# Collagen-Rich Croutons These Cruton Alternatives Bring Pork Rinds to a New Category By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-03-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruton-alternative References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southern-recipe-small-batch-launches-new-innovative-brand-extension-krutones-301782418.html)  Southern Recipe Small Batch is elevating the pork rind category with a unique new crouton alternative that simultaneously differentiates itself from traditional croutons and other salad and soup toppers. The all-new Butter & Garlic and Italian Style KRUTONES (pronounced "Crew-Tone-Ez") are gluten-free and packed with five grams if collagen and only one gram of total carbs per serving. The low-carb, [collagen-rich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singing-pastures) [pork rind croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mr-porky-puffs) are an alternative to the usual croutons, salad toppers or snacks on their own. With these new crouton alternatives, the brand says that it is "challenging shoppers to 'Not be a Square' and think of croutons in a new light." Whether they are choosing [toasted chickpeas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-protein-toppers), roasted nuts or seasoned breadcrumbs, consumers are looking for inventive crouton alternatives that are packed with flavor, texture and nutritional benefits. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 15% - 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 - **Collagen-rich Snacks:** There is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create other collagen-rich snack items to capitalize on the health benefits of collagen. - **Low-carb Alternatives:** The low-carb trend has created an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create new low-carb alternatives for popular food items like croutons. - **Gluten-free Innovation:** Entrepreneurs can innovate in the gluten-free market by creating new and unique gluten-free snack options like the collagen-rich pork rind croutons. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Snack Industry:** The snack industry can capitalize on the popularity of collagen and low-carb diets by introducing new and unique snacks like collagen-rich pork rind croutons. - **Gluten-free Market:** Entrepreneurs in the gluten-free market can create innovative new products like gluten-free collagen-rich pork rind croutons to meet the changing demands of consumers. - **Food Innovation:** The food industry can innovate by creating new and unique food products like low-carb collagen-rich pork rind croutons to meet the changing needs and demands of consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Crunchy Pork Rind Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-recipe-small-batch-krutones.md) - [Gluten-Free Keto Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-recipe.md) - [All-Natural Truffle Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-croutons.md) - [Vegan Sourdough Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-croutons.md) - [Crispy Potato Tot Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-croutots.md) - [Herby Croissant-Based Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosemary-croissant-croutons.md) - [Crunchy Sourdough Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-style-crouton-line.md) - [Protein-Packed Baked Crisps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cronchclub.md) - [Pop-At-Home Pork Rinds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popat-home-pork-rinds.md)