Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Youth-Targeted
Burger
Burger chains project youthfulness with viral-worthy publicity stunts.
5.6
Trend score
Trend
What is the Youth-Targeted Burger trend?
Youth-Targeted Burger: Following in the same vein as fast pizza chains, burger brands are pursuing viral status with campaigns that play up Millennial and Gen Z interests such as coveted sneaker releases and tech-enabled custom ordering. This shift highlights the youthful nature of successful QSR branding and the resonant power of connecting authentically with discerning Millennial and Gen Z consumers.
Trend themes
Themes within the Youth-Targeted Burger trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Personalized Fast Food
Fast food chains are utilizing social media and gaming to offer customized burgers and deals via Instagram Stories and in-game services, tapping into millennial and Gen Z's tech-savvy preferences.
02
Fashion-Fast Food Crossover
Fashion brands such as Uniqlo and Allbirds incorporating popular fast food chains like McDonald's and Shake Shack, creating burger-themed sneakers or clothing to appeal to younger consumers.
03
Green Initiatives
Brands are incorporating sustainable and recycled materials for their products, such as Allbirds using eucalyptus trees for fabric, or Shake Shack creating compostable burger wrappers, catering to environmentally conscious consumers.
Industry implications
What the Youth-Targeted Burger trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Fast Food & QSR Industry
Industry professionals can embrace personalized experiences and unconventional marketing methods to appeal to younger generations that prioritize authenticity and social media engagement.
For
Fashion Industry
Fashion houses can leverage partnership opportunities with fast food brands to capitalize on the Millennial and Gen Z's interest in streetwear and fast food culture, creating memorable crossover products that cater to eco-friendly and style-conscious consumers.
For
Sustainability Industry
Companies providing eco-friendly products can partner with fast food giant brands and promote their services by embracing environmentally conscious practices, which will cater to growing eco-consciousness and consumer preference for sustainable materials.
Workshop question
How can your brand court millennial consumers by adopting youthful fads to create viral-worthy campaigns?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Youth-Targeted Burger
Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 88%, activity 73%, freshness 8%.
Popularity88%
Activity73%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Youth-Targeted Burger trend
6 featured examples from Sep 13, 2017 to May 22, 2018CategoryLifestyle
Grease-Resistant Burger Jackets
The Burger Jacket Keeps You and Your Food Warm Throughout Winter
The fashion retail industry can tap into the trend of customized insulated jackets by offering a range of personalized options and designs.
CategoryLifestyle
Collectible Fast Food T-Shirts
Uniqlo and McDonald's are Celebrating Big Mac's 50th Anniversary
Collaborating with fast food chains to create unique and nostalgic clothing lines can be a way to attract a new customer base and differentiate from competitors.
CategoryLifestyle
Burger-Inspired Soda Cans
DPZ&T Created an Anniversary Can for McDonald's Iconic Big Mac
The food and beverage industry can use limited-edition packaging and collaborations to create buzz, generate excitement, and engage with their customers.
CategoryFashion
Sustainable Burger-Themed Sneakers
Allbirds & Shake Shack Teamed Up to Create a New Pair of Kicks
The Allbirds x Shake Shack collaboration in the form of burger-themed sneakers merges fashion and fast food, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities for both industries.
CategoryMarketing
Social Media Burger Personalization
Burger King Lets You Customize Your Own Burger Via Instagram
The fast food industry can use social media and technology to offer personalized meal options and innovative, customer-focused promotions that resonate with consumers.
CategoryTech
In-Game Burger-Ordering Services
Burger King's #BurgerClan Helps eSports Players Place Orders
Fast food chains, like Burger King, can benefit from integrating their services into gaming platforms, further reaching their target audience and increasing sales.
