If you have an Instagram account — or any type of social media, really — you've probably seen a post (or 20) about the Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino. If you were confused, this drink was the latest in what might be the most viral food trend since avocado toast and cereal: unicorns.
Here for a good time, not a long time
The frappe, which was only available for a few days, doesn't really look like a Unicorn, and the flavor combo ("sweet and fruity transforming to pleasantly sour") might not be the best thing you've ever tasted, but the trend is about more than the literal (imaginary) animal. It's all about the colorful, whimsical appeal of unicorns and the fun they inspire.
Unfortunately for all those desperate to get their hands on this exclusive Starbucks drink, it's already gone. It's the exclusive nature of the drink, and the trend overall, which makes it so desirable and so marketable.
Hoppin' on the bandwagon
Starbucks wasn't the first, nor the only, brand to use the magical appeal of Unicorns. Back in November, Ritter chocolate released Unicorn chocolates. Like the unicorn frappuccino, they were only available to a select few lucky (or, should I say, magical) individuals.
Free the Unicorn!
If you're upset that you missed your shot (or missed out on an Insta opportunity), there are still plenty of ways for you to jump on the latest food craze.
Unicorn noodles, aka brightly colored noodle bowls, are a fun but also surprisingly healthy way to get your Unicorn fix in. Of course, if sweets are more your speed, these Unicorn cookies look amazing and taste even better.
There's magic in the air
Given how popular the Unicorn Frappuccino was, and the photo appeal of any and all Unicorn-inspired foods (c'mon, who doesn't like a rainbow and some glitter?) it's safe to say this trend is here to stay...at least for a little while. Time to get some color in your life, just in time for summer. There's a reason you can't (finish) spelling "Fantastic" without "fantasy!"