# Vegetable-Based Pasta Entrees Kirsty's Newest Frozen Meal Features a Gluten-Free Pasta Alternative By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-09-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetablebased-pasta References: [foodbev](http://www.foodbev.com/news/kirstys-adds-spicy-meatball-and-vegetti-to-free-from-meal-range/) & [kirstys](http://kirstys.co.uk/) Kirsty's recently expanded its range of [free-from ready meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/single-serve-plant-based-entrees) with the addition of a new vegetable-based pasta option. Not only does the new meal provide consumers with a [gluten-free alternative to spaghetti](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banza-1), but it also serves as an easy way for consumers to add more vegetables to their diet. The new Spicy Meatballs with Rainbow Vegetti meal is a frozen entree that is designed to serve as a healthy alternative to spaghetti. Instead of wheat-based pasta, the meal is made with strips of carrots, courgette and butternut squash. The 'vegetti' pasta is then topped with a rich tomato and pepper sauce, in addition to several [spicy meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-meatballs). Because of the use of vegetable-based pasta, the entire meal is free from gluten, wheat and dairy and also serves as one portion of the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## 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 - **Gluten-free Meal Options:** Creating more gluten-free meal options presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the food industry. - **Vegetable-based Alternatives:** Developing vegetable-based alternatives to traditional pasta opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the health food market. - **Incorporating More Vegetables:** Finding ways to incorporate more vegetables into processed foods provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the frozen meal industry. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of gluten-free meal options by offering a wider range of products for consumers with dietary restrictions. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can explore vegetable-based alternatives to traditional pasta as a way to promote healthier eating habits and cater to consumers seeking plant-based options. - **Frozen Foods:** The frozen food industry can seize the opportunity to incorporate more vegetables into their products, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for convenient meal options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cauilflower-Based Frozen Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetable-based-pastas.md) - [Convenient Gluten-Free Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasta-by-daily-harvest.md) - [Health-Focused Ready-To-Eat Pasta Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytoeat-pasta-meals.md) - [Kid-Friendly Free-From Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flourish-by-kirstys.md) - [Yellow Pea-Based Spaghettis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenb.md) - [Filled Gluten-Free Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-rabbit-girasoli-pasta-range.md) - [Vegetable-Powered Gnocchi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunny-luna.md) - [Gluten-Free Prepackaged Italian Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mamamancinis-products.md) - [Regenerative Algae Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirulina-spaghetti.md)