# Butternut Macaroni Bites The Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites are Full of Holiday Spices By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-09-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butternut-squash-mac-cheese-bites References: [traderjoes](https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/072700) Inspired by its own Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, [Trader Joe's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butternut-squash-and-caramelized-onion-tart) created Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites as a new seasonal treat. These bite-sized snacks or appetizers prominently feature roasted butternut squash as the main ingredient, along with elbow pasta, Cheddar and [Gouda cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walnut-gouda-cheese), béchamel and seasonally appropriate spices like sage, nutmeg and thyme. The breadcrumb-coated bites from Trader Joe's are lightly fried and they are just as easy to enjoy during weeknight as they are special gatherings. Fans of the brand's original Mac & Cheese Bites are bound to appreciate the autumnal twist on macaroni and cheese, and the product also speaks to consumers who want to [sneak more veggies into their diet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-creamy-greens-veggies). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Butternut Squash Snacks:** There's an opportunity for food and beverage companies to innovate in the creation of snacks or dishes that feature butternut squash as a main ingredient. - **Seasonally Appropriate Flavors:** There's an opportunity for food and beverage companies to create flavors that are appropriate to the current season. - **Vegetable-based Comfort Food:** There's an opportunity for food and beverage companies to create comfort food favorites such as mac and cheese, using vegetables to add nutritional value. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Food and Beverage companies could innovate in order to create similar products or even new dishes incorporating butternut squash, more seasonal ingredients or comfort foods with added nutritional value. - **Healthy Snacks:** Healthy Snacks companies could innovate and integrate more vegetable-based snacks, such as butternut squash bites, for people who prefer healthier snack options. - **Vegetarian and Vegan Foods:** There's an opportunity for Vegetarian and Vegan Foods companies to create healthier versions of comfort foods like mac and cheese using butternut squash as a main ingredient. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Savory Butternut Squash Tarts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butternut-squash-and-caramelized-onion-tart.md) - [Green Bean Casserole Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-bean-casserole-bites.md) - [Crispy QSR Macaroni Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-mac-n-cheese-bites.md) - [Puffed Quinoa Snack Squares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-seedy-cheese-snack-bites.md) - [Vegetarian Squash Lasagnas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butternut-squash-italian-lasagna.md) - [Bite-Sized Ratatouille Appetizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ratatouille-bites.md) - [Jam-Filled Brioche Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-brioche-bites.md) - [Meat-Free Butternut Snacking Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauldron-butternut-red-chilli-bites.md) - [Seasonal Fall Fast-Food Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-mac-n-cheese-bites-1.md)