# Gluttonous Gourmet Gum The State Fair of Texas Deems Fried Bubblegum the Most Creative Recipe By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-09-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-bubblegum References: [gawker](http://gawker.com/5837469/how-to-make-fried-bubblegum-the-latest-texas-treat) & [star-telegram](http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/09/05/3338528/state-fair-honors-deep-fried-delights.html) Ostensibly a cross-county deep frying competition, the State Fair of Texas recently awarded the fried bubblegum of Justin [Martinez](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alo-voyage) the award for most creative dish. While I can't argue the meal's creativity, I'm curious about how the dish tastes. After early attempts to deep fry large hunks of chewing gum, experimental chef Justin Martinez realized that the meal not only tasted bad, but was ironically impossible to chew. His solution: Smother marshmallows with [flavored gum extract](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trident-vibes-cotton-candy) and deep fry the whole concoction. The result is then allowed to simmer until golden pink, after which it's peppered with Chiclets. Your teeth may not be glad, but your stomach will be smiling once it gets ahold of Martinez' fried bubblegum. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## 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 - **Innovative Food Mashups:** Experimenting with unconventional food combinations can lead to unique and exciting new dishes. - **Alternative Desserts:** Finding creative ways to use candy and gum can open up a new category of sweet treats. - **Playful Cuisine:** Injecting humor and fun into food presentation can make dining experiences more entertaining and memorable. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** This industry can benefit from innovation in food mixes and presentation, as well as exploring new categories of desserts. - **Entertainment and Hospitality:** Incorporating playful and creative elements into restaurant, hotel, and event spaces can enhance customer experience. - **Candy and Snack:** Companies in this industry can explore new uses for traditional products and flavors, as well as partnering with chefs for novel collaborations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Deep-Fried Cookie Pretzel Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flipz-state-fair.md) - [Cotton Candy Bacon Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-blonde-ale.md) - [Spinach-Inspired Chewing Gums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popeye-spinach-gum.md) - [Spicy-Sweet Soft Serves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cowboy-candy-mango-soft-serve.md) - [Gummy Jerky Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chew-topia-gummy-jerky.md) - [Edible Slime Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slime-candy.md) - [Pink-Hued Macaroni Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/malibu-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Luxe Cotton Candy Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-of-sucre.md) - [Carnival-Inspired Chewing Gums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trident-vibes-cotton-candy.md)