# Student-Targeted French Fries In Japan, McDonald's 'Daigaku Imo' is a New Fast Food for Students By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-02-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-for-students References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2017/02/09/mcdonalds-adding-new-french-fry-flavor-just-for-japan-based-on-nostalgic-student-snack/) & [rocketnews24](http://rocketnews24.com/2017/02/08/859868/) Fast food for students is one of the most sensible options for getting a meal while at school, particularly because QSR restaurant chains are able to offer a range of meals that are quick, filling and cost-effective. McDonald's Japan is now introducing 'Daigaku Imo' fries, which specifically target students with a name that literally translates to "College Potato." The new fry snack is based off of a traditional Japanese comfort food made with a base of sweet potatoes, a honey-sesame sauce and a sprinkling of black sesame seeds. To present Daigaku Imo fries as a treat that cash-strapped students will enjoy, the all-new McDonald's fries are being sold in promotional packaging that is printed to look as if it has been wrapped in a knotted cloth bundle. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Student-targeted Snacks:** Focusing on creating snacks that appeal to students specifically can resonate well with this demographic and open up new marketing opportunities. - **Regional Comfort Foods:** Taking inspiration from regional comfort foods can offer innovative twists on classic fast food staples and help differentiate a brand from competitors. - **Promotional Packaging:** Creating limited edition packaging that ties into the product's theme or message can boost sales and generate buzz among consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Incorporating innovative menu items that cater to specific demographics, such as college students, can set fast food chains apart in a crowded market. - **Food Packaging:** Developing eye-catching and unique packaging designs can boost the appeal and perceived value of a product for consumers. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Taking a creative and targeted approach to marketing can help companies reach new audiences and stand out in a competitive industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fast-Food Croquette Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/croquette-burgers.md) - [Hawaiian-Inspired QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hawaiian-burgers.md) - [French Fry-Shaped Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fry-thru.md) - [Syllabus-Themed QSR Meal Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-food-deals.md) - [Shrimp-Packed QSR Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-puripuri-ebi-purio.md) - [Fast-Food Supply Chain Responses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/large-fries.md) - [Fried Dessert-Flavored Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/churro-mcshaker-fries.md) - [Cheesy Potato Snack Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheese-bacon-potato-pie.md) - [Autumnal Japanese QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-tsukimi.md)