# Sustainable Jellyfish Cupcakes This Researcher is Using Jellyfish as a Substitute for Eggs By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-11-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/substitute-for-eggs References: [mentalfloss](http://www.mentalfloss.com/article/70474/exhibit-sets-out-prove-jellyfish-cupcakes-can-be-delicious) & [lelaboratoirecambridge](http://www.lelaboratoirecambridge.com/) A [Harvard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodberry) professor recently began experimenting with the idea of using jellyfish as a substitute for eggs in different recipes. In certain parts of the ocean, jellyfish pose a major threat to fish populations. To help control jellyfish populations, this professor came up with the idea of using them in baked goods. David Edwards came up with the idea of making jellyfish cupcakes after brainstorming with his students. Jellyfish are safe to eat and they are already a common source of nutrition in many East Asian communities. Based on this knowledge, Edwards and his students came up with the idea of using jellyfish as a substitute for eggs. Since jellyfish are mainly comprised of water and collagen, the ingredient is undetectable in the cupcakes. The cupcakes are now on public display as part of an exhibit at the 'Le Laboratoire Cambridge.' ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Jellyfish-based Food:** Innovative food researchers are exploring the use of jellyfish in food production as a sustainable and nutritious alternative ingredient. - **Sustainable Protein Substitutes:** As the demand for sustainable protein sources grows, researchers are exploring alternative and underutilized sources such as jellyfish. - **Food Waste Reduction:** Using jellyfish as an ingredient in food products can help reduce food waste by utilizing an underutilized and abundant resource in certain parts of the ocean. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage Manufacturing:** Food and beverage companies can explore the potential of using jellyfish-based ingredients in their products to offer sustainable and nutritious alternatives. - **Sustainable Agriculture:** The utilization of jellyfish-based ingredients in food production can be beneficial to sustainable agriculture practices, reducing dependence on traditional animal-based protein sources that have a higher environmental impact. - **Environmental Conservation:** The use of jellyfish as a food ingredient can have a positive impact on environmental conservation efforts by reducing the populations of this invasive species in certain parts of the ocean. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reusable Jelly Ice Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jelly-ice-cubes.md) - [Egg-Free Caramel Cupcakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mega-caramel-cupcakes.md) - [Climate-Friendly Cupcake Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vanilla-cake-cupcake-mix.md) - [Romantic Jellyfish Feasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfish-feast.md) - [Superfood Jelly Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jelly-desserts.md) - [Konjac-Based Egg Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-eggs-umami-united.md) - [Powdered Egg Substitutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powdered-egg-white.md) - [Sustainable Edible Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haeckels-3.md) - [Sugar-Free Vegan-Friendly Jelly Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdougalls-vegan-jelly.md)