# Alternative Crust Veggie-based pie crusts offer grain-free indulgence for healthful pizza lovers. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Nov 16, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-crust ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Alternative Crust trend? **Alternative Crust:** Poised to be a perfect antidote to the maximalist nature of over-indulgent cheese and meat-stuffed crust pies, store bought veggie-based pizza crusts offer a healthful alternative to the ultimate comfort food that goes above merely adaptation of toppings. ## The consumer insight behind the Alternative Crust trend The shift to alternative approaches to traditional products speaks to the evolution of healthily reimagined comfort foods. Pizza in particular serves as an example of the potential continued expansion within food niches as consumer wellness concerns grow more specific and far-reaching. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: May 31 to Nov 14, 2018 - Published: Nov 16, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alternative Crust trend ### Alternative comfort foods The shift to alternative approaches to traditional products speaks to the evolution of healthily reimagined comfort foods. ### Veggie-based crusts The rise of veggie-based crusts reveals a growing interest in healthy and gluten-free alternatives for pizza lovers. ### Plant-based innovation The increase in plant-based alternatives for pizza crusts presents an opportunity for innovation in the food industry. ## What the Alternative Crust trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry The food and beverage industry can benefit from developing more healthful, plant-based, and gluten-free pizza crust alternatives. ### For Wellness Industry The wellness industry can leverage the growing interest in more healthful and nutrient-dense pizza crusts to develop new products and services. ### For Culinary and Restaurant Industry The culinary and restaurant industry can explore creative ways to incorporate more veggie-based pizza crusts in their menus to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences. ## Workshop question What specific wellness concern can see acceleration within your product sphere? ## Trend signals for Alternative Crust Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 29%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 29% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Alternative Crust trend 5 featured examples from May 31 to Nov 14, 2018. - [Beet-Based Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetable-pizza-crust): Whole Foods Sells an Unconventional Free-From Vegetable Pizza Crust (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can capitalize on the growing demand for free-from products by developing a range of vegetable-based pizza crusts made with unconventional ingredients. - [Squash-Based Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butternut-squash-pizza-crust): Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Pizza Crust is Low-Carb and Gluten-Free (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore new avenues by incorporating alternative vegetable-based pizza crusts into their menu, catering to a wider customer base. - [Spiced Cauliflower Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tuscan-cauliflower-pizza-crust): Green Giant's Tuscan Cauliflower Pizza Crust is Made with Spices (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The frozen food industry can capitalize on the trend towards veggie-heavy frozen meals, by developing more innovative and flavorful options. - [Paleo Cauliflower Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauliflower-pizza-crusts): CAULIPOWER Launched a Convenient New Ready-to-Use Frozen Crust (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Frozen food brands have the opportunity to develop and market unique and convenient cauliflower pizza crust options for health-conscious consumers. - [Kale-Packed Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kale-pizza-crust): Russo's Kale Pizza Crust is Nutrient-Dense and Antioxidant-Rich (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pizza industry can explore the creation of better-for-you pizza crusts with alternative vegetables and plant-based additions to cater to health-conscious consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)