吃不起的玉米蛋挞，到底谁在买？

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of the corn tart has sparked significant public discourse regarding high prices in the baking industry, highlighting a broader issue of pricing and consumer sentiment towards baked goods [4][5][16]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies and Consumer Reactions - The price of corn tarts ranges from 20 to 48 yuan, with some chain bakeries offering them for as low as 6 to 8 yuan, indicating a significant pricing disparity across different vendors [11][16]. - Consumer dissatisfaction is evident, as many express that the high prices do not correspond to the quality of the product, leading to a wave of negative reviews and social media discussions [10][12]. - The corn tart has become a symbol of the broader issue of inflated prices in the baking industry, with consumers feeling that the cost of basic ingredients like corn is not reflected in the final product price [5][16]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The corn tart has quickly replaced previous baking trends, such as butter rice cakes, indicating a cyclical nature of popular baked goods driven by consumer curiosity and social media influence [7][13]. - Social media platforms have played a crucial role in the rapid rise and fall of baking trends, with the corn tart gaining over 700 million views on Douyin and significant engagement on Xiaohongshu [8][16]. - The consumer behavior of "following the crowd" is prevalent, as many purchase the corn tart due to its popularity, often without prior knowledge of its price [10][12]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Future Outlook - The baking industry is characterized by a mix of high-priced trendy items and stable, affordable products, with consumers showing a preference for reasonably priced baked goods [19][21]. - Historical examples of once-popular baked goods, like the "dirty bag," illustrate that while some trendy items may fade, others can transition into staple products if they maintain quality and reasonable pricing [20][21]. - The long-term success of baked goods in the market depends on balancing innovative offerings with consumer expectations for price and quality, suggesting that high-priced items may struggle to maintain relevance over time [22].