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Emerging Food Trends Among Japanese High Schools

In a recent survey conducted by LINE Yahoo, which utilizes a unique research platform with over 7 million active participants, high school students in Japan have identified what they think will be the next big trends in snacks and meals. This comprehensive survey involved high school students from first to third grade, assessing their opinions on upcoming popular sweets, drinks, and food items.

Gummy Candies Lead the Snack Trends

The standout favorite among the students for sweets was gummy candies, claiming first place with a significant share of around 25%. This trend was consistent with the previous year’s findings, reinforcing the ongoing popularity of gummy snacks among the youth. Following closely were acai-based sweets, sweet potato desserts, and croissant-based treats, all competing for attention with just slight percentage differences.

Differences Between Genders

When dissecting the results based on gender, both male and female respondents placed gummy candies at the top of their lists. However, distinctions emerged in the subsequent choices. Female students favored acai sweets as their second choice, while male counterparts opted for pudding and freshly made donuts in the second and third slots, respectively. The interest in acai sweets particularly surged among junior and senior female students, reflecting a broader health-conscious trend in eating habits.

Popularity Factors Behind Gummy and Acai Treats

The reasons behind why high schoolers believe these items will trend were equally revealing. Gummy candies were credited for their accessibility, variety in flavors and textures, as well as the continuous introduction of new products. Additionally, there is a notable influence from social media and celebrity endorsements which have helped solidify their status as a 'must-have' snack.

On the other hand, female students indicated acai sweets’ appeal lies in their health benefits and visually appealing presentation, contributing to their popularity on social media platforms. Male respondents expressed a fondness for pudding due to its nostalgic flavor and versatility in creating various dessert arrangements.

Food Trends: Onigiri Takes the Lead

When it came to meals, the clear winner was onigiri—the Japanese rice ball—with a strong following for onigiri specialty shops as a number one choice. This popularity was bolstered by the emergence of various creative fillings and design options, making onigiri a customizable and delicious option for students on the go. Following onigiri, the acai bowl secured second place and highlighted the dual appeal of acai, showcasing its versatility as both a dessert and a meal.

In the female category, acai bowls also led, showing a keen preference for their aesthetic qualities and health focus. Girls further expressed interest in Korean street food like tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) and spicy broth dishes, marking a growing fascination with international cuisines. Meanwhile, boys showed a marked preference for tacos as a convenient and tasty meal choice.

The Impact of Trends on Student Food Choices

With health consciousness on the rise, many students pointed out the effectiveness of these food items in terms of convenience and social media presence. Acai bowls particularly stood out due to their vibrant appearances, which make them perfect for Instagram or TikTok posts. Meanwhile, the inherent nostalgia linked with onigiri and its various customizable aspects allowed it to perform well in student preference polls.

Conclusion

The findings from this survey not only underscore the continuing popularity of gummy candies but also highlight emerging trends revolving around acai products and onigiri among Japan’s youth. With the landscape of high school eating habits diversifying, it will be intriguing to see how these trends evolve and influence the food industry in Japan.

For more detailed insights and visuals on the survey data, visit LINE Research.