# Udon Noodle Salad Mixes Trader Joe's Peanut Udon Noodle Salad is Rich in Texture and Big on Flavor By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2020-05-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanut-udon-noodle-salad References: [traderjoes](https://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/peanut-udon-noodle-salad) [Trader Joe's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-peanutty-noodle-bowl-with-chicken) is making [prepackaged salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-ranch-salad-kit) a little more interesting with its new Peanut Udon Noodle Salad. Udon noodles are wheat-flour noodles from Japan that are often found in soup. Now Trader Joe's is putting a spin on the hearty noodles by combining them with fresh veggies. Each Peanut Udon Noodle Salad starts with chewy udon noodles, paired with crunchy green and red cabbage, fresh red peppers, and dry roasted peanuts. To amp up the flavor, Trader Joe's also adds diced green onion and cilantro. Finally, all the flavors are tied together with a [creamy peanut-ginger dressing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salad-kits1) made from ginger purée, lemon grass, garlic, lime juice, basil, ground Thai lime leaf, and other flavorful spices and seasonings. Image Credit: *Trader Joe's.* ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 9% - 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 - **Prepackaged Salad Innovation:** Trader Joe's has innovated prepackaged salads by combining fresh veggies with distinct ingredients such as udon noodles and a unique peanut-ginger dressing. - **Asian Food Flavor Exploration:** The udon noodle salad mix brings Japanese noodle dishes to mainstream supermarkets, opening up opportunities for exploring more Asian food flavors. - **Texture-rich Salad Experience:** Salad enthusiasts are looking for more textural experiences, and Trader Joe's Peanut Udon Noodle Salad provides a unique combination of chewy noodles and crunchy veggies that could be replicated in future salad mixes. ### Where This Applies - **Food Retail:** The food retail industry could look into incorporating more unique flavor combinations in prepackaged salads to cater to consumers looking for more distinct food experiences. - **Convenience Food:** The concept of pre-made salads could be expanded to include more interesting ingredients, catering to busy consumers looking for quick, yet satisfying options. - **Food Manufacturing:** Food manufacturers could explore creating more texturally-rich salads that combine soft and chewy components with crunchy veggies and nuts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Microwavable Peanut Noodle Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-peanutty-noodle-bowl-with-chicken.md) - [Ruffly-Edged Noodle Packets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squiggly-knife-cut-style-noodles.md) - [Spicy Knife-Cut Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-squiggly-knife-cut-noodles.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Jicama Slaws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchy-jicama-slaw.md) - [Spicy Onion-Flavored Peanuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchy-chili-onion-peanuts.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Thai Entrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pad-see-ew.md) - [Stir-fried Japanese Noodle Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-udon-noodles.md) - [Pre-made Tofu Spring Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-roll-with-tofu.md) - [Frozen Ginger Shrimp Entrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ginger-shrimp-lo-mein.md)