# Retractable Utilitarian Utensils Take Your Meal on the Go with These Compact Chopsticks By Shiori Mine | Published 2012-08-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-chopsticks References: [theawesomer](http://theawesomer.com/compact-chopsticks/185121) & [amazon](http://www.amazon.com/Integral-Design-CCBamboo-Collapsible-Chopsticks?tag=trenhunt0f-20) The Integral Design Compact Chopsticks save space and provide a travel-friendly option for enjoying meals on-the-go. The [pen-like design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pockitrod) consists of pointed bamboo end with a comfortable stainless steel grip. The bamboo end retracts into the metal portion, making this one snappy utensil. These [compact chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cutlery-station) are also held together by a plastic clip, which doubles as a dutiful stand for keeping your tools off the table. Despite the fact chopsticks originate from Asia, North Americans and Europeans have quickly gained an appetite for Far East cuisine. Thus, the usage of chopsticks has immensely grown in commonality. While this handy device may not give you ninja-like precision when it comes to mastering the tool, it's certainly ideal for [travel and packed lunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/to-go-collection). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Kitchen](https://www.trendhunter.com/kitchen) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Retractable Utensils:** The market for retractable utensils is growing as people seek more portable and convenient options for eating on-the-go. - **Compact Cutlery:** Compact cutlery is becoming an essential for those who frequently eat outside the home and want to reduce waste by not relying on disposable utensils. - **Eco-friendly Dining:** The demand for eco-friendly dining options is driving the development of sustainable utensils that are easy to carry and store. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food:** Restaurants and food businesses can offer customers compact and convenient utensils for takeout and to-go orders. - **Travel:** Travel companies and airlines can provide travelers with portable and space-saving eating utensils for use on the go or while traveling. - **Retail:** Retailers can capitalize on the trend for compact cutlery by selling a variety of portable and eco-friendly utensils for customers to use at home or on-the-go. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Card-Size Travel Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-cutlery.md) - [Interchangeable All-in-One Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinchy-cutlery.md) - [Flatpack Metal Utensil Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uphold-cutlery.md) - [Aesthetically Functional Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restless-chopsticks-tableware.md) - [Aesthetically Pleasing Cutlery Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-utensil-set.md) - [Five-In-One Titanium EDC Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/titanium-edc-tool.md) - [Rapidly Retractable Multi-Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retractable-multitool.md) - [Magnetic Titanium Utensil Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eati-mag.md) - [Interchangeable Component Cutlery Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opinel-picnic-cutlery-kit.md)