# Pop Culture Indulgence Modern treats offer ways for consumers to express their media awareness. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 23, 2014, updated Jan 27, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/pop-culture-indulgence ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Pop Culture Indulgence trend? **Pop Culture Indulgence:** With movies and media continuing to dominate online culture, consumers are turning to confectionary customization as a way to pay tribute to those ideas. Pop culture sweets represent a playful way for savvy consumers to express their knowledge and interest in viral media. This illustrates the growing popularity of expressing creativity through existing content online; essentially, you don't need to create to be creative. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 23 to Dec 27, 2013 - Published: Jan 23, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Pop Culture Indulgence trend ### Pop Culture Customization Consumers are turning to confectionary customization as a way to pay tribute to viral media and express creativity through existing content online. ### Geeky Desserts Desserts themed around popular movies, TV shows, and fandoms are gaining popularity and offer a unique way of celebrating special occasions. ### Detailed Designs Bakers are creating intricate and detailed designs on desserts, achieving realism and staying true to the essence of the pop culture references. ## What the Pop Culture Indulgence trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry Business professionals can explore the demand for customized confectionery desserts and create unique products around popular franchises. ### For Pop Culture Merchandise Industry Professionals working in the pop culture merchandise industry can collaborate with bakeries to produce desserts that relate to their merchandise. ### For Event Planning and Catering Industry Event planners and caterers can add an extra element of excitement to events by offering customized dessert options that feature pop culture themes and designs. ## Trend signals for Pop Culture Indulgence Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 54%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 54% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Pop Culture Indulgence trend 7 featured examples from Jan 23 to Dec 27, 2013. - [Cat Meme-Tributing Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grumpy-cat-cookies-by-whipped-bake-shop): These Grumpy Cat Cookies by Whipped Bake Shop Will Make Sourpusses Smile (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: This industry can take advantage of the trend by creating innovative snack products inspired by popular internet memes. - [Dramatic Drug-Inspired Sweets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-sky-candy): Blue Sky Candy is Designed After Breaking Bad Plot Points (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Experimenting with bold and unique flavors inspired by pop culture references. - [Massive Sci-Fi Gingerbread Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-gingerbread): Magnolia Hotel Unveiled a Spectacular Star Wars Gingerbread (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants and bakeries can create innovative gingerbread structures and attract customers with creative and unique designs. - [Fantasy Film Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hobbit-cupcakes): These Superfan-Made Hobbit Cupcakes Celebrate Birthdays and Movie Releases (Category: Business) Implication: There is an opportunity for businesses in the food industry to cater to fans of book and movie franchises by creating character-themed desserts just like the Hobbit cupcakes. - [Middle Earth Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lord-of-the-rings-cake-pops): The Lord of the Rings Cake Pops is Fantastically Detailed (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for bakeries to create themed desserts for events and celebrations. - [Edible Christmas Movie Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-cake): This 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cake' Has a Dangling Max (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers and pastry artists to create unique edible experiences that merge entertainment and gastron… - [Cat Meme Cake Pops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cat-cake-pops): Bakerella's Grumpy Cat Cake Pops Are Adorably Sweet (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bakeries can leverage the trend of customized cake pops to offer personalized options for special occasions, increasing customer engagement and revenue. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)