# Meat-Free Taco Fillings Qdoba is Testing a Meatless, Plant-Based Protein Option to Add to Entrees By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2019-02-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-protein-option References: [chewboom](https://www.chewboom.com/2019/02/16/qdoba-tests-meatless-plant-based-protein-option/) In an effort to cater to the increasing number of consumers going meat-free all the time or part-time, [Qdoba](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southwest-steak-burrito) has begun testing a new plant-based protein option. For a limited-time, Qdoba customers at select Michigan restaurants will be able to order a new plant-based protein option. Dubbed the Qdoba version of Impossible's "meat," the plant-based protein is made from a mixture of diced red onions, tomatoes, garlic, smoked chiles, and paprika. Though the new protein looks much like little beef crumbles, the topper is entirely meat-free. Best of all, fans can try the new protein wrapped in a warm corn tortilla for the Qdoba Impossible Taco, or sprinkled on top of a burrito bowl for the Qdoba Impossible Bowl. With plant-based diets on the rise, the new protein makes Qdoba more accessible for vegetarians and vegans. Image Credit: *Qdoba.* ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 7% | 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) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Protein Options:** Opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for meat alternatives and provide more options for vegetarians and vegans. - **Meat-free Fast Food:** Potential to disrupt the fast food industry by offering meatless alternatives for popular menu items. - **Customizable Meatless Entrees:** Opportunity to cater to the increasing number of consumers who want to personalize their meals with meat-free options. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry can explore plant-based protein options to tap into the growing market of health-conscious consumers. - **Restaurant Chains:** Restaurant chains can incorporate meatless options into their menus to attract and retain vegetarian and vegan customers. - **Food Delivery Services:** Food delivery services can partner with restaurants offering meatless alternatives to meet the demand for vegetarian and vegan meals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seasoned Plant-Based Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pea-and-soy-protein.md) - [Piquant Plant-Based Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impossible-nacho-burrito.md) - [Vegan Chorizo QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-del-mar.md) - [Plant-Based Carne Asada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-carne-asada-steak.md) - [Plant-Based Chorizo-Style Crumbles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pancheros-tofurizo.md) - [Spicy Plant-Based Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuego-impossible-burrito.md) - [Meatless Nacho Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nacho-burrito.md) - [Plant-Based Beef Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mofaux-taco.md) - [Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Taco Fillings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-birria.md)