# Yam-Shaped Ice Creams Japan's Roasted Sweet Potato-Shaped Ice Cream is an Icy Treat By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-09-01 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaped-ice-cream References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/09/01/back-in-japan-by-popular-demand-ice-cream-that-looks-exactly-like-a-roasted-sweet-potato/) & [matome.naver.jp](http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2140927652055333301) Although roasted sweet potato is something that you'll see popping up around the fall season, this [unusually shaped ice cream](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frosty-burger) is one that you'll find in the freezer section. The ice cream treat by the Imuraya Confectionery Company is designed to look and taste just like a sweet potato, although it's definitely more of a refreshing and time-saving than having to roast a potato in the oven. Just like a real yam, the [sweet potato ice cream](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-mousse-latte) has a tougher outer skin and a soft inside with different flavors and consistencies. To make the product as authentic as possible, there are even some [chocolate patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candied-yam-white-chocolate) to simulate bits that might have gotten burned in the cooking process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Yam-shaped Treats:** Opportunity for creating innovative and visually appealing food products that mimic the shape and taste of popular ingredients. - **Imitation Desserts:** Potential to develop ice cream treats that replicate the flavors and textures of traditional desserts, providing a unique sensory experience. - **Food-shape Innovation:** Possibility for creating ice cream treats and other foods in unusual and recognizable shapes to attract consumers seeking novelty. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for food manufacturers to experiment with designing and producing ice cream treats that imitate popular foods. - **Confectionery:** Opportunity for confectionery companies to explore creative ways of recreating the flavors and textures of traditional desserts in their products. - **Frozen Treats:** Potential for frozen treat companies to differentiate themselves by offering unique and novelty-shaped ice creams to cater to consumer preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sweet Potato Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yakiimo-kobashi-caramel-frappuccino.md) - [Japanese-Inspired Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-inspired-ice-cream.md) - [Unconventional Ice Cream Flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unconventional-ice-cream.md) - [Asian-Flavored Ice Cream Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asianflavored-ice-cream.md) - [Sweet Potato QSR Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-sweet-potato-pie.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) - [Candied Yam Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candied-yam-white-chocolate.md) - [Sweet Potato Mousse Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-mousse-latte.md)