# Banana Flower Meat Substitutes Asda's Banana Blossom is Branded as a Meat & Fish Alternative By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-07-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-blossom References: [livekindly](https://www.livekindly.com/diy-vegan-fish-chips-with-asdas-new-canned-banana-blossom/) & [groceries.asda](https://groceries.asda.com/product/tinned-fruit/asda-banana-blossom-in-water/1000128213080) The banana blossom, also sometimes called the "banana heart" is the flower that grows at the end of a banana fruit cluster and is often used in Asian and Indian cooking as a substitute for fish. The unique chunky and flaky texture of the banana blossom—much like jackfruit—makes it an ideal [plant-based alternative to meat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redefine-meat-newmeat), as it works well with sauces and seasonings. Uk supermarket chain [Asda](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omv-vegan-no-turkey) is now selling canned [Banana](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icee-banana-blast) Blossom in Water that's expressly branded as a "versatile alternative to meat and fish." The meat substitute, which is recommended by the retailer in soups, stews and curries, is depicted as the filling of a classic British meal, battered fish and crispy chips. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Plant-based Meat Substitutes:** The popularity of plant-based meat substitutes is on the rise, presenting opportunities for innovative products like banana blossom meat alternatives. - **Asian and Indian Cooking:** The use of Asian and Indian cooking techniques and ingredients, such as banana blossom, in meat substitutes provides a unique and flavorful dining experience. - **Versatile Canned Foods:** The demand for versatile canned foods like canned banana blossom provides convenience and flexibility in meal preparation, opening doors for new product offerings in the market. ### Who This Affects Most - **Plant-based Food Industry:** The plant-based food industry can leverage the popularity of meat substitutes to develop innovative products using unique ingredients such as banana blossom. - **Global Canned Food Market:** The global canned food market can explore the growing demand for versatile canned food options, like canned banana blossom, to cater to the needs of health-conscious consumers seeking meat alternatives. - **Ethnic Food Market:** The ethnic food market can tap into the popularity of Asian and Indian cooking techniques and ingredients to create disruptively innovative meat substitute products, incorporating unique flavors and culinary traditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based Cooking Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-pack.md) - [Plant-Based Salmon Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-style-flakes.md) - [Vegan Jackfruit Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veggie-balls.md) - [Jackfruit-Based Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-annies-1.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Canned Jackfruit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-range.md) - [Jackfruit-Filled Dumplings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruitfilled-dumplings.md) - [Seaweed-Based Salmon Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-substitute.md) - [Canned Seafood Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fish-peas.md) - [Meaty Beef Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-beef-alternative.md)