Summary of the Core Content
This summer, a blue beverage that looks like toilet cleaner—such as “White Horse Prince Soup”—suddenly became a sensation on social media. Major brands (supermarkets, cafes, convenience stores) all followed suit by launching similar products, which young people flocked to buy. Despite being mocked for its peculiar blue-green appearance, the drink has become a new favorite in the beverage industry due to its novelty, refreshing effects, social appeal, and health-related claims. This phenomenon reflects the rebellious mindset of young people, the competitive nature of the beverage market, and the rise of the “ugly beauty” trend.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Phenomenon: From Mockery to Out-of-Stocks
The popularity of this blue drink stems from its visually counterintuitive appearance—a transparent bottle containing a liquid that is neither completely blue nor green, resembling diluted toilet cleaner or laundry detergent. Netizens joked about it being “tribal bath water” or “Meng Po’s soup,” but surprisingly, it sold out as soon as it was available. Products like a certain brand’s “White Horse Prince Soup,” a certain shopping platform’s mint ice-blue coconut water, another brand’s “Pampas Blue” coffee, and Starbucks’ secret blue lemon tea all became highly sought-after items. Even after negative reviews from users in the UK, young people in China were still eager to try it—the more it was criticized for being “tasty,” the more curious they became.
2. Why Do Young People Love It? Novelty + Rebelliousness = “The Joy Only Workers Understand”
For young people, ordinary beverages have become boring: black ice coffee is too bitter, dopamine-packed fruit drinks are too common, and light yellow tea drinks are associated with middle-aged adults. The “strange” appearance of the blue drink taps into their rebellious instincts—it’s seen as both childish by some and just right for workers. Buying it is partly out of curiosity (“Can this really be consumed?”) and partly to post on social media: holding the blue liquid in the office and answering colleagues’ questions with “White Horse Prince Soup” gives them a sense of uniqueness that’s more satisfying than carrying a luxury bag. Essentially, what they’re buying is a sense of superiority for trying something others wouldn’t dare.
3. The Refreshing Effect: A More Potent “Magic Drink” Than Coffee
The blue drink’s success also lies in its actual refreshing properties. Many products contain mint, providing a cooling sensation that’s more intense than that of essential balm; some even have tastes so unusual (like mouthwash or seasoning paste) that they instantly wake you up. Workers use it to endure long meetings: a sip helps them stay alert for two hours despite fatigue. Some say it’s better than coffee or Red Bull, as it’s inexpensive and effective.
4. The Competitive Beverage Market: From “Health” to “Ugly Beauty”
The beverage market has been highly competitive in recent years, with trends ranging from zero-sugar, zero-calorie drinks to products containing “superfoods” like chia seeds and kale. Now, the focus is on unique appearances. While there are many attractive beverages, those that are “unattractive” have become more popular. The blue drink is a perfect example of this—using an off-putting color to create conversation and encourage尝试. This reflects manufacturers’ understanding of young consumers’ desire for novelty; the more unconventional something is, the more likely it becomes a social trend.
5. Health Claims: A New Trend in the “Health and Wellness” Market
In addition to its appeal, blue drinks also tap into the health and wellness trend. For example, some products contain ingredients like spirulina (a superfood), niacinamide, electrolytes, and B vitamins, claiming to be as nutritious as the periodic table of elements. Middle-class consumers see these drinks as a way to supplement their diet, satisfying both their curiosity and their desire for something meaningful. This “pseudo-health” packaging has elevated them from being just oddities to fashionable items.
6. Why Does It Continue to Gain Popularity Despite Criticism?
The reason behind the blue drink’s success is young people’s resistance to the monotony of everyday life. Using such a strange beverage breaks the dullness of the office environment, provides fodder for social conversations, and offers a brief escape from the norm. As one netizen put it: “It may taste bad, but it makes you feel good and generates lots of conversation—it’s exactly what drinks are supposed to do.” Whether it tastes good or not is secondary; the important thing is that you’ve tried it.
(If you haven’t tried a blue drink, will you be curious enough to buy one next time you pass by a convenience store?)