# Chickpea-Based Taco Fillings Taco Bell's New Cravetarian Taco is Made from a Plant-based Protein By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2021-04-25 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cravetarian References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/taco-bell-introduces-new-plant-based-innovation-cravetarian) With the growing success of plant-based protein at fast food and fast casual outlets, [Taco Bell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pea-and-soy-protein) has begun testing a new Cravetarian Taco made with a proprietary plant-based protein. The Cravetarian Taco is a cravable new offering inspired by Taco Bell's other bold and enticing dishes. The new taco is made using a proprietary, boldly seasoned plant-based protein that's made from a unique pea/chickpea blend. Along with the faux meat crumbles, the taco also features shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and reduced-fat sour cream, all served in a crunchy corn shell. The Cravetarian Taco is just one of the many dishes Taco Bell’s innovation team has been working on to meet the brand's goal of providing more vegetarian-friendly options in 2021. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Plant-based Protein Fast Food Trend:** The success of plant-based protein at fast food and fast casual outlets presents an opportunity for companies to innovate and introduce meat-free options. - **Novel Pea-chickpea Plant-based Protein Trend:** The use of a unique pea/chickpea blend to make plant-based protein presents an opportunity for companies to create novel meat-free dishes. - **Vegetarian-friendly Fast Food Trend:** The trend towards providing more vegetarian-friendly options at fast food outlets presents an opportunity for companies to innovate and cater to the growing demand for meat-free alternatives. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food Industry:** The fast food industry can capitalize on the growing demand for plant-based protein by introducing more vegetarian-friendly options and innovating with novel plant-based protein varieties. - **Food Manufacturing Industry:** The food manufacturing industry has an opportunity to create and market unique blends of plant-based protein to restaurants and fast food outlets looking to innovate and cater to vegetarian customers. - **Agricultural Industry:** The agricultural industry can capitalize on the growing demand for plant-based protein by producing and supplying the raw materials needed to create unique meat-free options for consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seasoned Plant-Based Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pea-and-soy-protein.md) - [Plant-Based Carne Asada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-carne-asada-steak.md) - [Vegan-Friendly QSR Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-crunchwrap.md) - [Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Taco Fillings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-birria.md) - [Fava Bean-Filled Taco Ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fava-taco-style-crumbles.md) - [Plant-Based Cheese Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheezycrunch-tacos.md) - [Plant-Based Beef Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mofaux-taco.md) - [Vegan Chorizo QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-del-mar.md) - [Crispy Chicken-Filled Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cantina-crispy-chicken-tacos.md)