# Mainstream Restriction The alternative diet transitions from niche to necessary for consumers. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Oct 16, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mainstream-glutenfree ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Mainstream Restriction trend? **Mainstream Restriction:** As the health movement expands, consumers aren't simply seeking out healthier choices like gluten-free and Vegan, but coming to expect them in products. Brands are responding in kind with blatant packaging that boasts healthful benefits to aid consumers who are browsing for buzz words in the store aisles. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 18, 2014 to Sep 14, 2016 - Published: Oct 16, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mainstream Restriction trend ### Healthful Packaging Brands are responding to the mainstream health movement with packaging that boasts healthful benefits to aid consumers who are browsing for buzz words in the store aisles. ### Clean Snacks Consumers are looking for snacks with simpler, whole food ingredient lists and fewer artificial additives. ### Dairy-Free Alternatives Increasing numbers of consumers either prefer to consume dairy-free products or cannot tolerate dairy, creating a demand for animal-free alternatives. ## What the Mainstream Restriction trend means for industry ### For Packaging Opportunities exist to innovate new types of packaging with clear healthful benefits that appeal to health-conscious consumers. ### For Food and Beverage Manufacturing There is a growing demand for clean snacks that are made from whole food ingredients and free from artificial additives such as GMOs, as well as dairy-free alternatives. ### For Fitness and Wellness The mainstream restriction and health movements are creating an increased demand for healthier, whole food snacks and dairy-free alternatives in the fitness and wellness industries. ## Trend signals for Mainstream Restriction Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 49%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 49% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mainstream Restriction trend 7 featured examples from Jun 18, 2014 to Sep 14, 2016. - [Biodegradable Chip Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Chip-Snacks): The Boulder Canyon Chip Snacks are Sold in Compostable Bags (Category: Eco) Implication: The adoption of biodegradable chip packaging can disrupt the traditional packaging industry and drive the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. - [Dairy-Free Cold-Pressed Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almond-drink): The New Coldpress Almond Drink is Just 49 Calories Per Bottle (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for the food and beverage industry to expand its product offerings by developing dairy-free alternatives. - [Fruity Fair Trade Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-energy-bars): Geobar's Natural Energy Bars Are Healthy & Fair Trade (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Industry that can benefit from the development and marketing of healthy and unique snack options. - [Protein-Packed Bean Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beanitos): Beanitos' Flavored Chips Have a Base of Beans Rather Than Potatoes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies within the snack food industry can explore incorporating beans into their product lineup to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious options. - [Savory Snack Bars (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strong-and-kind): STRONG & KIND Protein Bars Are Delightfully Savory Snacks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Develop healthier snack options using only simple and natural ingredients, focusing on healthy snacking with real food items and clean labels. - [Seasonal Grain-Free Granolas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grain-free-granola): Ideal's Grain-Free Granola is Made with Nuts, Seeds, Honey and Spices (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Ideal Granola's grain-free granolas present a disruptive innovation opportunity in the food and beverage industry by catering to the needs of health-conscious consumers. - [GMO-Free Garlic Vinaigrettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlic-vinaigrette): This Organic Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette Features a Complex Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can expand their product lines and create more options for health-conscious and GMO-free 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)