# Fruit-Based Meat Substitutes Upton's Naturals Uses Jackfruit as a Plant-Based Alternative to Meat By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-01-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alternative-to-meat References: [uptonsnaturals](http://www.uptonsnaturals.com/products/) Jackfruit may be a member of the fig and mulberry family, but its unique flavor and texture also make it a satisfying alternative to meat. The jackfruit is rich is dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and energy, yet it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. In addition to these benefits, it also has the ability to accept flavors that are given to it. [Upton's Naturals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fava-taco-style-crumbles) uses jackfruit for its Bar-B-Que and Chili Lime Carnitas flavors. In place of meat products, this pre-seasoned and packaged jackfruit can be used as a substitute for sandwiches, tacos, rice dishes, salads and more. While there are now tons of [imitation meat products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleanbean-products) on the market for vegans and vegetarians, there is also beginning to be a return to [simple plant-based options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegchop) as an alternative to meat. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Fruit-based Meat Substitutes:** The use of jackfruit as a plant-based meat alternative is a growing trend in the food industry, offering a healthy and sustainable option. - **Clean Label Movement:** The rise of jackfruit as a meat substitute aligns with the Clean Label Movement, where consumers are looking for plant-based, minimally processed, and natural food products that are healthier and better for the environment. - **Flavor Innovation:** The use of jackfruit as a meat substitute allows for flavor innovation in the food industry, as jackfruit has the ability to accept various flavors and spices to create unique plant-based dishes. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food:** The food industry has an opportunity to create healthier and sustainable alternatives to meat products by incorporating jackfruit and other plant-based ingredients in their product lines. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can leverage the growing trend of fruit-based meat substitutes to promote plant-based diets as a healthy alternative to animal-based products. - **Sustainability:** The use of jackfruit as a meat substitute aligns with the sustainability movement, providing a more environmentally friendly source of protein while reducing the carbon footprint of the food industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Jackfruit-Based Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-annies-1.md) - [Jackfruit-Based Pepperoni Slices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-pepperoni.md) - [Plant-Based Fish Substitutes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-fish-fillet.md) - [Jackfruit-Filled Dumplings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruitfilled-dumplings.md) - [Hybrid Jackfruit Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beef-jackfruit-burger.md) - [Cost-Conscious Jackfruit Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-products.md) - [Jackfruit Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-jerky.md) - [Jackfruit Breakfast Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetarian-breakfast-sandwiches.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Canned Jackfruit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-range.md)