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# Exclusive Chocolate Banana Smoothies
These Seasonal McCafé by Barista Drinks Were Offered in Japan

By Riley von Niessen | Published 2017-05-25 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mccaf-by-barista
References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/04/18/time-to-bananas-for-mcdonalds-japans-chocolate-banana-smoothie-and-other-new-treats/) & [mcdonalds.co.jp](http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/)

For the Spring of 2016, [McDonald's Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-chocolate-oreo-frappe) launched its [McCafé](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-mccafe) by [Barista](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-decaf-latte-with-fibre) menu, which featured various high quality coffee products, desserts, and chocolate banana smoothies that made for a filling snack that helped consumers to crush the heat.

The chocolate banana smoothies were previously made available for a limited time from select locations, but due to popular demand, they made another debut. Aesthetically pleasing, the smoothies feature the banana blend with layers of chocolate drizzle separating them, along with a generous dollop of whipped cream topping it off, which also has chocolate drizzled over it.

Due to their seasonal nature, the chocolate banana products within the McCafé by Barista menu were a hit among those who are fans of the celebrated combination of flavors. As the products were only offered for a few weeks at a time, consumers were more motivated to try them as well.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 0.8/10
- Popularity: 10% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Seasonal Menus:** Create seasonal menus with unique and limited-time products to drive consumer interest and sales.
- **Flavor Combinations:** Experiment with unique flavor combinations to offer new and exciting products to consumers.
- **Aesthetics in Food:** Incorporate aesthetically pleasing elements in food products to attract consumers and set products apart from competitors.

### Where This Applies

- **Fast Food:** Incorporate limited-time products and seasonal menus to drive sales and attract consumers.
- **Beverage:** Experiment with unique flavor combinations in beverages to create a unique selling point and attract consumers.
- **Dessert:** Incorporate aesthetically pleasing elements in dessert products to set them apart and attract consumers.

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