# Tasty Purple Milkshakes McDonald’s Japan Rolls Out an Unconventional Beverage Option By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-12-27 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purple-milkshake References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/401619/McDonald-s-Japan-Rolls-Out-Purple-McShakes-And-No-They-Aren-t-Grape-Flavored/) & [mcdonalds.co.jp](http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/campaign/mcshake_purplepotato/#lineup?utm_source=DesignTAXI&utm_medium=DesignTAXI&utm_term=DesignTAXI&utm_content=DesignTAXI&utm_campaign=DesignTAXI) [McDonald’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hawaiian-burgers) Japan captures consumer’s attention with its new purple milkshake beverage. Although experience teaches us that a purple-colored drink is usually grape-flavored, this is not the case with this new menu option. Instead, McDonald’s Japan taps into a very popular seasonal food in the country — Murasaki imo. This unique ingredient is better known in the Western world as [purple potato](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-starbucks-beverage). The status of favoritism toward the vegetable will surely make the purple milkshake a popular choice in the country. On the other hand, listing tourists will be delighted to experience the Japanese-centric offering. The small size of the ‘Murasaki Imo McShake’ is available for just $1 USD, while the medium option is $2 USD. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Regional](https://www.trendhunter.com/regional) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Seasonal Ingredient Beverages:** Incorporate popular seasonal ingredients in unconventional beverages for increased consumer interest and novelty. - **Unconventional Flavor Pairings:** Experiment with unconventional flavor pairings to entice adventurous customers and stand out from competitors. - **Cultural Food Offerings:** Offer culturally-specific or region-specific menu items to appeal to tourists looking for authentic experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can incorporate unique and unexpected ingredients to differentiate themselves and appeal to adventurous consumers. - **Beverage:** Beverage companies can incorporate seasonal ingredients to attract consumers looking for novel and limited-time offerings. - **Tourism:** Tourism and hospitality industries can leverage local cuisine and cultural offerings to attract tourists seeking authentic experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gray Licorice Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/licorice-shake.md) - [Hawaiian-Inspired QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hawaiian-burgers.md) - [Regional Ice Cream Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-mcflurry.md) - [Macaron-Topped Blended Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-frappe.md) - [Blended Orange Chocolate Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-chocolate-frappe.md) - [Fruit-Forward Creamy QSR Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-mccafe.md) - [Regional Asian Dessert Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-sweets-desserts.md) - [Sweet Potato Frappuccinos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-1.md) - [Creamy Strawberry Chocolate Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawberry-kit-kat-mcflurry.md)