ingredients that commonly go into a classic pho soup, such as meat, star anise and cinnamon, fresh basil and bean sprouts—now, [Trader Joe's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-roll-with-tofu) is reinterpreting the Asian dish as a bowl of noodles. The Trader Joe’s Banh Mi Inspired Noodle Bowl does not contain any bread, but it is packed with flavorful ingredients like a base of [vermicelli rice noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singapore-style-noodles), pickled carrots and cabbage. As an alternative to including meat, Trader Joe's opted to make its iteration vegetarian-friendly by choosing [TJ’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-aioli) Sriracha Baked Tofu as a source of protein. The bowl of noodles is topped off with a sweet and creamy dressing that can be used to create a satisfying on-the-go meal option. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Asian Sandwich-inspired Dishes:** The rise in popularity of transforming traditional sandwiches into innovative dishes opens up possibilities for creating new menu items or food products. - **Vegetarian-friendly Protein Options:** Opportunities for companies to incorporate plant-based protein sources into their product lines are growing. - **Convenient On-the-go Meal Options:** Consumers are increasingly looking for meals that can be easily eaten while on-the-go, creating a market for portable and ready-to-eat products. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** The food industry can capitalize on the trend of transforming traditional sandwiches, as well as appeal to the growing demand for alternative protein sources and convenience. - **Restaurant:** Restaurants can add innovative Asian-inspired dishes to their menus, or create a grab-and-go concept to offer customers convenient meal options. - **Packaged Food:** Companies can develop and market ready-to-eat packaged meals inspired by popular sandwich flavors, for consumers looking for quick and easy meal solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pre-made Tofu Spring Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-roll-with-tofu.md) - [Banh Mi-Themed Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banh-mi-lineup.md) - [Plant-Based Vietnamese Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/native-foods.md) - [Ruffly-Edged Noodle Packets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squiggly-knife-cut-style-noodles.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Thai Entrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pad-see-ew.md) - [Fiery Vietnamese Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-banh-mi.md) - [Asian-Style Broth Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-broth-bowls.md) - [Frozen Vietnamese Cuisine Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rayberns-pork-bnh-m.md) - [Spicy Knife-Cut Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-squiggly-knife-cut-noodles.md)