# Non-Dairy Macaroni Meals Chickapea's Vegan Macaroni and Cheese is Packed with Protein & Fiber By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-12-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-macaroni-cheese References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/media/photos/4010-new-on-the-shelves#2) & [choosechickapea](https://choosechickapea.com/mac-and-cheese/) Chickapea previously introduced its [protein-packed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-mac-cheese) Chickapea Mac & Cheese products with a clean, organic cheese sauce and it is now expanding its offerings to include a vegan macaroni and cheese meal that can just as easily be prepared and enjoyed. The Chickapea Vegan Mac is made with a base of [chickpea lentil pasta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fava-bean-pasta) that is enriched with a creamy sweet potato and pumpkin sauce. The nourishing, plant-powered meal provides 17 grams of protein per serving and has the potential to appeal to a wide range of consumers beyond those who are sensitive to dairy—as the pasta product is also kosher, gluten-free and Non-GMO Project verified. The vegan-friendly macaroni meal helps to put a better-for-you spin on [boxed pasta meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-product), which are often laden with artificial ingredients and coloring, as well as ingredients that lack real nutritional value. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Protein-packed Plant-based Meals:** Expanding offerings to include vegan macaroni and cheese meal with a base of chickpea lentil pasta enriched with a creamy sweet potato and pumpkin sauce, appealing to a wide range of consumers. - **Clean Label Boxed Pasta Meals:** Putting a better-for-you spin on boxed pasta meals by offering a vegan-friendly macaroni meal that is kosher, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project verified. - **Functional Pasta Alternatives:** Introducing a chickpea lentil pasta option that provides 17 grams of protein per serving, offering a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta. ### Where This Applies - **Food:** Creating innovative plant-based meals that cater to consumers with dietary restrictions. - **Health and Wellness:** Addressing the demand for clean label, nutritious pasta options. - **Convenience and Ready-to-eat Meals:** Offering a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional boxed pasta meals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grown-Up Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Cheesy Vegan-Friendly Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-mac-cheese6.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Macaroni Meal Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft-notmac-cheese-cups.md) - [Gourmet Dairy-Free Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daiya-deluxe-mac-cheeze.md) - [Limited-Edition Kid Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-mac-cheese.md) - [Vegan Mac and Cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraft.md) - [Nutrient-Rich Instant Macaronis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies.md) - [Alternative Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-heaven.md) - [Clean-Label Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deluxe-mac-and-cheese.md)