# Edible Ice Cream Spoons The Ministop Edible Spoon Offers an Alternative to Disposable Utensils By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-05-31 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ministop-edible-spoon References: [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2023/05/31/japanese-convenience-store-ice-cream-solves-plastic-vs-wooden-spoon-dilemma-with-edible-spoons/) & [ministop.co.jp](https://www.ministop.co.jp/corporate/release/assets/pdf/20230526_10.pdf)  Disposable utensils are commonplace at many takeout eateries but are quickly being phased out in favor of more [sustainable alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cutlery-dispenser), which is what's at work with the Ministop edible spoon. The edible utensil is arriving at the Japan-based convenience stores locations as an option for patrons to use when picking up a cup or cone of their favorite [soft serve ice cream](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softserve-ice-cream-pouches). The spoon will maintain its integrity for the time it takes to eat the ice cream and can simply be eaten after use to eliminate the need to throw it away. The Ministop edible spoon is being launched at all of the brand's locations across Japan and is arriving alongside the brand's latest flavor of ice cream, Nagano Purple, which has a purple grape flavor. Image Credit: Ministop ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 16% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - 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 Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Edible Utensils:** The rise of sustainable alternatives to disposable utensils creates an opportunity for edible utensils to revolutionize the industry. - **Zero-waste Solutions:** As businesses strive towards more sustainable options, zero-waste solutions like Ministop's edible spoon offer a significant opportunity for disruption. - **Alternative Packaging:** Alternative packaging solutions like edible utensils have the potential to drastically reduce waste by replacing non-biodegradable options. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** There is a significant opportunity for edible utensils to disrupt the food and beverage industry's use of non-biodegradable packaging options. - **Convenience Stores:** Convenience stores like Ministop have the opportunity to lead the way in the use of sustainable packaging and could attract environmentally-conscious consumers by adopting zero-waste solutions. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and other hospitality businesses can benefit from the implementation of zero-waste solutions like edible utensils as part of their commitment to sustainability and reducing waste. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Edible Ice Cream Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-spoons.md) - [Edible Treat Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treat-container.md) - [Sustainable Edible Coffee Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-coffee-bean-shop.md) - [Sustainable Edible Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haeckels-3.md) - [French Fry Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spoon-friez.md) - [Coconut-Based Dessert Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-dream-bowls.md) - [Ice Cream Sandwich Scoops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-sandwich-scoop.md) - [Cybertruck-Inspired Ice Cream Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyber-spoon.md) - [Convenient Honey-Holding Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/al-malaky-royal.md)