Ever since teaming up with MKA Collective, we’ve found ourselves thinking about food a lot more often—and not just what’s for lunch. (Pro tip: if you haven’t explored everything our collective offers the food & beverage industry, you’re missing out.)

Lately, we’ve been especially tuned in to how smart branding and standout marketing are transforming the way food businesses show up. One trend in particular has us hungry for more…

If you’ve scrolled through social media or caught a TV commercial lately, you might have noticed: food brands are tapping into nostalgia to capture attention and loyalty. By reminding customers of the “good old days,” brands are creating powerful emotional connections that make people more likely to buy, click, and engage.

In a time when brands must work harder than ever to build trust, nostalgia marketing offers a shortcut: sparking positive memories from childhood or simpler times, and transferring those warm feelings directly onto the brand itself.

Here’s a look at a few brands doing it exceptionally well:

Chili’s

One standout example is Chili’s new $6 drink, the Radical ‘Rita, promoted by Saved by the Bell star Tiffani Thiessen (a.k.a. Kelly Kapowski). The campaign celebrates the return of ’90s culture, appealing to both adults who grew up in the era and younger audiences drawn to its vibrant, maximalist style. And of course, the $6 price point adds extra appeal in today’s economy.

Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew is leaning even harder into nostalgia. In 2025, they announced a major brand refresh, bringing back their full name (no more “Mtn Dew”) and unveiling a new visual identity that reclaims the “mountain.” It’s the first logo update since 2009, and the retro-but-modern design reminds fans of the brand’s roots while reintroducing it to a new generation.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola has also revived one of its most iconic campaigns: Share a Coke. Originally launched in 2011, the 2025 version appeals directly to Gen Z by offering expanded personalization (think names on bottles plus digital customization through an app). The names on bottles are a familiar sight for customers, especially for Gen Zers who grew up during the first run of the Share a Coke campaign, evoking positive associations. 

The new ad features Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap — a 2008 anthem — tapping into Gen Z’s love for “recession pop” and creating a bridge between nostalgic feelings and modern experiences.

Why Nostalgia Matters

These examples reinforce a key truth: emotional trust is more valuable than ever.

When people encounter something familiar from their past, it often triggers warm feelings of comfort and connection, emotions that naturally extend to the brand behind the message. Especially during times of economic uncertainty or rapid societal change, nostalgic branding taps into a deep craving for stability, simplicity, and security.

Another advantage: nostalgia bridges generations.
While longtime fans reconnect with beloved products, younger audiences view retro brands as cool, authentic, and worth sharing — especially on social media. Instead of reinventing themselves, brands can update a classic favorite, feeling both timeless and trendy at once.

And because nostalgia invites storytelling (“Remember when…”), it creates highly shareable moments that naturally drive word-of-mouth and social engagement.

If you’re a part of a brand looking to build stronger audience connections, drive meaningful engagement, and create a brand campaign that truly resonates with the right people, you’re in the right place.

Wanna chat? Grab a spot on our calendar.