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Restaurants: This is Addison Rae’s Go-To Starbucks Order

Why it is the topic trending:

  • Celebrity Endorsement: Addison Rae is a highly popular social media personality, especially on TikTok where she has a massive following of 88 million.

    • Her influence on trends and consumer behavior is significant among her fanbase. When a celebrity of this stature shares a personal preference, like their Starbucks order, it naturally generates interest and can lead to many followers wanting to try it themselves.

  • Relatability and Accessibility: Starbucks is a widely accessible and popular coffee chain.

    • Knowing a celebrity's go-to order at such a common establishment makes them feel more relatable to their fans. It’s something that many people can easily try and experience themselves, creating a sense of connection with the celebrity.

  • TikTok's Influence on Trends: The article mentions Addison Rae's rise on TikTok and how her first single went viral on the platform.

    • TikTok is a major driver of viral trends, including food and beverage preferences. The way her Starbucks order was revealed (through another TikToker's series) further amplifies the trendiness of the topic within the TikTok community and beyond.

Overview:

The article details Addison Rae's preferred Starbucks order, which was shared via a direct message to another TikToker who was creating a series about eating like popular TikTok stars for a day. Addison Rae's go-to drink is a venti pink drink with no strawberries and light ice, accompanied by a bacon and gouda breakfast sandwich. The article highlights the popularity of the "Pink Drink" among Starbucks enthusiasts and suggests that removing the strawberries is a notable preference among some. The combination of the sweet drink and the savory breakfast sandwich is also noted as potentially appealing.

Detailed Findings:

  • Addison Rae's Go-To Order: The core finding is the specific Starbucks order that Addison Rae prefers.

    • This consists of a "venti pink drink with no strawberries and light ice" and a "bacon and gouda" breakfast sandwich.

  • Method of Revelation: The order was revealed through a direct message on social media.

    • TikToker Mackenzie Turner, as part of her series "eating like them," asked Addison Rae for her Starbucks order, and Addison shared it privately.

  • Significance of "Pink Drink": The article emphasizes the popularity of the "Pink Drink" among Starbucks customers.

    • It suggests that ordering it without strawberries is a "game changer" for some and encourages readers to try it.

  • Rationale Behind Light Ice: The article explains that requesting "light ice" means you get more of the actual beverage.

    • This is a common hack among Starbucks customers to maximize their drink portion.

  • Pairing Suggestion: The article notes that the sweetness of the Pink Drink is likely a good pairing with the savory bacon and gouda breakfast sandwich.

    • This offers a combination of flavors and fulfills both drink and food needs.

Key success factors of product (trend):

  • Celebrity Endorsement: The primary driver of potential success for this "trend" (of trying Addison Rae's order) is the endorsement by a popular celebrity.

    • Her large following is likely to be curious and willing to try her favorite items.

  • Simplicity and Availability: The order consists of standard Starbucks menu items that are readily available at most locations.

    • This makes it easy for fans to replicate her order.

  • Customization Element: The specific customization of the Pink Drink (no strawberries, light ice) might appeal to those looking for a slightly different take on a popular drink.

    • This offers a unique aspect to the order.

  • Established Popularity of Items: Both the Pink Drink and the bacon and gouda breakfast sandwich are already popular items on the Starbucks menu.

    • This makes the overall order familiar and potentially appealing to a wider audience.

Key Takeaway:

Addison Rae, a prominent TikTok personality, favors a venti pink drink with no strawberries and light ice, along with a bacon and gouda breakfast sandwich from Starbucks. This simple yet specific order, revealed through social media, has the potential to become a trend among her followers due to her influence and the accessibility of Starbucks.

Main Trend:

The main trend illustrated by this article is the Influence of Social Media Personalities on Consumer Preferences, particularly in areas like food and beverage.

Description of the trend (please name it):

The trend can be named "Celebrity-Driven Consumption" in the digital age. This describes how the preferences and choices of popular social media figures, celebrities, and influencers can significantly impact the purchasing decisions and trends among their followers. Their endorsements, even if informal like sharing a favorite order, can drive interest and adoption of specific products or services.

