# Plant-Based Meatball Subs Blimpie is Serving Up a New Plant-Based Meatball Parmigiana By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2022-01-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-plantbased-meatball-parmigiana References: [fastfoodpost](https://www.fastfoodpost.com/blimpie-adds-new-plant-based-meatball-parmigiana-made-with-gardein-plant-based-meatballs/) & [specialtyfood](https://www.specialtyfood.com/news/article/blimpie-introduces-plant-based-meatball-sub/)  [Blimpie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-meatball-sub) is giving consumers a new meat-free sandwich option to enjoy with the debut of its new Plant-Based Meatball Parmigiana. The new Plant-Based Meatball Parmigiana is Blimpie's first-ever plant-based sub, and it was created in partnership with [Gardein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardein-ultimate-plantbased-meatballs). The sandwich starts with Gardein Plant-Based Meatballs, which are smothered in a rich and authentic marinara sauce. The meatballs are then topped with melted provolone cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan to achieve the delicious taste of a meatball marinara sandwich, but with a vegetarian twist. As Sam Carity, senior national marketing manager for [Kahala Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-meatball-parmigiana), explains, "Guests have been looking for a plant-based option, and we set out to create a sub that could fill their cravings. Our new sub delivers the same mouthwatering taste of our classic Meatball Parmigiana, now as a vegetarian option. We know our guests will agree it has been worth the wait!" Image Credit: Blimpie ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 11% - 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Plant-based Meat Alternatives:** With the success of the Plant-Based Meatball Parmigiana, food companies can focus on creating more meat-free alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat products. - **Menu Diversification:** Offering a plant-based option like the Plant-Based Meatball Parmigiana can attract a wider customer base for restaurants and fast-food chains that traditionally serve meat-based products. - **Sustainability:** The rise in popularity of plant-based options is an opportunity for the food industry to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable food practices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Foodservice:** Foodservice companies can offer plant-based options as a strategy to keep up with changing consumer demands and preferences, and as a way to attract new customers. - **Plant-based Food:** Companies that specialize in creating plant-based meat alternatives can explore new products and partnerships with restaurants and fast-food chains to expand their reach and market share. - **Sustainability Consulting:** With the trend towards sustainability in the food industry, companies that provide sustainability consulting services can tap into this market and help businesses develop eco-friendly strategies and practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Powered Italian Subs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-meatball-parmigiana.md) - [Marinara Meatball Subs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-meatball-sub.md) - [Limited-Edition Meatless Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chikn-parm.md) - [Plant-Based QSR Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-picante.md) - [Pizza-Inspired Submarine Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blimpie-pizza-subs.md) - [Caprese Salad-Inspired Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caprese-blimp.md) - [Plant-Based Meatball Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-meatball-wraps.md) - [Premium Sub Sandwich Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-subs-menu.md) - [Extra-Hearty Sub Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blimpie-deli-primo.md)