# Plant-Based Rib Sandwiches Native Foods Just Unveiled a Vegan Rib Sandwich Called 'The VeggRib' By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2023-02-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-veggrib References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/native-foods-launches-spring-menu-0)  Native Foods, the growing vegan fast casual brand, recently unveiled its Spring 2023 menu and it includes a plant-based take on a rib sandwich called 'The VeggRib.' The barbecue-flavored pork sandwich is a classic menu item at many QSR chains like [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-bean-vegan-burger), but now there is a vegan-friendly option available for consumers to sink their teeth into. The VeggRib consists of housemade, plant-based riblet doused with bbq sauce, topped with onion and pickle slices, and served on a toasted baguette. As Chris Bertke, Executive Chef, explains, "We are thrilled to finally announce that we have crafted a vegan version of the popular barbecue-flavored pork sandwich, but this time with veggies. We call it The VeggRib." The VeggRib, as well as the rest of [Native Foods'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-bbq-pulled-pork-sandwich) Spring 2023 menu is available now until mid-June. Image Credit: Native Foods ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 14% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Plant-based Fast Food:** The rise of plant-based fast food options could disrupt the QSR industry as consumers increasingly look for healthier and more sustainable food choices. - **Innovative Vegan Menu Items:** Restaurants and food brands can differentiate themselves by creating innovative vegan menu items that appeal to a growing consumer base looking for ethical and environmentally-conscious food options. - **Meat Alternatives:** The rise of meat alternatives presents an opportunity for food companies to create innovative products that cater to consumers looking for ethical and environmentally-friendly food options. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Casual Restaurants:** Fast casual restaurants can differentiate themselves from traditional QSRs by creating vegan menu options that cater to consumers looking for healthier and more sustainable food choices. - **Plant-based Food Brands:** Plant-based food brands stand to gain from the trend towards veganism by creating innovative vegan products that cater to consumers looking for healthier and more sustainable food options. - **Alternative Protein Companies:** Alternative protein companies could disrupt the meat industry by creating innovative meat alternatives that cater to consumers looking for ethical and environmentally-friendly food options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based BBQ Rib Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ribby-sandwich.md) - [Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-bbq-pulled-pork-sandwich.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) - [Vegan Barbecue Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backyard-bbq-bowl.md) - [Bone-In Vegan Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-plant-based-ribs.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Rib-Inspired Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morningstar-farms-riblets.md) - [Plant-Based Cheesesteak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philly-cheesesteak-sandwich.md) - [Plant-Based Cheesesteak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-fajita-cheesesteak.md)