From cronuts to the limited-time McRib, it's clear that Americans love tasting exclusive food, as more and more consumers are clamoring to taste trendy, hard-to-get delicacies. Tanya Steel, editor-in-chief at Epicurious.com, cites recent food crazes such as the cronut and ramen burger as evidence of America's hunger for exclusivity. Steel says:
"It's very much getting that badge of honor. It's the trophy mentality. They can brag to their friends and family, and say 'It's great, it's not so great.' It gives you bragging rights."