# Customizable Pasta Menus The Panera Bread 'Build Your Own Mac' Experience Enables Custom Meals By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-09-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-your-own-mac References: [chewboom](https://www.chewboom.com/2018/09/13/panera-launches-new-build-your-own-mac-and-cheese-experience/) & [panerabread](https://www.panerabread.com) Customization is key for consumers who are seeking products and meals that are more in line with their taste preferences, so the new [Panera](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-mac-and-cheese-sandwich) Bread 'Build Your Own Mac' experience has been unveiled with this in mind. The new offering from the brand enables consumers to choose from a number of fresh toppings to have infused into their [mac & cheese meal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-macaroni-cheese) when placing an order online or through the app. This includes a multitude of [artisanal options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allie-bs-mac-cheese) including premium meats and other fresh ingredients that are capable of transforming the simple dish into a completely customized meal. The Panera Bread 'Build Your Own Mac' experience has been announced alongside the Panera Catering 'Build You Own Mac Bar' option. Image Credit: Panera Bread ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 21% | 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's Driving This Trend - **Customized Meal Experiences:** The Panera Bread 'Build Your Own Mac' experience taps into the growing consumer demand for personalized food options. - **Online Customization Platforms:** The introduction of the 'Build Your Own Mac' feature highlights the potential for digital platforms to enable customized ordering experiences. - **Artisanal Ingredients:** The inclusion of premium meats and fresh ingredients in the Panera Bread 'Build Your Own Mac' menu reflects the increasing popularity of high-quality, customizable food offerings. ### Who This Affects Most - **Restaurant Industry:** The customizable pasta menu trend presents an opportunity for restaurants to attract customers by offering unique personalization options. - **Food Delivery Services:** Food delivery companies could capitalize on the demand for customized meals by partnering with restaurants like Panera Bread to offer personalized menu options. - **Food Tech Industry:** The development of innovative online ordering platforms can support the trend of customizable food experiences, providing technological solutions for restaurants and consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheesy Artisan-Style Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noodles-company-mac-cheese.md) - [Artisan-Inspired Pasta Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/create-your-own-pasta.md) - [Completely Customizable Ramen Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-your-own-ramen.md) - [Gourmet Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-frozen-ready-meals.md) - [Personalized Mexican Cuisine Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tocaya-buildyourown-meals.md) - [Cheese-Filled QSR Combos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlotzskys-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Stylish QSR-Backed Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-bread-2.md) - [Mix-and-Match Seasonal Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pick-3-menu.md) - [Social Media-Inspired Bakery Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-roman-empire-menu.md)