Trendspotting With AI: Predicting What CPG Consumers Will Crave Next
We all know how fast trends move. One day, everyone’s talking about pistachio milk lattes, the next it’s spicy-sweet everything. Blink — and you’ve missed the next big flavor wave.
But what if you could see it coming?
Here’s a secret: the most successful brands don’t chase trends — they predict them. And now, with the help of AI, that crystal ball just got a serious upgrade.
AI is not just for tech companies — it’s the secret weapon of the smartest food and beverage brands. Today, AI is helping CPG brands uncover those insights faster and more accurately than ever before. Let’s see how.
The CPG Glow-Up: When Data Meets Flavor
Here’s the truth — the CPG industry is wild. New flavors, textures, and formats pop up faster than we can finish our morning coffee. Trying to keep up across millions of consumers and endless social feeds? It’s like chasing bubbles in a soda stream.
AI makes it possible. It reads patterns in search data, social trends, and even consumer sentiment to spot what’s about to explode. It’s like having a flavor forecaster on your team.
Imagine knowing months ahead that “functional indulgence” or “spicy-sweet” is the next big thing. That gives your team time to plan, shoot, and launch campaigns that feel perfectly timed — not rushed.
That means your next product shoot can be based on real insights, not guesswork.
Turning Predictions Into Crave-Worthy Visuals
Now, let’s be honest — data alone doesn’t make anyone hungry. AI can tell you what’s trending, but it can’t shoot a silky chocolate pour or capture the sparkle in a glass of cold brew — that’s where creativity takes over.
Here’s where things get fun (and a little geeky). AI has quietly become my creative sidekick — especially in pre-production and post.
I use ChatGPT and Google Gemini for early brainstorming — they help me generate and visualize ideas when I’m planning shot lists or refining a brand’s creative concept. Sometimes I’ll even use image-generation tools to mock up what’s in my head so clients can see the direction before we shoot. It makes collaboration smoother and saves everyone a ton of guesswork.
Then comes production and editing. I use Photoshop’s AI tools to clean up details, retouch surfaces, or remove distractions faster. It’s not about replacing manual editing — it’s about freeing up time to focus on the artistic touch that still requires a human eye. My favorite part? Using AI to speed up workflow so I can take on more projects and help more clients bring their stories to life.
That said, AI isn’t perfect. Sometimes, when I use it to clean up a background or generate a texture, the result just feels… off. That’s when I jump back in with traditional Photoshop tools to fix it by hand. I see AI as my assistant, not my replacement.
And honestly, most clients can’t even tell — which is exactly how it should be. If the photo looks beautiful and authentic, that’s what matters most.
The Future of CPG Content: Data Meets Creativity
AI is powerful, but it’s not creative.
I’m confident to say that AI won’t replace creativity — but it amplifies it. By combining predictive insights with authentic storytelling, CPG brands can create content that feels both relevant and real.
Because, yes, it can tell us what people want, but it can’t tell us why they crave it. That’s the human part — the storytelling, the emotion, the little wink that makes your brand feel alive.
After years of styling food and drink photography, directing product shoots, and capturing vibrant food photos for names like Jade Leaf Matcha and Dilettante Chocolates, I’ve seen how data and creativity can coexist beautifully.
Ready to Future-Proof Your CPG Brand?
The next CPG craze is already brewing somewhere — maybe it’s a new kind of snack, maybe it’s a texture no one’s tried yet. The question is: will you spot it or create it?
At MisaHungry Media, we help CPG brands craft visuals that stay ahead of the curve and make audiences crave more.
If you’re ready to create content that’s not just trendy — but trend-setting — let’s chat. Because the best time to prepare for the next big thing is right now.
