# Edamame Explosion Edamame is thriving in the culinary world beyond Japanese markets. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published Jan 10, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/edamame-explosion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Edamame Explosion trend? **Edamame Explosion:** As a source of soy protein, fiber, and vitamin K, consumers have begun to crave edamame as a typical staple in their health-focused diets. Brands taking note have begun creating new, healthified products that either incorporate edamame or isolate it a new way; from edamame-topped pizzas to crunchy, puffed edamame snacks. ## The consumer insight behind the Edamame Explosion trend With the rise of health-conscious consumers in the culinary space, there has been an increase in the expectation that traditional products can now be adapted to healthier options. These consumers value traditional ingredients and flavors but at the same time want to maintain their health goals and can do so with the help of brands. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 1 to Dec 12, 2018 - Published: Jan 10, 2019 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Edamame Explosion trend ### Healthified Products Brands are creating new, healthified products that either incorporate or isolate traditional staple ingredients for health-conscious consumers. ### Inventive Trail Mixes Innovative brands are introducing new trail mix snacks that reinvent the flavor profile with edamame beans as a base. ### Hybrid Dishes Restaurants are experimenting with unique and creative combinations of dishes to attract adventurous diners, resulting in innovations like sushi pizza and other sushi hybrids. ## What the Edamame Explosion trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can adapt to the rise of health-conscious consumers and reinvent traditional staples into healthier options by using inventive ingredients familiarized on the plate through globally inspired cuisines. ### For Snack Foods In the snack food industry, there is a trend towards protein-rich and fiber-rich ingredients like edamame, which can disrupt traditional snack options like potato chips by offering lower-fat and healthier snack options. ### For Restaurant Restaurants with a creative and adventurous approach towards menu selection can innovatively combine unique dishes at the intersection of various cuisines, resulting in fusion dishes that cater to the evolving palate of consumers. ## Workshop question How can you incorporate a traditional ingredient or tool, in order to elevate a new product or service? ## Trend signals for Edamame Explosion Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Edamame Explosion trend 4 featured examples from Mar 1 to Dec 12, 2018. - [Globally Inspired Salad Jars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salad-jar): BOL Foods Makes Grab-and-Go Salads Inspired by International Cuisine (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for unique, eco-friendly and convenient packaging options for grab-and-go meals. - [Seaweed-Crusted Sushi Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-pizza): Poke Burri is Serving Up Sushi Pizza to Seafood Lovers Across Atlanta (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants can explore creating unique fusion dishes to attract customers looking for exciting and novel dining experiences. - [Edamame-Based Trail Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trail-mix-pack): On the Go Fusion's Trail Mix Packs Creatively Meld Nuts, Fruits & Seeds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Health food and snack companies looking to offer more plant-based and protein-rich options. - [Crunchy Edamame Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edamame-snack): Crunch-a-mame's Protein Edamame Snacks Feature Less Fat Than Potato Chips (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Crunch-a-mame's edamame puffs align with the health-conscious snack industry that caters to consumers seeking better-for-you options. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)