Consider this Before Hopping on Another Food Trend Bandwagon

What do unicorns, rainbows, mermaids, goths, and matcha all have in common? They’re all food trends that have taken social media feeds by storm so far this year. Social media has functioned as megaphone, propelling the ferociously quick adaptation and visibility of eye-catching food trends. Visually interesting food trends that are “Instagram-worthy” catch on like wildfire—in the blink of an eye, everyone is walking around with Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccinos and avocado toast.

Food trends provide a new type of 21st century cultural phenomenon to be a part of. People eat with their eyes as much as with their stomachs, which can explain why so many visual-centric trends have taken off. Food trends present an opportunity for fresh produce companies to take part in the fun, be relevant and human, and gain visibility. However, it’s important to gauge exactly which food trends are right for your brand, because certainly not all will be appropriate.
 

Consider these questions next time you’re contemplating getting on a food trend bandwagon: 

Can the food trend be successfully executed using your product?

You need to ask yourself honestly if your product can effectively be used to create whichever food trend that’s currently in the spotlight. Will you need to pair it with other ingredients that have a disagreeable flavor profile with your product? Will you need to alter your product in an unbecoming way? Will the final creation be in good taste or will people consider it an unnatural abomination? You don’t want to ruin the integrity of your product just to force it into a trendy recipe or concept.

Does it align with your brand?

Another question to consider is if participating in a food trend will represent your brand well. Think about the connotations and conversations happening around the trend. For example, would it make sense for your brand to participate in the “goth” trend? Your brand should have its own personality and aesthetic, and you must evaluate if participating in a food trend would reinforce your brand or hurt it because of inconsistent visuals and representations.

Is our audience interested in this trend?

Another action would be consider your brand’s audience. If your brand is targeting an audience that values natural ingredients and a healthy lifestyle but you’re also considering hopping on the rainbow trend–imagine how that audience would react if you used a bunch of food coloring or artificial ingredients to achieve that picture-perfect rainbow look.  Judge the tastes and preferences of your consumers before impulsively whipping out a recipe photo that’s trending on social media. Whatever the trend is, consider if it matches your brand and if it would be congruent with your voice and identity.

If you’re able to successfully execute a trend using your products and also justify how it makes sense for your brand, then by all means, go for it! Food trends are entertaining and can create a perfect opportunity for consumers to have fun with your products and have a conversation with you.

Do you have any trendy food photos to show us? Tweet it to us or show us on Instagram!