# Italian Cuisine QSR Sandwiches The Starbucks Chicken Caprese Panini is Here for a Limited Time By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-10-17 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-caprese-panini References: [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2017/10/16/starbucks-introduces-new-chicken-caprese-panini/) Artisan foods are becoming more popular amongst consumers who are looking for something out of the ordinary when it comes to lunchtime meals, so brands are responding with new options like the [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-summer-menu) Chicken Caprese Panini. The sandwich is inspired by [Italian cuisine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-beef-dip-sandwich) and is made using slow-cooked chicken that has been topped with mozzarella, balsamic-marinated tomatoes, a basil pesto and spinach. The bread used to craft the sandwich is a [soft ciabatta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-ciabatta-dippers), making it a meal option that is similar to something you'd pick up from a local Italian eatery. The Starbucks Chicken Caprese Panini is available for a limited time, and comes as the brand focuses on foods that are premium, yet can be eaten on-the-go. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 43% | 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Artisan Foods:** Opportunity for QSR brands to introduce more unique and high-quality food options to cater to consumers looking for something out of the ordinary. - **Italian Cuisine-inspired:** Potential for food brands to create menu items inspired by popular global cuisines, providing a unique and flavorful experience for customers. - **Premium On-the-go Foods:** Opportunity for brands to offer upscale and convenient food options that can be enjoyed while on-the-go, catering to busy professionals and consumers with limited time. ### Where This Applies - **QSR (quick Service Restaurants):** Opportunity for QSR brands to tap into the growing demand for artisan foods and unique culinary experiences. - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for food and beverage companies to innovate and create new Italian cuisine-inspired products for the market. - **Packaged Food:** Opportunity for packaged food brands to develop premium, convenient, and on-the-go options that cater to consumers looking for high-quality meals with minimal preparation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Italian Cafe-Inspired Refreshments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italianinspired-menu.md) - [Remixed Italian Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/di-stefano-mozz.md) - [Italian Salad-Inspired Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caprese-piada.md) - [Mozzarella-Stuffed Caprese Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caprese-sandwiches-and-wraps.md) - [Limited Summer Sandwich Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florentine-fresco-sandwich.md) - [Italian Salad-Inspired Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caprese-sandwich.md) - [Bakery Chicken Baguette Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-bread-4.md) - [Pesto-Centric Italian Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-pesto-trio.md) - [Fresh Salad-Inspired Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caprese-salami-pesto-sandwich.md)