# Italian Vegan Traditional Italian desserts are transformed for vegan diets. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 16, 2021 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/italian-vegan ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Italian Vegan trend? **Italian Vegan:** As veganism and flexitarian diets are on the rise, traditional Italian desserts--which tend to be heavy in dairy--are now being adapted with alternative ingredients so they can be consumed by vegans. ## The consumer insight behind the Italian Vegan trend It's no longer just vegans who prefer ingredients that are an alternative to animal byproducts, the average consumer is now more willing to try these products as well. This shift comes as consumers increasingly associate veganism with health, rather than ethics alone. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 15, 2019 to Feb 12, 2021 - Published: Mar 16, 2021 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Italian Vegan trend ### Alternative Ingredient Desserts As veganism and flexitarian diets are on the rise, dessert makers are adapting traditional recipes with alternative ingredients to cater to conscious consumers. ### Ethical Consumption Consumers are increasingly associating veganism with health, rather than ethics alone, creating new opportunities for businesses to provide cruelty-free menu options. ### THC-Free Cannabis-Inspired Treats Businesses are taking cues from popular cannabis strains to create unique frozen treat experiences that cater to consumers interested in the cannabis-inspired lifestyle without the THC. ## What the Italian Vegan trend means for industry ### For Food & Beverage Industry Traditional food companies and restaurants are innovating to include more alternative ingredient options, creating new opportunities to cater to conscious consumers. ### For Vegan & Plant-based Industry The rise of veganism and flexitarian diets is creating a growing market for plant-based alternatives to traditional desserts and treats. ### For Cannabis Industry THC-free cannabis-inspired treats are allowing businesses to tap into the growing mainstream interest in the cannabis-inspired lifestyle without the psychoactive effects of THC. ## Workshop question How is your brand experimenting with alternative ingredients? ## Trend signals for Italian Vegan Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 31%, freshness 10%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 10% ## Examples of the Italian Vegan trend 4 featured examples from Oct 15, 2019 to Feb 12, 2021. - [Layered Vegan Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dairy-free-sorbetto): Talenti's Dairy-Free Sorbetto is Stacked with Cookies & Fudge (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative manufacturing processes and ingredients to create dairy-free frozen desserts that rival traditional options in taste and te… - [Dairy-Free Cannoli Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannoli-ice-creams): Baia's Ice Cream Treat is Made with Cassava and Ancient Corn (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The dairy-free industry can benefit from innovative vegan milk substitutes made with whole food ingredients. - [Cannabis-Inspired Gelato](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelato-and-sorbet): This Gelato and Sorbet Takes Cues from Popular Cannabis Strains (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Cannabis brands like SHERBINSKIS may benefit from applying their brand to novel product lines outside of traditional cannabis products. - [Vegan Salted Toffee Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zizzi): Zizzi Launched Its Fall 2019 Menu That Includes a Rich Vegan Dessert (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry has a major opportunity to innovate with new plant-based offerings that cater to meat-free and environmentally-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)