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Gothic Cuisine

Blackened menu items serve as an antidote to over-the-top rainbow treats

Implications - In a time when consumers of all ages are motivated by the social sharing of everyday experiences, individuals are opting for gothic-looking all-black menu items that visually entice with the help of ingredients like squid ink, black sesame or coconut ash. In addition to being seen as a reaction to the current cultural obsession with fantasy-inspired aesthetics that offer a taste of escapism, this progression speaks to the desire to see familiar experiences enhanced with multi-sensory elements that also boast practical effects such as detoxification.
Workshop Question - How can you enhance the experience of consuming your product or service with playful, aesthetic elements that play into a culture of social sharing?
Trend Themes
1. Gothic-inspired Cuisine - Consumers are choosing all-black menu items made from ingredients like squid ink, black sesame or coconut ash as a reaction to the cultural obsession with fantasy-inspired aesthetics that offer a taste of escapism.
2. Charcoal as a Main Ingredient - Activated charcoal is being used in food and beverages across the industry due to its reputation to aid digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and absorb toxins in the body.
3. Unconventional Color Foods - Consumers are showing interest in unexpected food colors, which presents an opportunity to experiment with unique ingredients to create visually impressive products.
Industry Implications
1. Food & Beverage - Innovation opportunities exist for food and drink companies to experiment with unique ingredients such as squid ink, charcoal, and other unexpected ingredients to create visually impressive and flavorful products.
2. Wellness & Beauty - Activated charcoal is being used in skincare and wellness industries for its detoxifying properties, and can be utilized in food and beverage companies to enhance the digestive health and wellness of consumers.
3. Event & Festival - The all-black trend in food has become a phenomenon that could be featured in various events like festivals, weddings, and private parties to inspire a perfect culinary experience.
4.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
6 Featured, 44 Examples:
120,711 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Apr 17 — Jul 17
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

All-Black Ice Cream Cones
All-Black Ice Cream Cones
LA's Little Damage Serves Waffle Cones Made with Charcoal
Little Damage is an ice cream shop based in Los Angeles that is receiving many new visitors who are after its all-black ice cream cones. The so-called “goth” waffle cone gets its color... MORE
Instant Black Ramen Noodles
Instant Black Ramen Noodles
The Squid Ink Black Seafood Cup Noodles Have a Dark Broth
Consumers are intrigued by unexpected food colors more than ever as seen, which is something the new Squid Ink Black Seafood Cup Noodles black ramen look to help play on. The noodles consist of the... MORE
Spiced Rum Ice Creams
Spiced Rum Ice Creams
The B'lack Summer Skream' Truck is Serving Up Pitch Black Ice Cream
While many people associate summertime with colorful prints and bright hues, Kraken Black Spiced Rum is serving up something noticeably darker from its Black Summer Skream truck. Making its way... MORE
Healthy Gothic Lattes
Healthy Gothic Lattes
This Charcoal Latte From Damson & Co Has a Distinctive Black Color
This charcoal latte has a gothic black color, making it the assumed rival of all rainbow-colored unicorn food products, including the limited edition Unicorn Frappuccino from Starbucks. Available at... MORE
Charcoal Pizza Crusts
Charcoal Pizza Crusts
This Restaurant Pizza Crust Boasts Activated Charcoal as a Main Ingredient
A light char on a pizza is something that many foodies hope to see on a restaurant pizza crust, as it adds a smoky flavor and provides visual proof of the pizza oven’s high heat. However,... MORE
Detoxifying Charcoal Brownies
Detoxifying Charcoal Brownies
BLK//SUGAR's Brownie Treats are Infused with Activated Charcoal
BLK//SUGAR (pronounced “Black Sugar”) is a small-batch micro-bakery in Baltimore that produces extra-dark brownie treats that get their distinctive coloring from the addition of activated... MORE

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