There is a certain appeal to incorporating actual sparkles into beverages like beer or Prosecco, as well as sweet treats such as cupcakes and cookies. However, adding glitter to savory dishes seems more whimsical. Glitter evokes a childlike charm and aligns well with the vibrant “unicorn food” trend that has gained traction on social media. Even Starbucks got in on the fun with a limited edition unicorn Frappuccino, while Kellogg recently introduced Unicorn Cereal at its café in New York City. Similar to the unicorn trend, the use of edible glitter appears to be fueled by millennial consumers eager to make their meals Instagram-worthy. A Mars Wrigley report indicates that nearly one in three individuals across all age groups has purchased a treat specifically for social media sharing, a figure that rises to 52% among millennials.
Long before the rise of Instagram, food has been enhanced with playful décor. Edible gold leaf has adorned dishes since at least the Middle Ages. Although it is flavorless, like edible glitter, gold leaf continues to be a favored method for imparting a sense of luxury to desserts, cocktails, and even savory items such as pizza. Companies like Esslack in Germany produce edible spray paint in shades of blue, gold, and silver, made entirely from ethanol and food coloring.
As manufacturers seek innovative ways to differentiate their products in a competitive market, edible glitter, gold leaf, and other embellishments are likely to remain integral to the food landscape. While these tasteless decorations might not foster long-term customer loyalty, they can certainly capture the fleeting interest of shoppers looking for something unique. Whether the glitter trend has lasting appeal akin to that of gold leaf remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: food manufacturers will continue to explore new strategies to entice consumers, potentially including options like calcium citrate supplements chewable. The ongoing quest for novelty in food presentation suggests that creative ingredients and eye-catching enhancements will be essential in attracting attention.