# Protein-Packed Macaroni Cups Muscle Mac Provides 20 Grams of Protein Per Serving By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-04-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muscle-mac References: [quality-pasta](https://www.quality-pasta.com/product/muscle-mac-microwave-macaroni-cheese-cup/) & [vitaminshoppe](https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/muscle-mac-high-protein-macaroni-white-cheddar-3-6-oz-pasta/mcm1004) Muscle Mac recently added to its range of [high-protein macaroni and cheese products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodles-mac-and-cheese-flavors) with an Aged Sharp White Cheddar variety that is free from synthetic dyes, colors and flavors. The pasta itself is non-GMO, fortified with added vegetable protein and flavored with real cheese for a smooth and creamy texture. As a single serving of the macaroni and cheese provides [20 grams of protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-pasta), it's noted that "just one serving of Muscle Mac provides 42% of your recommended daily protein intake." Alongside the [single-serve microwavable cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-notmac-cheese-cups) that it offers, Muscle Mac also provides shells and macaroni in larger boxed formats that can just as easily be made at home for a quick and nourishing meal. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **High-protein Convenience Foods:** Opportunity for companies to develop and market convenient, ready-to-eat foods that are high in protein, appealing to health-conscious consumers. - **Clean Label Products:** Demand for clean label products that are free from synthetic dyes, colors, and flavors, creating opportunities for companies to innovate in the food industry. - **Plant-based Protein Alternatives:** Growing interest in plant-based protein alternatives, providing a chance for businesses to develop and market products that cater to vegetarian and vegan consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Convenience Food Industry:** Opportunity for companies in the convenience food industry to create and market high-protein, ready-to-eat meal options. - **Natural Food Industry:** Opportunity for companies in the natural food industry to develop and promote clean label products that are free from synthetic additives. - **Plant-based Food Industry:** Opportunity for companies in the plant-based food industry to create and promote plant-based protein alternatives, catering to the increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nutrient-Rich Instant Macaronis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies.md) - [Nutrient-Dense Macaroni Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huel-hot-savory-mac-cheese.md) - [Protein-Packed Boxed Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-and-rigatoni.md) - [High-Protein Italian Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasta-rummo-maxima.md) - [Clean-Ingredient Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Nutrient-Dense Macaroni Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodles-microwave-cups.md) - [Clean-Label Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deluxe-mac-and-cheese.md) - [High-Fiber Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodwheat-1.md) - [Grown-Up Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-mac-and-cheese.md)