# Puffed Quinoa Croutons Carrington Farms' 'Crounons' are Reinvented Gluten-Free Croutons By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-06-25 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gluten-free-croutons References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/media/photos/3977-new-on-the-shelves) & [carringtonfarms](https://carringtonfarms.com/organic-crounons-garlic-parmesan/) As an alternative to preparing or purchasing gluten-free croutons made with gluten-free bread, consumers with certain health restrictions or preferences may now turn to a flavorful new option from Carrington Farms. Carrington Farms' organic 'Crounons' are helping to reinvent the [gluten-free crouton category](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-gourmet-and-tajin) with a product made from [puffed quinoa](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bsides-crunch-puffs). These crunchy, versatile toppings can be used on everything from soups to salads and are offered by the brand in four flavors: Garden Herb, Butter & Roasted Garlic, Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt and Garlic & Parmesan. These free-from crouton substitutes made from quinoa boast clean labels, as each of the varieties contains less than seven ingredients. While the Crounons have the potential to enhance a number of meals, they can also be enjoyed on their own as a [satisfying savory snack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genius-gourmet-protein-puffs). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - 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) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Gluten-free Crouton Alternatives:** Carrington Farms' puffed quinoa 'Crounons' offer a flavorful and versatile option for consumers with gluten-free dietary restrictions. - **Clean Label Food Products:** Carrington Farms' 'Crounons' made from puffed quinoa boast clean labels with less than seven ingredients, appealing to health-conscious consumers. - **Innovative Salad Toppings:** Carrington Farms' organic 'Crounons' made from puffed quinoa provide a crunchy and satisfying twist to traditional salad toppings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gluten-free Food Industry:** Carrington Farms' puffed quinoa 'Crounons' disrupt the gluten-free crouton category with their unique and flavorful alternative to traditional gluten-free bread croutons. - **Snack Food Manufacturing:** Carrington Farms' puffed quinoa 'Crounons' offer an opportunity for snack food companies to develop innovative and healthier savory snack options. - **Salad Dressing and Topping Market:** Carrington Farms' organic 'Crounons' made from puffed quinoa present a disruptive innovation opportunity for the salad dressing and topping industry by providing consumers with a new and exciting crunchy topping option. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vegan Sourdough Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-croutons.md) - [All-Natural Truffle Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-croutons.md) - [Herby Croissant-Based Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosemary-croissant-croutons.md) - [Crunchy Pork Rind Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-recipe-small-batch-krutones.md) - [Crispy Potato Tot Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-croutots.md) - [Crunchy Sourdough Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-style-crouton-line.md) - [Vitamin-Enriched Salad Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caesar-crumbles-salad-topper.md) - [Cruciferous Snack Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-puffs.md) - [Nutritious Free-From Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caulitos.md)