What is consumer motivation:

  • Aspiring to Relatability or Connection: Followers may want to try the same things their favorite celebrities enjoy as a way to feel more connected to them or understand their lifestyle.

    • Sharing a similar taste in food or drinks can create a sense of commonality.

  • Curiosity and Experimentation: Fans might be curious to see if they enjoy the same things as the celebrity they admire.

    • It's an opportunity to try something new based on a trusted (or admired) source.

  • Following Trends and Being "In the Know": Knowing and trying popular celebrity orders can be seen as being part of a trend or "in the know" within a particular fanbase or social media community.

    • This can contribute to social capital and a sense of belonging.

  • Simple Recommendation from a Liked Figure: Sometimes, it's as simple as trusting the taste of someone they follow and admire.

    • If they like it, fans might think they will too.

What is driving trend:

  • Reach and Influence of Social Media Personalities: Figures like Addison Rae have massive audiences on platforms like TikTok, giving them significant power to influence trends.

    • Their content reaches millions of people directly.

  • Authenticity (Perceived or Real): When celebrities share personal preferences, it can feel more authentic and trustworthy than traditional advertising.

    • Fans may perceive these recommendations as genuine and unbiased.

  • Ease of Replication: If a celebrity's favorite item is easily accessible and affordable, it's more likely to become a trend.

    • Starbucks being a ubiquitous chain makes this order easily replicable.

  • Social Media Sharing and Amplification: When fans try a celebrity's order, they often share their experience on social media, further amplifying the trend and encouraging others to participate.

    • This creates a cycle of trend adoption.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

  • Personal Taste Preference: Even if influenced by Addison Rae, individuals will ultimately decide if they genuinely like the taste of the pink drink without strawberries and the bacon gouda sandwich.

    • Long-term adoption depends on personal enjoyment.

  • Convenience and Routine: Some consumers might simply be looking for a quick and easy Starbucks order, and a celebrity's preference might guide them to a new routine.

    • Habit and convenience play a strong role in food and beverage choices.

  • Trying Something New: For some, the motivation might just be the novelty of trying something different from their usual order.

    • It's an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

The article is primarily referring to followers and fans of Addison Rae, who are likely to be younger individuals active on social media, particularly TikTok.

  • Age: Given Addison Rae's initial rise on TikTok and her content, her primary audience is likely Gen Z, roughly ranging from teens to young adults (13-25). However, her influence might extend slightly beyond this range to older millennials who also use TikTok.

  • Gender: While Addison Rae's content appeals to a broad audience, her initial popularity was particularly strong among teenage girls and young women. Therefore, her fanbase likely has a skew towards female but includes male followers as well.

  • Income: As the primary demographic is likely younger, their disposable income might vary. Many could be students or in entry-level jobs, suggesting a range from lower to middle income.

  • Lifestyle: This consumer group is highly engaged with social media, particularly visual platforms like TikTok. They are likely interested in pop culture, trends, and celebrity news. They value authenticity from the personalities they follow and are often influenced by online recommendations. They likely frequent places like Starbucks, which are popular among their age group.

  • Category article is referring to shopping preferences: The article refers to food and beverage shopping preferences, specifically within the context of Starbucks.

  • Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers?: Consumers in this demographic are likely to be occasional to frequent shoppers at coffee chains like Starbucks, depending on their lifestyle, disposable income, and social habits. Starbucks is a common social gathering spot and a popular choice for on-the-go beverages.

  • What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations): They are often influenced by social trends, peer recommendations, and online content. They might value convenience, speed of service, and aesthetically pleasing products (like the "Pink Drink"). Their shopping motivations can include social belonging, self-expression, and trying new and trendy items.

Conclusions:

The article highlights the significant influence that social media personalities like Addison Rae can have on consumer preferences, particularly within accessible and popular categories like Starbucks. Her simple order, revealed through a casual social media interaction, has the potential to become a widely tried trend among her large and engaged following. This demonstrates the power of digital endorsements and the importance for brands to be aware of and potentially leverage the preferences of key online figures.

Implications for brands:

  • Recognize the Power of Influencers: Brands should acknowledge the significant impact that social media personalities can have on their product popularity.

    • Even informal mentions can drive consumer interest.

