# Vegan Mac and Cheese This Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe is Also Gluten and Nut-Free By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-09-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butternut-squash-pasta References: [tasty-yummies](http://tasty-yummies.com/2015/09/28/spicy-butternut-squash-and-kale-cheezy-mac/) This butternut squash pasta recipe makes a hearty meal perfect for people who have food allergies or dietary restrictions. Created by Beth at the blog Tasty Yummies, the [Spicy Butternut Squash and Kale](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauldron-butternut-red-chilli-bites) Cheesy Macaroni is gluten-free, nut-free and vegan. Ideal for a weeknight meal -- especially to enjoy during Monday night football -- the dish is an easy way to incorporate plant-based foods, even during a season typically full of meat. This [vegan version of mac and cheese](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-notmac-cheese-cups) is a lighter take and full of healthy ingredients. The spicy, creamy and crunchy butternut squash pasta is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Hot sauce and [gluten-free breadcrumbs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banza-1) give the topping a spicy crisp texture. Organic brown rice pasta and unsweetened coconut milk address some of the more problematic items you might find. This recipe doesn't technically include cheese. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: 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 - **Plant-based Foods:** Opportunity to innovate and create more plant-based alternatives for traditional dishes. - **Gluten-free:** Disruption in the market by offering gluten-free alternatives for popular comfort foods like mac and cheese. - **Allergen-free:** Creating allergen-free options for those with dietary restrictions to enjoy popular dishes without worry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for new product development in the food and beverage industry to cater to the growing demand for plant-based and allergen-free options. - **Health and Wellness:** Opportunity to offer healthier alternatives to traditional comfort foods, focusing on ingredients that are nutrient-rich and cater to specific dietary needs. - **E-commerce:** Disrupting the online food delivery space by offering a wide range of plant-based, gluten-free, and allergen-free options for consumers to order conveniently. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gourmet Dairy-Free Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daiya-deluxe-mac-cheeze.md) - [Vegan Mac and Cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft.md) - [Cheesy Vegan-Friendly Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-mac-cheese6.md) - [Better-for-You Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gluten-free-veggie-pasta.md) - [Alternative Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-heaven.md) - [Gluten-Free Mac-and-Cheese Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-mac-cheese-cups.md) - [Limited-Edition Kid Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-mac-cheese.md) - [Grown-Up Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Macaroni Meal Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-notmac-cheese-cups.md)