In this concise post, Cheryl Tan explains how she uses AI to identify a few top trends of 2026 and reveals the irony in the research.
2026 will be the year of the cabbage. 🥬
No, really. Pinterest’s annual trend report just dropped, and cabbage is replacing cauliflower as the “it” vegetable.
First of all, I find it remarkable that Gen Z is actually on Pinterest – hello, it’s the app their parents planned their wedding on. But after watching an 8th grader walk me through her KPop and room decor boards, I can confirm it’s real. 67% of 2026 Pinterest trends are Gen Z-driven.
It’s interesting what they’re actually searching for: “Snail mail gifts” up 110%. Vintage toys. Brooches. Adrenaline-inspired Tourism. Opera. Bespoke scents.
Here’s the paradox: I’m literally using AI to analyze digital trend data… to tell you that people are craving offline, human, tangible experiences.
The irony isn’t lost on me. But maybe that’s the point? The best use of AI in marketing isn’t to replace humanity—it’s to give us back the time and clarity to be more human. To understand what people actually want (apparently cabbage and penpals), so we can build brands that feel personal, not prescribed.