What Does Glazing Mean Gen Z?

The term “glazing” has taken on a new meaning thanks to Gen Z. Traditionally, glazing refers to the process of fitting glass into windows and doors (Glazing Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster). It also refers to coating foods like donuts, pies, and pastries with a sweet glaze (GLAZING Definition & Usage Examples – Dictionary.com). However, Gen Z is using “glazing” to refer to zoning out or spacing out for long periods of time. It describes a trance-like state where someone is completely tuned out from their surroundings.

Glazing’s Popularity Among Gen Z

Glazing has become increasingly popular among Gen Zers in recent years, more so than with Millennials or Gen X. According to a recent study by Packaging Gateway, Gen Z is drawn to glass packaging and aesthetics, fueling glazing trends on platforms like TikTok (https://www.packaging-gateway.com/features/clear-future-how-tiktok-trends-show-gen-z-are-choosing-glass/). Whereas previous generations favored minimalism and muted colors, Gen Z embraces maximalism in treats and self-care. This translates into a love for glazed and glossy treats and products.

Reddit discussions also highlight Gen Z’s passion for glazing. As one Redditor observed, “Millennials have always tried to get Gen X approval and now we’re doing it to Gen Z. Zoomers love hyping and glazing each other up” (https://www.reddit.com/r/rspod/comments/18t58l6/anyone_else_notice_how_much_reddit_millennials/). Gen Z shows more enthusiasm for glazing and over-the-top compliments compared to more cynical Millennials.

Overall, glazing appeals uniquely to Gen Z aesthetic sensibilities and desire for positively. Compared to older generations, Gen Z has fully embraced glazing in all its sticky, sweet, over-the-top glory.

Reasons for Glazing’s Appeal

Glazing has become popular among Gen Z for several reasons. Many Gen Zers find humor and irony in exaggerating compliments and hype for mundane things like glazed doughnuts or cinnamon rolls. Glazing something or someone on TikTok is an intentionally over-the-top way to show appreciation as a joke (Hitc). The exaggeration and hyperbole of glazing also allows Gen Zers to express themselves creatively.

Additionally, glazed treats like doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort food for Gen Z (Packaging Gateway). Many grew up going to doughnut shops or bakeries with their families and have fond childhood memories associated with glazed treats. The nostalgia factor makes glazing irresistible to Gen Z.

Finally, the sticky sweet glazes and frostings used in glazing provide a temporary escape and self-care experience for Gen Zers feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Glazing something is a fun, lighthearted activity that brings brief comfort – similar to a warm hug (Distractify).

TikTok and Glazing

TikTok has played a major role in popularizing glazing among Gen Z. Glazing videos have gone viral on TikTok, exposing the trend to millions of users. Tags like #glaze and #glazetok accumulate millions of views. Users share recipes and tutorials for making glazes at home. Popular glazing videos showcase satisfying glazing drizzles and decadent glazed desserts.

Viral food trends on TikTok like cloud bread and whipped coffee paved the way for glazing. Gen Z users are drawn to making visually appealing foods that photograph well for social media. The aesthetically pleasing, shiny drizzle effect of glazes fit this appeal perfectly. Glazing also allows creativity in swirling on colors and designs.

Influential TikTok creators like @yummyrecipes, with 1.2 million followers, focus on glazing content and collaborations with brands like Dunkin’. The satisfying glaze pouring videos are simple to recreate at home. Hashtags like #glazetok have over 54 million views and counting, showing no signs of slowing down (source: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/glaze-trend). TikTok will continue driving glazing trends for Gen Z as users keep innovating new glaze designs and recipes.

Types of Glazing Gen Z Loves

When it comes to glazing, Gen Z has some distinct preferences for flavors and styles. According to a survey on Reddit, the most popular glaze flavors among Gen Z are chocolate, caramel, and funfetti [1]. These rich, sweet glazes appeal to Gen Z’s cravings for indulgence and nostalgia.

Chocolate glaze is a classic choice, providing a deep, cocoa flavor. Gen Z loves drizzling chocolate glaze on donuts, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Caramel glaze is another beloved option, with its smooth, buttery taste. Drizzled on treats or used as a dip, caramel glaze satisfies Gen Z’s sweet tooth.

Funfetti glaze has exploded in popularity, thanks to its colorful sprinkles and party vibe. This playful glaze reminds Gen Z of childhood birthday parties. Other trendy glaze flavors include cookie dough, mint chocolate, lemon, and salted caramel. Gen Z enjoys mixing and matching glazes for a customized treat.

Glazed Treats Gen Z Enjoys

Gen Z has a major sweet tooth when it comes to glazed treats. Their favorite glazed goodies include donuts, cakes, and cookies.

