The internet has once again proven that no corner of culture is safe from its influence—not even the bakery counter. In Peru, Dunkin’ has launched a bizarre yet brilliant campaign turning a viral online trend, the “Italian brainrot”, into a line of donuts that blend absurd humor with pop culture genius.
The result? A collection of colorful, surreal pastries featuring AI-generated characters that have taken over TikTok and Instagram feeds around the world. These edible oddities are not only made to be eaten, but also photographed, shared, and memed.
From Screen To Snack: When Memes Become Desserts
For those unfamiliar with the phenomenon, the “Italian brainrot” trend features AI-generated creatures speaking in fake Italian accents, accompanied by repetitive chants or nonsensical lyrics. With names like Ballerina Cappuccina, Tralalero Tralala, and Tung Tung Tung Sahur, these strange digital beings have become a shorthand of humor for Gen Z—a surreal language that now finds its way into Dunkin’s boxes.
Each donut in the limited-edition collection recreates these viral faces with vibrant icing, exaggerated expressions, and chaotic color palettes, perfectly designed for social media. The result is a treat that blurs the line between dessert and digital art.
Dunkin’ Speaks The Language Of Gen Z
More than just a food gimmick, this campaign demonstrates Dunkin’s sharp understanding of cultural marketing. Instead of pushing its own narrative, the brand joins an existing online conversation—one driven by absurd humor, irony, and visual virality.
By turning donuts into shareable cultural artifacts, Dunkin’ taps directly into Gen Z’s love for remix culture and meme aesthetics. Each donut becomes a piece of social currency—an “Instagrammable” inside joke that spreads faster than any traditional ad campaign.
When Food Becomes Media
Through this collaboration between food, memes, and internet culture, Dunkin’ isn’t just selling donuts—it’s selling participation in a digital moment. These creations invite consumers to laugh, post, and join a global community of irony-lovers.
In a market saturated with conventional ads, Dunkin’s move shows how brands can remain relevant by embracing real-time trends and adapting to the internet’s chaotic rhythm. By doing so, the company turns a simple pastry into an interactive cultural experience.
And as Dunkin’ continues to reinvent its image through creativity, this campaign joins a growing list of clever activations—like its previous stunt turning coffee packaging into a miniature “home” to remind customers that its brews are best enjoyed anywhere.
