# Mainstream Meatless Traditionally meat-laden meals are adopted for the masses. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jun 9, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mainstream-meatless ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Mainstream Meatless trend? **Mainstream Meatless:** Vegetarian entrees are often seen as less attractive alternatives to their meaty counterparts, but as the number of meatless consumers rises, the number of mainstream, more flavor-conscious options is following suit. Although the shift towards traditional vegetarian fare has included an avoidance of imitation meat, big name brands are re-embracing faux meat in an effort to make the transition from one to the other more organic. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 14, 2013 to Apr 30, 2014 - Published: Jun 9, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mainstream Meatless trend ### Mainstream Vegetarianism As more people become vegetarian, the demand for mainstream and organic vegetarian options increases. ### Healthy Fast Food Startups are offering healthy fast food options with organic and all natural ingredients and delivery services. ### Sustainability in Food Production Companies are looking for ways to reduce carbon footprint and have more sustainable practices in food production. ## What the Mainstream Meatless trend means for industry ### For Food Delivery Services There is opportunity to create market disruption and capitalize on the increasing demand for healthy and fast food delivery services. ### For Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Investing in research and development for plant-based meat alternatives across the food industry can be a profitable move. ### For Sustainable Food Production The food industry can benefit from introducing sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprint and respond to consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. ## Trend signals for Mainstream Meatless Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 30%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 30% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mainstream Meatless trend 6 featured examples from Aug 14, 2013 to Apr 30, 2014. - [Sushi-Inspired Vegetarian Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cucumber-feta-rolls): Cucumber Feta Rolls are a Quick Treat to Whip Up for Guests (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity to introduce innovative vegetarian snacks into the market. - [Sustainable Swedish Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-meatballs): IKEA Meatballs Will Now be Meatless to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop plant-based meat substitutes that closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional meatballs to cater to the growing market of consume… - [Healthy Fast-Food Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spoonrocket): Spoonrockets Deliveries Healthy and Organic Meals Within 10 Minutes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food delivery services need to adapt to provide healthier options and faster delivery times to meet consumer demands. - [Deep-Fried Cheese Patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paneer-patty): KFC India Released a Deep-Fried Paneer Patty (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains have the opportunity to expand their vegetarian menu options and cater to the growing demand for meat-free alternatives. - [Seasonal Meatless Curries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetable-curry): This Summer Vegetable Curry Recipe Packs a Ton of Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing innovative plant-based food products and expanding the market for meatless alternatives. - [Meatless Fruit-Topped Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-pizza): Serve Your Guests a Sweet and Healthy Appetizer with Apple Pizza (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring plant-based and healthy eating as a market opportunity for appetizers and snacks. ## 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 Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)