Instant Freeze-Dried Girlfriends

Controversial ‘Pot Noodle' Advert

You would have to have no sense of humour to fail to see the brilliance in the latest ad for Pot Noodle, part of a series of exceptionally brilliant and increasingly sexist adverts. And why not? It hits their market of single young(ish) men straight between the eyes and totally rocks from that perspective.

I just saw their latest advert and it made me laugh a lot, even through a hangover from hell, so I had to write it up. The premise is based on the thought, “if only girls came in a pot...” It contains nothing short of brilliant lines such as “farewell to guilt trips, nagging, and random tantrums.”

Who could argue with that? Well, a woman could, but that is precisely the point!

Pot Noodle are so good at evoking buzz through controversy—they even had an advert banned! That ad had featured former miners making Pot Noodles underground, the tagline being “The slag of all snacks”.

Previous Pot Noodles advertising genius was shown at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which featured a one hour stage advert for Pot Noodle. The director has been given creative control over the production, but it was funded by an advertising company. Good work :-)

Controversial Advertising
The use of controversial advertising can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies looking to create buzz and target a specific market.
Humorous Marketing
Humorous marketing campaigns, like Pot Noodle's latest ad, can catch consumer attention and increase brand awareness.
Sexist Advertisements
Companies can stir up controversy and attract a specific market by using sexist advertisements, however, it is important to weigh the potential backlash.

Industries Being Reshaped

Food and Snack Industry
Advertising campaigns that target a specific market, like single young men, can disrupt the food and snack industry by increasing sales and brand recognition.
Marketing and Advertising Industry
Companies in the marketing and advertising industry can utilize controversial and humorous campaigns, like Pot Noodle's, to attract clients and increase revenue.
Festival and Event Industry
Pot Noodle's one hour stage advert at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival showcases how companies can utilize festivals and events for innovative marketing opportunities.
SCORE
5.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 72%
Activity 94%
Freshness 8%

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