# Nitrate-Free Meat products prioritize nitrate reduction as a marketing tool. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jan 24, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/nitratefree ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Nitrate-Free trend? **Nitrate-Free:** Added nitrates tend to be commonplace in the manufacturing process of various cured meats, which is why brands are now specifically setting themselves apart by going nitrate-free. Aside from the clear health benefits of reduced additives in the processing of these foods, this shift offers a clear point of distinction that can easily be used as a selling point — targeted most specifically at the more reluctant, health-conscious consumer. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 10, 2017 to Jan 24, 2018 - Published: Jan 24, 2018 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [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 Nitrate-Free trend ### Nitrate-Free Brands are now specifically setting themselves apart by going nitrate-free. ### Natural, Paleo-friendly and Antibiotic-free Meat Products A growing number of consumers are looking for products that are healthier alternatives to their favored foods rather than avoid them altogether. ### Protein-Focused Meat Snacks Consumers seek out ways to stave off hunger and avoid carbs through meat snacks. ## What the Nitrate-Free trend means for industry ### For Food Industry Manufacturers involved in food processing and packaging can take a cue from nitrate-free and clean-label values. ### For Health & Wellness Industry Brands and companies focused on offering clean, healthy products to consumers. ### For E-commerce Industry Increased demand for high-protein meat snacks is creating a new opportunity for an e-commerce trade with a range of delivery services. ## Workshop question How can your brand rid itself from industry traditions or norms that could be holding it back? ## Trend signals for Nitrate-Free Trend score 1.6 out of 10, from popularity 20%, activity 20%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 20% - Activity: 20% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Nitrate-Free trend 5 featured examples from Feb 10, 2017 to Jan 24, 2018. - [Antibiotic-Free Uncured Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craft-meats): The Columbus Craft Meats Uncured Pepperoni and Salami are Savory (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The meat processing industry can explore new production methods to offer antibiotic-free and nitrate-free products like the Columbus Craft Meats. - [Nitrate-Free Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chefs-cut-real-jerky): The Chefs Cut Real Jerky Co. Mini Sticks Contain Seven Grams of Protein (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Continue to evolve and expand the meat snack sector with new products and flavor profiles to meet the increasing demand for convenient and prote… - [Uncured Turkey Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turkey-snacks): Ferndale Market's Turkey Strips Offers a Healthy Alternative to Salty Jerky (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for meat snack brands to create healthier products using natural ingredients and no added preservatives. - [Boozy Artisan Meat Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-bourbon-churro): The Three Jerks Filet Mignon Maple Bourbon Churro Jerky is Savory (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As the popularity of meat snacks continues to rise, brands can differentiate themselves by offering premium, gourmet options with unique flavors and packaging. - [Uncured Sugar-Free Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-sugar-bacon): The Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon is Paleo-Friendly (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food companies can invest in sustainable meat production methods and develop innovative new products to meet the demand for healthier, more natural food 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)