Emily Flores
Some things get hyped so hard they feel impossible to escape. People line up, swipe cards, and brag online. Later comes the cringe. Turns out many of these trends aren’t special at all. Here are the popular favorites people secretly regret.
Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin spice products dominate each fall, yet most buyers indulge only once or twice before losing interest. Artificial flavoring defines nearly every version sold, diluting authentic taste. Since Starbucks introduced its Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003, the chain has sold hundreds of millions of these seasonal drinks.
Expensive Sneakers As Status Symbols
The sneaker craze began in the 1980s hip-hop scene, and today, certain rare pairs are displayed in museums as works of art. Despite reselling at 500 to 1,000% markups, many collectors never wear hyped sneakers outdoors. Nike Air Jordans anchor a multi-billion-dollar resale market, while remaining cultural icons.
Celebrity Tequila Brands
Celebrities are launching their tequila labels to stay under the spotlight. However, these are usually from the same distilleries, with additives undermining their premium claims. In contrast, authentic artisanal tequila relies on traditional slow-cooked agave, highlighting the gap between marketing and genuine craft.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast became a health trend, which drove its price up with no real explanation. Critics mocked it as evidence that millennials were overspending instead of buying homes. The dish first gained fame in Australian cafes during the 1990s, while today, 80% of U.S. avocado supplies arrive from Mexico to fuel demand.
“Smart” Fridges
Although they promise convenience, smart fridges frequently fail, as software updates break functions, and repairs often cost hundreds of dollars. Consumers rarely use built-in food-tracking tools, which makes them expensive. The trend began with Samsung’s 2011 release, yet most owners use the screens for photos or music.
Celebrity-Endorsed Skincare Lines
Monetizing their names, many celebrities launch skincare brands that feature nothing but repackaged generic formulas for premium prices. Dermatologists confirm minimal difference from drugstore alternatives despite marketing campaigns. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty reached a $2.8 billion valuation, but many products expire in under twelve months.
Fad Diets (Like Keto & Juice Cleanses)
Rarely delivering long-term success, most Fad diets collapse after 12 months. Juice cleanses can spike blood sugar rather than detox the body. Keto originated in the 1920s as a medical treatment for epilepsy. Today, Americans spend $33 billion annually, fueled by trends and celebrity promotion, including Gwyneth Paltrow’s cleanse movement.
NFTs And Digital Collectibles
NFT sales collapsed 97% from their 2021 peak, leaving most digital collectibles worthless on resale. The first NFT appeared in 2014, sparking a boom that peaked with Beeple’s artwork selling for $69 million. Many NFTs still rely on centralized servers for storage, which contradicts claims of permanent blockchain ownership.
Celebrity Podcasts
With little originality to offer, celebrity podcasts often struggle to stand out, with high drop-off rates and recycled interview formats. Nevertheless, the industry has exploded, hosting over four million shows worldwide. Spotify paid Joe Rogan $200 million for exclusivity, proving the financial stakes. As a matter of fact, some programs earn more advertising revenue than TV networks.
Stanley Cups (The Tumblers)
Stanley tumblers retail for around $50 yet resell for more than $200 in limited colors. Critics argue they function like any other insulated cup. The brand’s 40-ounce Quencher went viral on TikTok in 2023, driving sales growth of 275%, with collectors treating rare colors like sneaker drops.