# Inked Entree Squid ink goes mainstream as consumers are enticed by its healthful benefits. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 23, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/inked-entree ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Inked Entree trend? **Inked Entree:** Having slowly worked its way into grocery store products and North American menu items in the last decade, squid ink-infused foods offer consumers a dramatic dining experience that also boasts unique health benefits. This shift speaks to the new customer expectations of food presentation in the social media era, as well as the interest in adding nutritional value to traditional dishes whenever possible. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 17 to Jul 20, 2017 - Published: Jul 23, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Inked Entree trend ### Squid Ink Infused Foods Squid ink-infused foods offer unique health benefits and create a dramatic dining experience that meets new customer expectations of food presentation in the social media era. ### Gourmet Cannabis-infused Edibles Cannabis-infused dinner parties demonstrate how the edibles market is expanding beyond simple baked goods to include gourmet dishes. ### Investment Dining Experiences Pop-up investment eateries like Investec's Click and Investaurant create innovative dining concepts for people to explore their appetite for risk while tasting some delicious dishes. ## What the Inked Entree trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry The food and beverage industry can use these trends to create new dining experiences and innovative menus for customers. ### For Cannabis Industry The cannabis industry can benefit from expanding beyond simple baked goods to include gourmet cannabis-infused edibles that cater to sophisticated consumers. ### For Investment Industry The investment industry can benefit from creative and non-traditional approaches to educate people about their appetite for risk and investments. ## Workshop question How can you play up the aesthetic experience of your product for visually driven customers? ## Trend signals for Inked Entree Trend score 2.3 out of 10, from popularity 39%, activity 23%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 39% - Activity: 23% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Inked Entree trend 4 featured examples from Jan 17 to Jul 20, 2017. - [Instant Black Ramen Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-ramen): The Squid Ink Black Seafood Cup Noodles Have a Dark Broth (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities to explore unconventional ingredients and flavors in the food and beverage industry. - [Extravagant Golden Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gold-pizza): The 24K Gold Pizza Has Fancy Toppings Including Caviar and Foie Gras (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fine dining restaurants can explore innovative and luxurious ingredients and presentation to elevate their menus and create unique dining experiences. - [Pop-Up Investment Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/investec): Investec's Click and Investaurant Helps Diners Gauge Their Risk Levels (Category: Marketing) Implication: The Food and Hospitality industry can offer investment options for customers as well as creating experience-based investment possibilities. - [Cannabis-Infused Dinner Parties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannabisinfused-dinner): Aaron Zeigler Serves Up Six-Course Meals Infused with Pot (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry has the potential to incorporate cannabis into their menus and product offerings, creating new and unique experiences for consumers. ## 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)