# Edible Media Offline social media-inspired treats offer a tangible connection to social networks. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 2, 2014, updated Apr 4, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/edible-media ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Edible Media trend? **Edible Media:** As social media reaches new levels of pervasiveness, the offline world is being bombarded with ways for users to literally ingest their obsession. This enhanced fandom is spreading rapidly, as the concept of third-party cross promotion allows products and ideas to enter the realm of ubiquity, as brands become far more lax with regard to copyright and trademark issues. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 3, 2012 to Nov 26, 2013 - Published: Jan 2, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Edible Media trend ### Edible Social Media The trend of edible social media is providing opportunities for brands to capitalize on the ubiquity of social media by offering personalized, tangible treats that connect users to social networks ### Personalized Desserts The trend of personalized desserts is allowing consumers to turn their memories and obsessions into delicious, photo-worthy treats, offering opportunities for brands to tap into the sentimentality and fandom of their audience ### Interactive Culinary Experiences The trend of interactive culinary experiences is satisfying the desire for novel food experiences, offering opportunities for brands to create unforgettable, immersive experiences centered around popular trends and obsessions ## What the Edible Media trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Brands in the food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of personalized desserts and interactive culinary experiences to offer unique, immersive food experiences that tap into the sentimentality and fandom of their audience ### For Social Media and Technology Brands in the social media and technology industry can expand their reach and engage their audience through the trend of edible social media, offering personalized and tangible treats that connect users to their social networks ### For Gifts and Celebrations Brands in the gifts and celebrations industry can tap into the sentimentality and fandom of their audience by offering personalized, photo-worthy desserts that are perfect for gifting and celebrating special occasions ## Trend signals for Edible Media Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 80% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Edible Media trend 5 featured examples from Dec 3, 2012 to Nov 26, 2013. - [Social Media Ice Cream](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook-ice-cream): The Facebook Ice Cream Flavor is a Clever Twist on a Classic Dessert (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on branded food products and social media platforms to attract younger consumers. - [Social Media Game Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-crush-cake): The Candy Crush Cake Will Addict People Immediately (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry has the opportunity to innovate by introducing gamification into their products, creating a unique blend of entertainment and food. - [Gourmet Photo-Printed Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-marshmallows): Eat Your Instagram Photos Printed On Marshmallows (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine advancements in food printing and imaging to create new market opportunities for personalized, visually appealing edible products. - [Social Sharing Suprise Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-dessert): An Instagram Dessert Chocolate Mousse is a Photo-Worthy Creation (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for food and beverage companies to incorporate visually appealing and interactive desserts into their menus, increasing customer engagement and s… - [Social Media Snapshot Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-cookies): 'Baking for Good' Toasts Your Memories with Instagram Cookies (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Using Instagram's popularity to offer customized products and experiences. ## 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)