# Guilt-Free Frozen Arepas TOAST-IT's Minimal-Ingredient Arepas are Marketed as Sandwich Thins By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-10-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toastit References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/24846-south-american-frozen-food-brand-snags-shark-tank-deal) & [toastitfoods](https://toastitfoods.com/collections/all)  [TOAST-IT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latinaowned-food-brand) offers three frozen arepas styles (original, chia flaxseed and cassava) and the freezer-to-toaster arepas inspired by a family recipe are described as "basically what would happen if a bagel and a tortilla had a baby" according to Marina Corina “[Coco](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-mango-bowl)” Viete Cabezas. These naturally simple, gluten-free and vegan arepas are free from added sugars and preservatives, and their minimal ingredients tick off many boxes for ingredient-conscious consumers in the United States. The brand made the shift from being an arepa brand to a guilt-free Latin American brand so that it can venture beyond arepas and potentially expand beyond the frozen category. Currently, the brand also offers other [frozen appetizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tastiez) such as pandebono bites and plantain buñuelos. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 19% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - 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 - **Minimal-ingredient Arepas:** TOAST-IT's frozen arepas, made with minimal ingredients, offer a guilt-free option for consumers looking for simple and clean foods. - **Ingredient-conscious Consumers:** The rise in ingredient-conscious consumers in the United States presents an opportunity for brands like TOAST-IT to cater to their needs with gluten-free and vegan options. - **Expansion Beyond Frozen Category:** TOAST-IT's shift from being an arepa brand to a guilt-free Latin American brand allows for potential expansion beyond the frozen category, opening up new market opportunities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Frozen Foods:** TOAST-IT's range of frozen arepas and appetizers tap into the growing demand for convenient and healthy frozen food options. - **Plant-based:** With their vegan and gluten-free arepas, TOAST-IT caters to the plant-based market, which is experiencing significant growth and offers opportunities for innovative products. - **Latin American Cuisine:** TOAST-IT's guilt-free Latin American brand can capitalize on the popularity of Latin American cuisine and appeal to consumers looking for authentic and healthier options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Latino-Inspired Rebranding Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latinaowned-food-brand.md) - [Grain-Free Frozen Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grain-free-frozen-burritos.md) - [Heat-and-Eat Toasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rudis-bakery.md) - [Organic Clean Label Tortillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rise-puff.md) - [Nutritious Free-From Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caulitos.md) - [High-Protein Toaster Pastries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flings.md) - [Two-Ingredient Tortillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-buckwheat-tortillas.md) - [Gluten-Free Pizza Bagels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-pizza-bagels.md) - [Salvadorian Griddle Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pupasas.md)