# Frozen Film Franchise Refreshments ICEE Banana Blast Celebrates Minions & Monsters By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-06-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icee-banana-blast References: [dairyfoods](https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99223-icee-launches-banana-blast-flavor) & [jjsnack](https://www.jjsnack.com/)  The ICEE [Banana](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mr-kipling-banana-slices) Blast is a limited-edition beverage being launched by the frozen drink brand through a partnership with [Illumination's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minions-monsters-meal) Minions & Monsters to get fans ready for its release this summer. The drink features a frozen, banana-forward flavor that's bright yellow as a nod to the favorite food of the Minions characters and is expected to be a hit amongst fans thanks to the summertime release of the movie. The limited-edition drink is being offered now at [Cinemark](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icee-and-smurfs), Regal Cinemas, Marcus Theaters and additional entertainment destinations for fans to try out ahead of the July 1, 2026 release of Minions & Monsters. Vice President of Marketing Kimmra Hingher commented on the ICEE Banana Blast saying, "Summer movie season and ICEE go hand in hand, and we couldn't be more excited to bring fans a flavor inspired by one of the most beloved franchises in theaters. Banana Blast is a fun nod to the Minions' favorite treat, and we can't wait for moviegoers to enjoy it while experiencing the joy, laughter and mayhem of Illumination’s Minions & Monsters on the big screen.” Image Credit: ICEE ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.2/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 83% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Character-led Frozen Drinks:** Character-inspired flavors turn fandom into sensory purchases, creating new value around movie releases through collectible, time-sensitive refreshments. - **Theatrical Flavor Tie-ins:** Cinema-exclusive beverages deepen the link between concessions and entertainment marketing, making food and drink part of the release experience rather than a separate purchase. - **Limited-edition Fan Refreshments:** Short-run products tied to recognizable franchises generate urgency and social visibility, expanding promotional campaigns into everyday indulgence moments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Frozen Beverages:** Brightly branded frozen drinks show how nostalgic formats can be refreshed through pop culture partnerships and seasonal flavor innovation. - **Movie Theaters:** Concession programs connected to major releases create differentiated venue experiences and new reasons for audiences to choose theatrical outings. - **Entertainment Licensing:** Franchise-based food collaborations extend intellectual property into consumable formats, opening additional touchpoints for fan engagement beyond screens and merchandise. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Surprise-Packed Cinematic Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gumi-yum-surprise-minions.md) - [Fruit-Forward Bread Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-em-banana-bites.md) - [Kid-Created Freezer Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jel-sert-and-crayola.md) - [Branded Sour Biscuit Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jammie-dodgers-sour-lemon.md) - [Frozen Hawaiian Cuisine Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icee-and-hawaiian-bros-island-grill.md) - [Convenient Banana-Forward Frozen Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brrnana-slurpee.md) - [Icy Cartoon Movie Refreshments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icee-and-smurfs.md) - [Seasonal Marshmallow Slushy Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peeps-marshmallow-flavored-icee.md) - [Cult Favorite Animation-Themed Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minions-monsters-meal.md)