吃不起的玉米蛋挞，到底谁在买？

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of the corn tart, priced at 48 yuan, has sparked widespread consumer dissatisfaction regarding high prices in the baking industry, highlighting underlying industry issues rather than just the product itself [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The corn tart has quickly become a trending product, replacing previous favorites like butter rice cakes, indicating a cyclical nature in the popularity of baked goods [3]. - Many dessert shops are rapidly introducing their own versions of the corn tart, with prices varying significantly, reflecting a trend of following popular items [4]. - The corn tart has gained immense popularity on social media platforms, with 700 million views on Douyin and 67.15 million on Xiaohongshu, showcasing its viral nature [5][6]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers exhibit a tendency to follow trends, often purchasing items without knowing the price beforehand, leading to feelings of regret when faced with high costs [6][9]. - The perception of high prices for corn tarts is contrasted by lower-priced alternatives available from chain bakeries, which can be as low as 6 yuan per tart [9]. - The cost of ingredients for a corn tart is relatively low, estimated at 5-6 yuan, raising questions about the pricing strategies of high-end bakeries [9]. Group 3: Product Origin and Popularity - There are two main theories regarding the origin of the corn tart: one suggests it originated in Korea, while the other attributes it to DIY home bakers who popularized it through social media [11][12]. - The corn tart's rise to fame is closely linked to its role as a marketing tool for bakeries, with tarts being a top search item in the baking category [13]. Group 4: Longevity of Trends - The baking industry frequently sees the rise of trendy products, but many do not last long in consumer preference, with price sensitivity being a key factor in purchasing decisions [15][16]. - Some previously popular items, like the "dirty" bread, have transitioned from trendy to staple products as their prices normalized [16][17]. - Successful long-term products in the baking sector often balance taste and affordability, moving away from the high prices associated with their initial popularity [18].