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# Popcorn-Flavored Milkshakes
Carl's Jr. is Serving Up the New Popcorn Shake Over in New Zealand

By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2020-05-26 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcorn-shake
References: [carlsjr.co.nz](https://www.carlsjr.co.nz/popcorn-shake) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/carlsjrnz/photos/a.139769506105909/3088275424588621/?type=3&theater)

Just in time for summer, [Carl's Jr.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-shake) has expanded its [milkshake lineup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-sugar-latte-milkshake) to include the creamy new Popcorn Shake. The only catch is that you'll have to be in New Zealand in order to try it.

Carl's Jr.'s new Popcorn Shake is a limited edition treat currently available from the chain's New Zealand locations—though it was available in Australia last year. The drink blends rich vanilla ice cream with milk and a sweet popcorn-flavored syrup to create what is essentially drinkable popcorn. Apparently the new flavor came about after Carl's Jr. gave customers a choice of four possible flavors: S'mores, Cookie Dough, Popcorn, and Jelly Tip (an ice cream bar). Popcorn appears to have won the vote, giving customers a delicious new way to enjoy a [classic movie theater snack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-secret-readytoeat-popcorn).

Image Credit: *Carl's Jr.*

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.0/10
- Popularity: 26% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 9%
- 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) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Savory Milkshakes:** The rise of new, innovative milkshake flavors with savory ingredients presents an opportunity for restaurants and cafes to attract customers with unique taste experiences.
- **Limited Edition Treats:** Creating limited edition menu items can drive customer excitement and demand, with Carl's Jr. Popcorn Shake serving as another example of this strategy.
- **Crowdsourced Menu Items:** Involving customers in the product development process, as Carl's Jr. did with the flavor vote for their new milkshake, can increase brand loyalty and engagement.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Fast Food:** Fast food chains like Carl's Jr. are always looking for new ways to drive foot traffic and sales, and seasonal or limited edition menu items can provide a short-term boost in revenue.
- **Beverages:** As the trend toward unique, hybrid drink experiences continues, there is potential for beverage companies to explore new flavor combinations and ingredient innovations to create original products.
- **Snack Foods:** Carl's Jr.'s Popcorn Shake is just one example of how snack food brands can expand their offerings into different product categories or collaborate with other brands to create unique new flavors.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Frozen Popcorn QSR Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caramel-popcorn-mcflurry.md)
- [Popcorn-Topped Soft Serves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/king-fusion-popcorn.md)
- [Celebratory Cartoon Movie Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poppys-sugar-cookie-shake.md)
- [Celebratory QSR Avocado Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-shake.md)
- [Seasonal Frappuccino Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caramel-melts-popcorn.md)
- [Blended Sweet Creamsicle Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-cream-pop-shake.md)
- [Creamy Butterscotch Caramel Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caramel-crumble-milkshake.md)
- [Popcorn-Flavored Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caffe-latte-popcorn.md)
- [Popcorn-Flavored Hot Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcorn-bar-hot-chocolate.md)