# Plant-Based Tuna Melts The Native Foods Tuna Melt is a Vegan-friendly Take on a Classic By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2022-06-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/native-foods-tuna-melt References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/native-foods-announces-tuna-melt-chefs-special-june)  With the launch of the [Native Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philly-cheesesteak-sandwich) Tuna Melt, it's easier than ever for vegans to enjoy this classic dish. Native Foods – the vegan fast casual brand that's been taking the industry by storm – recently announced its Chef’s Special of 2022: the Tuna Melt. The Native Foods Tuna Melt is an ingenious culinary creation that uses plant-based ingredients like [chopped chickpeas and nori](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-plantbased-tuna) to create a vegan-friendly version of a classic melty tuna and cheese sandwich. The chickpea ‘tuna’ salad is also paired with [plant-based cheddar cheese](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oat-milk-taco-blend-seasoned-shreds), tomato, lettuce, and vegan mayo, and served on toasted sourdough bread. The whole thing is also served with your choice of side, which can include something like seasoned fries or a premium side like the chain's plant-based mac and cheese. Image Credit: Native Foods ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 12% - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Fast Food:** Opportunity for fast-casual chains to incorporate more vegan-friendly and plant-based options on their menus. - **Innovative Culinary Creations:** Opportunity for chefs and food scientists to explore and create new plant-based alternatives for classic dishes. - **Health-conscious Eating Habits:** Opportunity for health-focused brands to include vegan and plant-based options on their menu, catering to customers with dietary restrictions or preferences. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Casual Dining:** Plant-based options are an opportunity for traditional fast-casual chains to stand out and attract a wider customer base. - **Food and Beverage Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can explore creating new plant-based meat alternatives to keep up with the growing demand for alternative protein sources. - **Health and Wellness:** Opportunity for health and wellness brands to incorporate plant-based ingredients in their products, catering to customers seeking healthier snack options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based Cheesesteak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philly-cheesesteak-sandwich.md) - [Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-green-tomato-blt.md) - [Plant-Based Tuna Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/franklin-farms-plantbased-tuna.md) - [Plant-Based Beef Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basic-burger.md) - [Plant-Based Beef Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-beef-sandwich.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Cuban Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-cubano-sandwich.md) - [Plant-Based Cheesesteak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-fajita-cheesesteak.md) - [Plant-Based Tuna Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/faux-ahi-tuna-bowl.md) - [Plant-Based Tortilla Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/munchwrap-supreme.md)