# Spicy Jackfruit Pizzas Virtuous Pie's 'Kim Jack' Puts a Vegan Spin on Classic Korean Flavors By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-06-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtuous-pie References: [virtuouspie](https://virtuouspie.com/locations/canada/chinatown/?menu=open&active=yes) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/BUVYUdWDhij/?taken-by=virtuous_pie&hl=en) Virtuous Pie is an entirely plant-based pizzeria with locations in both Vancouver and Portland that uses a range of vegan toppings as alternatives to meat and cheese. One of the most interesting items on the menu is a spicy creation that Virtuous Pie calls 'Kim Jack,' which is made with a cashew-based mozzarella "cheese," [kimchi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armored-fresh-grated-kimchi-parmesan), roasted broccolini, green scallions, hoisin crema and [pieces of jackfruit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beef-jackfruit-burger) that have been braised with Gochujang, or red chili paste. As a whole, the vegan pizza puts a fun, [plant-based spin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-pizzas1) on staples of traditional Korean cuisine. Since the creation is served on the comforting, familiar form of a pizza slice, it's an accessible menu item that inspires a sense of adventure in consumers, whether they are new to Korean flavors, certain ingredients, vegan food or spice. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 41% | 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) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Alternatives:** Innovative plant-based alternatives to meat and cheese are disrupting the food industry, offering new opportunities for vegan versions of traditional dishes like pizza. - **Fusion Cuisine:** Fusion cuisine, like Korean-inspired pizza toppings, are becoming increasingly popular as chefs and restaurants look for new and exciting flavor combinations to offer customers. - **Accessible Adventure:** Accessible menu items that offer a sense of adventure, like Virtuous Pie's 'Kim Jack' pizza, are attracting consumers who are looking to try new and exciting foods in a familiar format. ### Where This Applies - **Plant-based Food:** The plant-based food industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation as consumers become more interested in environmental sustainability and ethical considerations around meat and dairy consumption. - **Pizza:** The pizza industry is a major player in the quick-service restaurant market, offering opportunities for creative toppings and unconventional, globally-inspired pizza creations. - **Spices and Condiments:** The spice and condiment industry is seeing disruptive innovation with new and exciting flavors, like Gochujang, becoming more widely available and popular in global cuisine. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vegan Jackfruit Wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sassy-jack-chickn.md) - [Jackfruit-Based Vegan Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-annies.md) - [Stuffed Crust Vegan Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicago-town-frozen-pizzas.md) - [Plant-Based Beef Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-beef-pizza.md) - [Korean-Themed Pizza Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-maru-1.md) - [Satisfying Meat-Free Pizza Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toppers-pizza-vegan-pizzas.md) - [Plant-Based Hawaiian Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hawaiian-vegan-pizza.md) - [Jackfruit Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-jerky.md) - [Accessible Vegan-Friendly Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papa-johns-and-la-vie.md)