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# Pop Cultured Consumption
Menu items take inspiration from pop culture references for mass appeal.

By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 7, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/pop-cultured-consumption

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 4.0/10
- Evidence articles: 5

## What is the Pop Cultured Consumption trend?

**Pop Cultured Consumption:** Food brands are making nods to pop culture references by adapting their menu items to mimic cult tv shows and celebrity figures. From burgers adapted to reference popular cartoons to entire menus inspired by children's movies, these examples not only showcase a desire from brands to connect with consumer interests, but it also showcases a willingness to take risks by integrating very niche, specific references into brands' mass marketing channels.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 5 featured examples
- Articles from: Jul 6, 2017 to May 5, 2019
- Published: Jul 7, 2018
- Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection)
- Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z
- Top markets: North America

## Themes within the Pop Cultured Consumption trend

### Pop Culture References

Food brands are adapting their menu items to mimic cult tv shows and celebrity figures for mass appeal.

### Themed Food Menus

Restaurants and theme parks are launching themed food menus inspired by pop culture to attract fans.

### Celebrity Meal Kits

Meal kit companies are collaborating with celebrities and renowned chefs to offer unique recipe kits to consumers.

## What the Pop Cultured Consumption trend means for industry

### For Food and Beverage

The food and beverage industry can leverage pop culture references to add a fun and unique twist to menu items and attract fans.

### For Entertainment

The entertainment industry can collaborate with food brands and restaurants to create themed food menus and enhance the fan experience.

### For E-commerce

The e-commerce industry can partner with meal kit companies and celebrities to offer exclusive recipe kits and reach a wider audience.

## Workshop question

In what ways could you adapt your product or service offerings to be more in line with your consumer's lifestyle and interests?

## Trend signals for Pop Cultured Consumption

Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 52%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 61%
- Activity: 52%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Pop Cultured Consumption trend

5 featured examples from Jul 6, 2017 to May 5, 2019.

- [Collaborative Celebrity Meal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-apron-x-chrissy): The Blue Apron x Chrissy Meal Kits Share Eats by Chrissy Teigen (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Meal kit services can leverage collaborations with celebrities to differentiate their product offerings and attract new customers.
- [Cartoon-Themed Burger Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-kit): Blue Apron is Sharing Recipe Kits Inspired by Bob's Burgers (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Meal kit delivery services have the opportunity to create exclusive collaborations with celebrities or shows, enhancing their product offerings and attracting new customers.
- [Wizard-Themed Brunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wizards-brunch): The Wizard's Brunch & Dinner is Coming to New York City This August (Category: Pop Culture)
  Implication: Hotels, restaurants, and event spaces can design themed experiences and pop-up events to attract customers and create memorable experiences.
- [Wizard-Themed Dinner Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wizardthemed-dinner): The Library in Covent Garden is Hosting a Harry Potter Dinner Series (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other hospitality businesses can create themed events and experiences to attract customers and offer an immersive experience.
- [Anime Princess Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sailor-moon-food): Universal Studios Japan is Launching a Special Sailor Moon Food Menu (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Restaurants and cafes can tap into the anime fan market by offering themed menus and dining experiences, as seen with the Sailor Moon food menu at Universal Studios Japan.

## 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

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All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)