  • Monitor Social Media Trends: Staying attuned to what popular figures are consuming and recommending on social media can provide valuable insights into emerging trends.

    • This can help brands anticipate shifts in consumer demand.

  • Consider Influencer Collaborations: Strategically partnering with relevant influencers can be an effective way to reach target audiences and promote specific products.

    • Authentic collaborations can resonate strongly with followers.

  • Be Prepared for Viral Trends: Brands should be ready to handle potential surges in demand if an influencer's favorite product goes viral.

    • This includes ensuring sufficient stock and staffing.

Implication for society:

  • Shifting Sources of Authority: The influence of traditional celebrities might be shifting towards social media personalities, especially among younger generations, impacting where people get their recommendations and inspiration.

    • This reflects the changing media landscape.

  • Democratization of Influence: Social media allows individuals to gain massive influence, potentially bypassing traditional gatekeepers like mainstream media.

    • This can lead to more diverse voices and trends gaining traction.

  • Potential for Fleeting Trends: Trends driven by social media can often be short-lived, requiring brands to be agile and adaptable.

    • What's popular today might not be tomorrow.

Implications for consumers:

  • Access to Insider Information: Followers gain access to the personal preferences of celebrities they admire, making these figures feel more accessible.

    • This can foster a sense of connection and community.

  • New Product Discoveries: Consumers might discover new products or customizations they enjoy by following the recommendations of influencers.

    • This can lead to trying things they might not have otherwise considered.

  • Potential for Trend-Driven Purchases: Consumers might feel pressure to participate in trends, leading to impulse purchases or choices based on popularity rather than personal preference.

    • It's important to balance trend following with individual taste.

Implication for Future:

  • Continued Rise of Micro-Influencers: The trend of influencer-driven consumption is likely to continue, with a potential rise in the influence of niche or micro-influencers who have highly engaged, specific audiences.

    • Brands might increasingly target these smaller, more focused influencers.

  • Integration of Social Commerce: Social media platforms will likely continue to integrate more e-commerce features, making it even easier for consumers to purchase products directly based on influencer recommendations.

    • This could lead to even more direct and immediate impact of influencer trends.

Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):

Digital Peer Influence: This trend describes how consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly influenced by the opinions and preferences shared by individuals they follow on social media, whom they perceive as peers or aspirational figures. This influence extends to various aspects of their lives, including purchasing decisions in categories like food, fashion, and entertainment.

Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):

Celebrity/Influencer "Go-To" Order Replication: This sub-trend specifically refers to the phenomenon of consumers wanting to try and replicate the exact orders or combinations of products favored by their favorite celebrities or influencers at popular establishments like coffee shops or fast-food restaurants. This stems from a desire for connection, curiosity, and the appeal of experiencing something that a person they admire enjoys.

Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):

The Creator Economy: This broader social trend encompasses the rise of individual content creators on digital platforms who monetize their passion and build direct relationships with their audience. These creators, including social media personalities like Addison Rae, often wield significant influence over their followers' opinions and behaviors, impacting various industries through their content and endorsements.

Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):

Global Digital Connectivity and Community: This worldwide trend highlights how the internet and social media platforms have created global interconnectedness, allowing individuals to form communities around shared interests, including admiration for online personalities. This global connectivity enables trends, including celebrity product preferences, to spread rapidly across geographical boundaries.

Social Drive (name, detailed description):

Desire for Connection and Belonging: A fundamental human drive is the desire to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. Following and emulating celebrities or influencers can provide a sense of connection to a larger community of fans who share similar interests and preferences. Trying their favorite things can be a way to participate in this shared experience.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):

  • Identify Key Influencers in Your Brand Space: Determine which social media personalities resonate with your target audience and have a genuine interest in your products or category.

    • Focus on influencers whose values align with your brand and who have authentic engagement with their followers.

  • Foster Organic Relationships with Influencers: Instead of solely relying on paid endorsements, try to build genuine connections with influencers who are already fans of your brand.

    • This can lead to more authentic and impactful mentions.

  • Create Opportunities for Influencer Engagement: Invite influencers to try new products, share their experiences, and even collaborate on limited-edition items or customizations.

