# Palatable Charcoal Charcoal becomes a culinary staple outside of health-driven beverages. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 1, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/palatable-charcoal ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Palatable Charcoal trend? **Palatable Charcoal:** After quickly dominating the skincare and wellness beverage markets, charcoal has become ubiquitous with a notable emergence of the ingredient infused into various sweet and savoury menu items. Highlighting the fast adoption cycle of such "superfood" ingredients in a wellness-obsessed culture, this shift also points to the underlying interest in unique going out options that provide experiential elements that serves to enable social facilitation. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 20, 2015 to Jun 2, 2017 - Published: Jun 1, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [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 Palatable Charcoal trend ### Charcoal infusion into food and beverage Charcoal as an ingredient infused into various sweet and savoury menu items. ### Unique Experiential options Underlying interest in unique going out options that provide experiential elements that serve to enable social facilitation. ### Use of activated charcoal in food Activated charcoal now being used in food, drinks, and cosmetics; reputed to aid digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and absorb toxins in the body. ## What the Palatable Charcoal trend means for industry ### For Food & Beverage Incorporation of charcoal in food and drinks to add color and detoxifying properties. ### For Frozen Desserts Use of charcoal in frozen desserts, such as yogurts and ice creams. ### For Wellness and Skincare Charcoal's previous usage in the skincare, wellness beverage markets. Its incorporation into restaurants/restaurants/cafes speak of wellness-obsessed culture. ## Workshop question How can your brand incorporate more experiential elements into its products/services, or marketing strategies? ## Trend signals for Palatable Charcoal Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Palatable Charcoal trend 6 featured examples from Aug 20, 2015 to Jun 2, 2017. - [Superhero-Inspired Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/batman-burgers): These Batman Burgers are Served on a Charcoal-Colored Bun (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can explore the trend of colorful burger buns and superhero-inspired menus to attract customers and differentiate themselves from competitors. - [All-Black Ice Cream Cones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-ice-cream-cone): LA's Little Damage Serves Waffle Cones Made with Charcoal (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Ice cream businesses can capitalize on the black food trend by offering all-black ice cream cones to attract customers looking for visually striking and unconventional dessert opt… - [Hemp-Infused Sacred Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannabis-dessert): The Amasuni Butsuda is a Cannabis Dessert Shaped Like Buddha (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for cannabis companies to expand their product offerings beyond traditional forms like oils and tinctures into the lucrative cannabis edibles market. - [Frozen Charcoal Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twisted-yoghurt): Twisted Yoghurt is Now Offering an Activated Charcoal Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: With the popularity of activated charcoal, there is a chance to innovate and create new beauty products that incorporate the ingredient. - [Charcoal Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restaurant-pizza-crust): This Restaurant Pizza Crust Boasts Activated Charcoal as a Main Ingredient (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants to innovate and experiment with unique and trendy ingredients to attract new customers and enhance the dining experience. - [Ninja-Inspired Hot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-japan): IKEA Japan Introduced an All-Black Addition to its Food Menu (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating charcoal-infused ingredients into food and beverage offerings can set brands apart and cater to consumers seeking unconventional culinary 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)