Black Sesame and Black Soybean... The Black Food 'Halmaennial' Craze

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, as more consumers prioritize health, so-called ‘Halmaennial (Halmeoni + Millennial)’ products with a savory taste have been continuously gaining popularity. In particular, interest in ‘black food,’ which offers a savory flavor along with rich nutrients for health benefits, is increasing. The component called ‘anthocyanin,’ which gives black food its dark color, helps remove active oxygen, preventing aging and activating bodily functions.

Pulmuone's 'Domestic Black Medicinal Soybean Black Garlic Natto'.
[Photo by Pulmuone]

According to the food and beverage and dining industry on the 28th, Pulmuone recently launched ‘Domestic Black Soybean Black Garlic Natto,’ a representative black food product using black soybeans. The new product is made with a sweet soy sauce base featuring domestic black garlic and carefully selected domestic black soybeans by Pulmuone. It is perfect as a healthy meal replacement for busy daily life.

Quiznos offers a variety of bread choices made from artisan breads naturally fermented with grains such as white, wheat, rosemary parmesan, and black rice when ordering.

Among these, the ‘Black Rice Bread’ is a menu item frequently chosen by consumers who prefer a savory taste, made with 100% domestic black rice. Black rice contains four times more anthocyanin than black soybeans, providing abundant nutrition that supports health, and is characterized by its soft and savory texture.

Starbucks’ ‘Jeju Kkamang Cream Frappuccino,’ which contains black sesame, is also a representative black food Halmaennial menu item. The Jeju Kkamang Frappuccino, topped with chewy and savory domestic black sesame rice cakes and black soboro topping, is very popular for its visual reminiscent of Jeju’s stone Harubang road. Thanks to the generous toppings, it gives the feeling of eating a cup of shaved ice.

An official from the food industry said, “As consumer interest in health has greatly increased, it is expected that the related market will continue to grow as black food products that offer a savory taste without being stimulating are continuously developed and sold.”