    • This can generate excitement and buzz around your brand.

  • Monitor Brand Mentions and Trends on Social Media: Keep track of who is talking about your brand and what trends are emerging within your industry.

    • This can help you identify potential opportunities for influencer engagement or trend adoption.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):

  • Develop an Influencer Marketing Strategy: Create a comprehensive plan for identifying, engaging, and collaborating with relevant influencers to reach your target audience effectively.

    • This strategy should outline your goals, target influencers, and measurement metrics.

  • Offer Customizable "Influencer-Inspired" Menu Items or Products: Consider creating limited-time offerings based on the favorite combinations or orders of popular influencers, similar to Addison Rae's Starbucks order.

    • Promote these items with the influencer's name to capitalize on their popularity.

  • Encourage User-Generated Content: Run campaigns that encourage consumers to share their own versions or adaptations of influencer-inspired trends, using relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

    • This can amplify the reach of the trend and foster community engagement.

  • Utilize Short-Form Video Platforms Like TikTok: Given the significant influence of platforms like TikTok on trend adoption, brands should actively create engaging short-form video content that aligns with current trends and features relevant influencers.

    • This is where many of these celebrity-driven consumption trends originate.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:

In 2025, the core trend of celebrity-driven consumption on social media necessitates that brands and companies proactively identify and engage with influential digital figures to authentically promote their products and capitalize on their followers' desire to emulate their favorite personalities' preferences.

Final Note:

  • Core Trend: Digital Peer Influence - Consumers are increasingly swayed by the preferences of social media personalities.

    • This shapes purchasing decisions and trend adoption across various categories.

  • Core Strategy: Authentic Influencer Engagement - Brands should focus on building genuine relationships with relevant influencers for effective promotion.

    • This requires identifying the right personalities and fostering meaningful collaborations.

  • Core Industry Trend: Social Commerce Integration - The growing convergence of social media and e-commerce provides direct avenues for influencer-driven purchasing.

    • Brands should leverage social platforms for seamless transactions.

  • Core Consumer Motivation: Desire for Connection and Emulation - Consumers are motivated by a desire to connect with and emulate figures they admire online.

    • Tapping into this motivation through influencer partnerships can drive engagement and sales.

Final Conclusion:

The article about Addison Rae's Starbucks order serves as a clear illustration of the powerful influence that social media personalities hold over consumer preferences. For brands and companies looking to succeed in 2025, understanding and strategically leveraging this dynamic through authentic engagement with relevant influencers is not just an option, but a crucial element for staying competitive and reaching their target audiences in an increasingly digital and influencer-driven marketplace.

Core Trend Detailed:

The core trend of Digital Peer Influence goes beyond simple celebrity endorsements. It represents a shift in trust and authority, where consumers, particularly younger generations who have grown up with social media, often place more weight on the recommendations of individuals they follow online – be they celebrities, influencers, or even micro-influencers with smaller, more niche audiences. This trend is characterized by a perception of authenticity and relatability that traditional advertising might lack. Followers feel a connection with these digital figures, often seeing them as peers or aspirational individuals whose lifestyles and choices they admire and want to emulate. The constant stream of content these influencers provide creates a sense of familiarity and trust, making their recommendations feel more personal and impactful. This detailed understanding highlights why even a casual mention of a favorite Starbucks order can spark widespread interest and potentially drive consumer behavior.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend:

  • Emphasis on Authenticity and Relatability: Consumers are drawn to influencers who they perceive as genuine and relatable, often preferring those who share personal stories and experiences.

    • This fosters a sense of trust that makes their recommendations more impactful.

  • Strong Community Building: Influencers often cultivate strong communities around their content, fostering a sense of belonging among their followers.

    • Recommendations within these communities carry significant weight.

  • Visual and Engaging Content Formats: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which heavily rely on visual content like videos and images, are key drivers of this trend.

    • Engaging and entertaining content is crucial for capturing and maintaining audience attention.

  • Niche and Specific Audiences: Many influencers focus on specific niches, allowing them to connect with highly targeted audiences who share particular interests.

    • This can be particularly valuable for brands looking to reach specific demographics or interest groups.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (bullets):

  • Continued Growth of Social Media Usage: The number of people using social media platforms globally continues to rise, expanding the reach and influence of digital personalities.

