# Mainstream Organic The fast casual market turns to GMO-free foods to satiate conscious consumers. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 5, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mainstream-organic ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Mainstream Organic trend? **Mainstream Organic:** No longer restricted to upscale food markets and gourmet eateries, non-GMO food practices are being adopted by fast casual brands to satiate health-conscious diners. Opting for preservative-free ingredients and meat raised without antibiotics, food service companies are willing to incur a higher cost of production in exchange for ethical, environmentally friendly food options. This not only speaks to a need for more mainstream forms of ethical consumption, but also a growing emphasis on both food ingredients and origin. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 10, 2015 to Mar 2, 2016 - Published: Apr 5, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Mainstream Organic trend ### Non-GMO Fast Food Fast casual brands are adopting non-GMO food practices to satiate health-conscious diners, as there is a growing emphasis on both food ingredients and origin. ### Halal Foods Halal poutine and other halal dishes are emerging to meet the growing global Muslim population's needs for ethical, all-natural meat options. ### Organic Fast Food Organic fast food restaurants and organic-certified fried chicken joints are emerging to meet health-conscious consumers' demands for quick, clean, all-natural options. ## What the Mainstream Organic trend means for industry ### For Food Industry The food industry is disrupted through a surge of non-GMO, halal, and organic fast food options popular with consumers who value their health and sustainability. ### For Agriculture Industry The agriculture industry has an opportunity to embrace more ethical and sustainable practices such as non-GMO fruits and vegetables, hormone-free beef, and organic certification. ### For Fast Casual Industry The fast-casual industry is poised for transformation by catering to younger consumers' growing emphasis on ethical ingredients and healthy choices for eating out. ## Workshop question How can you incorporate traditional ideologies for a more consumer-centric iteration of your offerings? ## Trend signals for Mainstream Organic Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mainstream Organic trend 5 featured examples from Jun 10, 2015 to Mar 2, 2016. - [Updated Noodle Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-noodle-day): This Restaurant Upgraded Its Menu for Its Anniversary & National Noodle Day (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The restaurant industry can explore opportunities to update menus and cater to health-conscious consumers through healthy menu upgrades. - [Organic Fast Food Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-fast-food-restaurant): This Fried Chicken Joint is the First USDA Certified Eatery (Category: Eco) Implication: The fast food industry has an opportunity to embrace the trend of certified organic fast food and cater to health-conscious consumers seeking organic options. - [Vibrant Organic Taquerias](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-taquerias): Poppo's Taqueria is an All-Natural Mexican Food Restaurant in Florida (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Poppo's Taqueria and similar organic fast-casual restaurants are driving growth in the organic food industry. - [Antibiotic-Free Beef Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beef-raised-without-antibiotics): This Burger Chain Will Now Serve Beef Raised Without Antibiotics (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains such as In-N-Out are setting a precedent for other fast food chains to follow and meet the growing demand for antibiotic-free meats. - [Gourmet Halal Poutines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halal-beef): This Specialty Poutine is Made with Hormone-Free Halal Beef (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food service industry can explore offering halal poutines to tap into the growing demand for diverse and inclusive menu options. ## 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)