# Edible Academic Foods become college specific to boost Instagrammability with the younger consumer. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jul 13, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/edible-academic ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Edible Academic trend? **Edible Academic:** Shareability is a purchasing factor for the younger demographic, which ties into whether or not the product or service fits into their personal brand. The creation of Instagram-friendly foods that tie to the collegiate lifestyle satisfy these points. They also boost a sense of pride and create an opportunity to connect with a students' tribe of like-minded individuals. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 22, 2016 to Apr 15, 2018 - Published: Jul 13, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Edible Academic trend ### Instagrammable Food Food and beverage companies are creating aesthetically pleasing food items that are shareable on Instagram, providing opportunities for students and young adults to display their personal brand and connect with like-minded individuals. ### Inexpensive Student Fast Food Fast food restaurants can target students by creating affordable meals and snacks that are convenient and efficient for them to eat between studying and extracurricular activities. ### Co-branded Food and Beverage Products Companies can create co-branded products with popular food and beverage brands to attract fans of both products and increase brand awareness. ## What the Edible Academic trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can create innovative products targeted at students and sports fans to increase brand awareness and generate revenue. ### For Hospitality The hospitality industry can attract college students by offering affordable food and beverage options that are convenient and efficient for them to consume. ### For Marketing and Advertising Marketing and advertising professionals can collaborate with food and beverage brands to create effective campaigns that target college students and sports fans. ## Workshop question What is a hyper-specific part of your target demographic's life that you can integrate into your product or marketing? ## Trend signals for Edible Academic Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Edible Academic trend 5 featured examples from Oct 22, 2016 to Apr 15, 2018. - [Basketball-Themed Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3pointer-ice-cream): Baskin-Robbins' Reese's 3-Pointer Ice Cream Celebrates March Madness (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovative ice cream flavor creations present opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves and attract new customers. - [Student-Targeted French Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-for-students): In Japan, McDonald's 'Daigaku Imo' is a New Fast Food for Students (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating innovative menu items that cater to specific demographics, such as college students, can set fast food chains apart in a crowded market. - [Collegiate Gummy Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/college-gummies): The SweeTARTS College Gummies are Shaped Like College Mascots (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can take advantage of the trend of creating collegiate branded food and beverages to tap into the lucrative college market and provide unique produc… - [Ramen-Flavored Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramenflavored-pringles): The New Ramen-Flavored Pringles are Irresistibly Delicious (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack food industry has an opportunity to create new and exciting products by combining popular snack foods and offering limited-edition flavors. - [Colorful Collegiate Cookie Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-in-color): New York's Baked in Color is Selling Cakes in College Colors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovative bakeries can explore new ways to customize cakes and desserts for various occasions, like graduations. ## 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)