    • This provides an ever-growing audience for influencers to connect with.

  • Increasing Consumer Trust in Influencers Over Traditional Advertising: Studies have shown that many consumers, especially younger generations, trust recommendations from influencers more than traditional forms of advertising.

    • This highlights the shifting landscape of marketing and consumer persuasion.

  • Proliferation of Influencer Marketing Agencies and Platforms: The growth of agencies and platforms dedicated to connecting brands with influencers signifies the increasing professionalization and recognition of this marketing channel.

    • This infrastructure further supports the trend.

  • Success Stories of Influencer-Driven Product Sales: Numerous examples exist of products and services experiencing significant sales increases due to endorsements from popular influencers.

    • These real-world results validate the effectiveness of this trend.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior:

  • Discovery of New Products and Brands: Consumers are increasingly discovering new products and brands through the recommendations of influencers they follow.

    • This bypasses traditional marketing channels and relies on peer-like endorsements.

  • Faster Adoption of Trends: Social media and influencers can accelerate the adoption of trends, with new fads and preferences spreading rapidly through online communities.

    • This requires brands to be agile and responsive to emerging trends.

  • Increased Spending on Recommended Products: When an influencer authentically recommends a product, their followers are often more likely to make a purchase.

    • This direct link between influence and sales makes it a powerful marketing tool.

  • Shift in Purchasing Decisions: Consumers may prioritize the opinions and recommendations of trusted influencers over traditional brand messaging or advertising campaigns.

    • This signifies a fundamental shift in how brands need to communicate with their target audience.

Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, bullets):

  • For Brands and CPGs:

    • Develop robust influencer marketing strategies.

    • Focus on building long-term, authentic relationships with key influencers.

    • Track and measure the ROI of influencer marketing efforts.

  • For Retailers:

    • Partner with influencers to drive traffic to online and physical stores.

    • Curate product selections based on popular influencer recommendations.

    • Utilize influencer content in their own marketing materials.

  • For Consumers:

    • Have access to a wider range of product recommendations and reviews from trusted sources.

    • Can discover new products and trends more easily through social media.

    • May be susceptible to impulsive purchases driven by influencer endorsements.

Strategic Forecast:

  • The Continued Dominance of Video Content: Short-form video content, particularly on platforms like TikTok, will remain a key driver of influencer marketing and trend adoption.

  • Emphasis on Authenticity and Transparency: Consumers will increasingly demand authenticity and transparency from influencers, making genuine collaborations more critical.

  • Rise of Niche and Micro-Influencers: Brands will likely shift towards collaborating with smaller, more specialized influencers who have highly engaged audiences within specific niches.

  • Integration of AR and VR in Influencer Marketing: Augmented and virtual reality technologies may be integrated into influencer content to create more immersive and engaging experiences.

  • Regulation and Guidelines for Influencer Marketing: Regulatory bodies may introduce stricter guidelines and regulations regarding transparency and disclosure in influencer marketing.

Areas of innovation (based on discovered trend):

  • AI-Powered Influencer Identification and Management Tools: Development of sophisticated tools that help brands identify the most relevant and effective influencers for their target audience.

  • Interactive and Shoppable Influencer Content: Creation of interactive content formats that allow consumers to directly purchase products featured by influencers.

  • Virtual Influencers and Brand Ambassadors: Exploration of the use of AI-generated virtual influencers to represent brands and engage with audiences.

  • Blockchain Technology for Transparency in Influencer Marketing: Utilizing blockchain to ensure transparency and track the performance of influencer marketing campaigns.

  • Personalized Influencer Recommendations: Development of platforms that provide consumers with personalized recommendations from influencers based on their interests and preferences.

Final Thought (summary):

The era of Digital Peer Influence is firmly established, with social media personalities wielding significant sway over consumer behavior. For brands to thrive, especially in 2025, a strategic and authentic approach to engaging with these digital peers is paramount. By understanding the nuances of this trend and adapting their marketing strategies accordingly, brands can tap into a powerful channel for reaching and resonating with their target audiences in a meaningful and impactful way.

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