Glazed donuts are by far one of the most popular treats among Gen Z. According to research from Comax Flavors, glazed donuts scored highly with consumers of all generations as a sweet baked good they love (source). Gen Z in particular can’t get enough of the classic glazed donut.

In addition to donuts, Gen Z loves glazed cakes and cookies. A survey found that over 80% of Gen Z is willing to try adventurous glazed donut flavors like red velvet and chocolate glaze (source). This shows their enthusiasm for glazed treats extends beyond just plain glazed donuts to more unique glazed options.

For Gen Z, glazing makes these treats extra delicious and fun to eat. Whether it’s a cake pop, cookie, or cinnamon roll, Gen Z loves food items coated in sweet, shiny glaze.

Glazing as Self-Care

Glazing has emerged as a popular self-care ritual among Gen Z. The repetitive process of spreading frosting or drizzling glazes provides a calming, meditative effect for many young people seeking respite from daily stresses.

According to research from UNiDAYS, Gen Z is prioritizing self-care more than previous generations, with many embracing creative hobbies like glazing as a form of relaxation and self-love (Creative Brief, 2023). The soothing, hands-on process of decorating treats with sweet glazes allows Gen Zers to zone out and focus just on the present moment.

Glazing also ties into the “Everything Shower” self-care trend, where Gen Zers indulge in lengthy pampering sessions involving snacks, face masks, music, and more while in the shower or bath (New York Post, 2023). Treats like glazed donuts or cupcakes are now featured on these indulgent everything shower menus.

For Gen Zers feeling overwhelmed, spending time decorating treats can provide a sense of accomplishment and creative satisfaction. The final glazed product becomes a symbol of their self-care dedication. Brands like Bath & Body Works now sell themed “glazing kits” with scented glazes and decorating tools, catering to this trend.

Glazing Parties & Events

Glazing parties and events have become popular social gatherings among Gen Z. These events revolve around decorating and personalizing baked goods like donuts, cookies, and cakes with colorful icings and toppings. According to Recruiting and Retaining Gen Z, glazing parties allow Gen Z to express their creativity and individuality with friends. The colorful and decorative nature of glazing appeals to Gen Z’s aesthetic.

Glazing parties often take place at home or in spaces like art studios or bakeries. Attendees get to pick their own donuts, cookies or other baked goods and go wild decorating them however they like. They can use pre-made icings and sprinkles or get creative making their own icing colors and designs. It’s a low-pressure social activity that fuels self-expression. Gen Z loves sharing photos of their glazed creations on social media, sparking the trend. According to TikTok user @johnny.action, glazing parties are the latest Gen Z social craze.

For Gen Z, it’s not just about the treats. The collaborative and creative aspect of glazing makes it an engaging group bonding experience. Glazing parties allow them to relax and have fun with friends doing something hands-on and out of the ordinary. The trend taps into Gen Z’s passions for arts, crafts, and individuality.

The Future of Glazing

Trend forecasters predict that glazing will continue to grow in popularity among future generations. According to a Linkedin study, the market for food glazing agents is expected to expand due to increased consumer awareness about food aesthetics and texture (“The Future of Food Glazing Agents Market: Emerging Challenges and Solutions,” 2022). As younger generations become more involved in food culture, the desire for visually appealing foods will drive demand for glazes and food coatings.

Consumer research shows that Generation Alpha, the generation following Gen Z, will be even more engaged with digital food trends and viral food challenges (“Food Glazing Agent Market is projected to develop at a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2034,” 2024). Their hyper-connectedness to social media and enthusiasm for showcasing foods through photos and videos will further popularize glazing as both an aesthetic enhancement and competitive art form. Brands looking to engage Generation Alpha will need creative glazing formulations to make their products stand out on feeds and trends.

While glazing originated as a technique to preserve and enhance foods, its evolution as a social media trend has cemented its status as a staple food preparation method for generations to come. The visual appeal and shareability of glazed foods will continue driving the growth of the glazing industry over the next decade.

Conclusion

Glazing has become a popular trend among Gen Z due to its therapeutic nature and shareable aesthetics. The satisfaction of drizzling glazes over donuts, cake pops, pretzels and more makes for an enjoyable, relaxing experience that many young people find fulfilling. Glazing provides an artistic outlet that produces edible works of art worth documenting and posting online. While glazing originated on TikTok, it has expanded into themed parties, events, DIY kits and even self-care routines. As Gen Z embraces unique hobbies that provide moments of joy away from digital screens, glazing offers the perfect creative escape. The visual splendor and delectable taste of glazed treats will likely continue rising in popularity as more Gen Zers discover this colorful, flavorful and fun new hobby.