# Gluten-Free Plantain Croutons Plantain Republic's Plantain Squares Add Texture to Salads By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-01-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantain-republic References: [neuheiten.koelnmesse.net](http://neuheiten.koelnmesse.net/20/2019/us/products/view/product_id:37568/cat:43031) & [tropicmax](http://www.tropicmax.com/granelen.html) While some consumers may be familiar with [plantain chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zambos-with-tajin) as a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips, Plantain Republic also offers creative new products like 100% natural, gluten-free croutons made from plantains. The Plantain Croutons are shaped into squares and are lightly salted, providing a satisfying way for everything from [salads and soup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-gourmet-and-tajin) to be enhanced with added texture. Even though some populations are more familiar with plantains than others, this member of the banana family is emerging as an unusual ingredient addition to everything from baked cookies to [plant-based pasta noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcrok). Plantains are rich in vitamins A and C, plus potassium, and they are also a good source of fiber in a fat-free format. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## 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 - **Plantain-based Products:** The rising popularity of plantains as an unusual ingredient opens up opportunities for the development of innovative plantain-based products. - **Healthy Snack Alternatives:** The demand for healthier snack options has created a market for innovative gluten-free plantain snacks like croutons. - **Texture Enhancement in Foods:** The use of plantain croutons as texture enhancers in salads and soups presents opportunities for companies to develop novel ways of adding texture to food. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can explore the development of innovative plantain-based products and healthy snack alternatives. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can capitalize on the demand for gluten-free, natural, and nutritious snack options like plantain croutons. - **Food Service and Hospitality:** The food service and hospitality industry can use plantain croutons to enhance the texture and flavor of salads and soups, offering unique menu offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Savory Plantain Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantain-nuggets.md) - [All-Natural Truffle Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-croutons.md) - [Nutrient-Dense Plantain Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamba-foods-plantain-chips.md) - [Collagen-Rich Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruton-alternative.md) - [Seasoned Plantain Chip Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chiquita-1.md) - [Vegan Sourdough Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-croutons.md) - [Seasoned Branded Plantain Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chiquita-plantain-chips.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)