In the world of advertising, few commercials have left a mark quite like Starburst’s Berries and Cream ad. Released in 2007, this quirky, bizarre commercial quickly became a cult classic, known for its eccentric character, catchy jingle, and, well, a dance that’s impossible to forget. It’s a perfect example of how something weird, catchy, and fun can stick in your brain—and in pop culture—for years. And recently, thanks to TikTok, the Little Lad is having a major comeback.
The Plot: Berries, Cream, and One Enthusiastic Lad
The commercial opens innocently enough: two guys enjoying a pack of Starburst, discussing the new berries and cream flavor. Out of nowhere, a peculiar man dressed in 18th-century garb pops up. He introduces himself as the Little Lad, a character with a bowl-cut hairstyle, a proper waistcoat, and a childlike excitement for, you guessed it, berries and cream.
As soon as the Little Lad hears the words “berries and cream,” he’s overwhelmed with joy. He bursts into a high-pitched chant: “Berries and cream, berries and cream, I’m a little lad who loves berries and cream!” What follows is an over-the-top dance that’s part jig, part toddler tantrum, complete with clapping and hopping around. His gleeful (and slightly unhinged) enthusiasm for the flavor is what made the commercial so unforgettable.
Why the Commercial Worked
So, what made this commercial such a hit? It’s all about the absurdity. The contrast between the two modern guys and the Little Lad’s old-fashioned, theatrical presence created a sense of unexpected, surreal humor that caught viewers off guard. His exaggerated performance was so strange and random that it became the perfect recipe for an ad people couldn’t stop talking about.
1. The Little Lad Character
The star of the show was undeniably Jack Ferver, the actor behind the Little Lad. Ferver, who uses they/them pronouns, brought a unique blend of childlike joy and historical oddity to the character. With their exaggerated expressions and perfectly performed dance, the Little Lad quickly became a memorable figure.
2. A Catchy Jingle
Let’s be honest—once you hear “Berries and cream, berries and cream!” it’s stuck in your head for days. The jingle was simple, catchy, and paired with Ferver’s eccentric delivery, it became a meme-worthy tune. It was easy to repeat, and people loved reenacting it.
3. Absurdity and Humor
The commercial didn’t take itself seriously, and that was key to its success. The randomness of a grown adult in historical clothes doing a silly dance about berries and cream was both funny and memorable. The absurd humor resonated with audiences who were looking for something lighthearted and different.
A Viral Sensation (Then and Now)
While the commercial was popular when it first aired, it truly found its stride in the early days of YouTube, where people began creating remixes and mash-ups. Starburst even released an extended version of the commercial, where the Little Lad explained how his mother used to make him do the “little lad dance” every time he wanted berries and cream. This added layer of weirdness only made the character more iconic.
And then, in 2021, TikTok breathed new life into the Berries and Cream craze. Comedian Justin McElroy posted a video that helped revive the song, and suddenly, the Little Lad was back in full force. Tens of thousands of TikTok creators started remixing the jingle with other popular songs, turning the character into a viral trend. The hashtag #berriesandcream now has over 300 million views, and new remixes pop up every day. Whether people are reenacting the dance or mashing up the jingle with modern hits, the Little Lad is back and bigger than ever.
Why We’re Still Talking About It
The Berries and Cream commercial has an enduring appeal because it was, and still is, completely out of the ordinary. It didn’t try to follow traditional advertising formulas; instead, it embraced the absurdity, leaned into its weirdness, and let a quirky character sell the product. The mix of nostalgia, humor, and catchy music makes it one of those rare ads that stays with you long after it’s gone from TV.
And now, thanks to TikTok, the Berries and Cream phenomenon has introduced the Little Lad to a whole new generation. Whether it’s through remixes, dances, or mash-ups, this 2007 ad is living proof that even the strangest ideas can find a place in the spotlight again.
The Legacy of the Little Lad
Years after its debut, the Berries and Cream commercial has transcended its original purpose. What started as a quirky candy ad has become a piece of internet culture that refuses to fade away. The Little Lad and his love for berries and cream have been immortalized in remixes, memes, and millions of TikTok videos.
The ad’s legacy proves that sometimes, it’s the weirdest, most unexpected ideas that have the most staying power. Whether you first saw the commercial in 2007 or you’re discovering it through TikTok today, one thing’s for sure: we’ll all be humming “Berries and cream, berries and cream!” for a long time to come.
