# Potato-Inspired Ice Cream Cones This Ice Cream Cone Looks and Tastes Like a Japanese Sweet Potato By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-10-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-sweet-potato References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/10/25/japans-latest-must-try-ice-cream-is-available-from-the-local-convenience-store/) The 'Annou Imo' is a premium Japanese sweet potato that's grown on the island of Tanegashima, which is recognized for its sweet flavor and distinctive appearance of purple-hued exterior flesh and an orange-hued interior. This root vegetable serves as the inspiration for the latest frozen dessert treat to be offered by [Ministop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ministop-edible-spoon) convenience stores across Japan. Sold in a decadent [caramel-flavored waffle cone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mojoz-gummicone), the ice cream takes on the look of a [purple sweet potato](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purple-sweet-potato-fries). The flavor of the Japanese sweet potato is also integrated into the soft-serve ice cream itself, alongside other rich textures such as crunchy caramel bits, a thick sauce topping and sea salt from Okinawa to replicate the salty outer skin of the potato. In a twist to traditional dairy products, such as yogurts and ice cream, vegetables are being introduced to create savory-sweet flavor variations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 40% | 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Vegetable-infused Desserts:** Introducing vegetables into desserts is a growing trend that presents an opportunity for innovation and product differentiation. - **Ethnic Flavor Elevation:** As seen in the Annou Imo ice cream cone, there is a growing trend towards elevation of ethnic flavors in food and beverage products. - **Premium Convenience:** Offering premium ingredients and flavors in convenience stores, such as the Annou Imo ice cream cone, presents an opportunity for disrupting the convenience store industry. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The trend towards incorporating vegetables into dessert presents opportunities for innovation in the dessert and snack sectors. - **Convenience Stores:** Offering premium, unique products like the Annou Imo ice cream cone can help disrupt the convenience store industry and attract customers seeking new and exciting products. - **Farm-to-table:** The use of premium ingredients like the Annou Imo sweet potato in desserts presents opportunities for innovation and disruption in the farm-to-table industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Japanese-Inspired Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-inspired-ice-cream.md) - [Sweet Potato Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-marshmallow-brulee.md) - [Potato Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potato-ice-creams.md) - [Soy Sauce Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-tree-soy-sauce-ice-cream.md) - [Sweet Potato Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yakiimo-kobashi-caramel-frappuccino.md) - [Ice Cream Ramen Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-volcano.md) - [Veggie-Infused Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veggies-you-crave.md) - [Soy Sauce Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soy-sauce-ice-creams.md) - [Sweet Potato QSR Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-sweet-potato-pie.md)