Whether you won an award, had a bad day, or have a sweet tooth, sweet treats are super popular and very accessible. Sweet treat culture among teenagers is heavily shaped by social media trends, convenience and the social experience of hanging out with friends.
Popular spots tend to include Dutch Bros, Crumbl, Dairy Queen and many more. These places aren’t only about food; they’re social hubs where many teenagers go to sip, spend and socialize, usually without thinking about cost.
Research shows that Gen Z consumes more sweet treats than any other generation, with about 72 percent eating sweets daily, often as a part of social routines rather than hunger, even when they’re surprisingly overpriced. Social media plays a major role in encouraging teenagers to spend more on trendy and overpriced treats. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram constantly promote viral items, from luxury smoothies to a $19 strawberry from Erewhon.
Sugary drinks, Boba tea, cookies, and ice cream have become part of the teen lifestyle, especially because they’re highly shareable online and tied to trends. Marketing makes expensive treats feel normal and desirable.
“I was on a trip for wrestling when Dubai chocolate was first popular, and I couldn’t help myself,” senior Kamryn Mason said.
However, sweet treat culture comes with a financial cost that often goes ignored. Teenagers in the U.S. spend a significant portion of their money, around 20 percent or more, on food and drinks, making it one of their biggest expenses. On average, teens spend over $2,000 per year, total with frequent small purchases of $5-$10 drinks and desserts.
“If we’re including fast food meals, then I’d say I probably spend around 50 bucks a week,” senior Alessandro Rush said.
While these purchases may seem minor, buying treats multiple times a week can easily turn into hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually, which is an insanely large amount for items that are short-lived. Many teens earn their money through part-time jobs while also balancing school, meaning they are trading valuable time and effort for short-term satisfaction.
This pattern of spending raises the question of whether sweet treats are worth their sour cost, as well as the long hours spent earning that money. For some teens, the answer may be no, especially when those earnings could be saved for more meaningful expenses.
“I don’t really feel like I’m spending unnecessary money. I’m really good at saving up without impulsively spending,” senior Rylee McMillan said.
Enjoy a McFlurry or a Dubai Chocolate bar every once in a while, because honestly, it feels worth it. But when those “once-in-a-while” treats become a habit, your wallet will start to feel it.
With this being said, learning to budget, prioritizing spending, and ignoring social media temptations can build strong financial habits that carry into adulthood. While it can be tempting to spend impulsively or fall into a trend, being more mindful and more aware of worth can make a big difference in the long run, starting with small drinks and sweets.
