University of Phoenix created a product to help stressed students relax, recharge, and fortify their brain against the effects of stress. A custom-crafted ice cream was formulated with brain-healthy superfoods that lower the body’s stress response while enhancing memory, focus, and learning. Made with black cherries (increase blood flow to the brain), dark chocolate (reduces the stress hormone cortisol), pecans (a “brain superfood” packed with 19 nutrients, like memory-boosting choline), and ginseng (a stress-reducing, energy-boosting adaptogenic herb), “Crunch Time” was launched on National Ice Cream Day at Scooptacular, a University alumnus–owned ice cream shop.

Crunch Time was created by a University of Phoenix alumnus who used his MBA to start an award-winning, custom-crafted ice cream business. The purpose of the ice cream was to help reduce stress while increasing memory and focus, providing students with a brain-healthy alternative to unhealthy comfort foods. Before creating the ice cream, we consulted with certified nutritionists on ingredients to maximize the reduction of the effects of stress on the brain, including overall brain health, focus, and memory function. We released the product at Scooptacular ice cream shop and on campus in Phoenix, Arizona, during National Ice Cream Month, when many students had final exams. Crunch Time was a specialty flavor available for the entire summer.

Crunch Time was available to students and the public. By summer’s end, it became the number one–selling ice cream at Scooptacular. Due to its success and popular demand, a rerelease is being planned for summer 2018.