Title: How is TikTok changing the way the world cooks?

Cooking used to be something we did quietly at home. Sometimes we cooked because we had to, and sometimes because we loved to. Many people enjoy cooking as a fun activity, even if they don’t really know how to do it.

If I talk about myself, I love to cook, but I don’t really know how. Still, I enjoy trying.

Today, things have changed. Because of social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, cooking has become fun to watch. A short video can make thousands of people want to try a dish they never knew about before. From crispy Tanghulu candy in China to butter boards in the U.S., food is now more than just something we eat. It’s a way to share ideas, cultures, and fun online.

How Social Media Makes Food Go Viral?

Before TikTok, people shared recipes through cookbooks, blogs, or by talking to friends and family. Now, a 30-second video can reach millions of people. Social media is fast and makes it easy to share new food ideas.

Apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube show a huge variety of dishes, desserts, and simple recipes. You can always find something new to try.

In 2024, about 60% of Gen Z (young people) said they found new foods through social media. This shows how much it influences what we eat and what we talk about.

For restaurants and food companies, following food trends on social media helps them understand what people want.

Popular Viral Foods in 2024:

Here are some food trends that went viral:

Tanghulu (Candied Fruit) – 1.2 Billion Views

Butter Boards – 950 Million Views

Ramen Carbonara – 870 Million Views

Yogurt Toast – 760 Million Views

Pasta Chips – 680 Million Views

These dishes weren’t made on TikTok originally, but TikTok made them super popular. Every day people become chefs and creators, trying these recipes and sharing them with the world.

Why Food Videos Work So Well Online?

Everyone eats, and many want to try something new.

TikTok and YouTube Shorts make recipes look easy and fun.

Colorful food catches our eyes.

Simple steps like “3-ingredient meals” or “5-minute recipes” feel easy to follow.

Cooking videos are also fun to watch, not just about food.

Example: In 2021, a TikTok trend called “baked feta pasta” became so popular that feta cheese sales went up a lot in some countries. That’s how strong these trends can be.

Restaurants and Businesses Use Food Trends Too:

It’s not just people at home. Restaurants and food brands also use TikTok to get attention:

Restaurants add viral foods to their menus because customers ask for them.

Food companies change their packaging to make it look better on camera.

Some new cafes and shops (like bubble tea or Dalgona coffee cafes) became popular because of social media buzz.

Food Trends and Culture:

Food videos aren’t just about trying new recipes , they also show us different cultures:

Mexican street food became popular in France.

Dalgona coffee from Korea became a favorite during the 2020 lockdown.

Tanghulu, a Chinese snack, became famous around the world thanks to TikTok.

Without even trying, people are learning about other countries and traditions through food videos. Food connects people from different parts of the world.

Some Problems With Viral Food:

Not all food videos are good. Some have problems, like:

Food waste: People make recipes just for videos and throw the food away if it doesn’t turn out well.

Health risks: Some viral foods, like butter boards, have too much fat or sugar.

Disappointment: When people try recipes and they don’t turn out like the video, they feel sad or think they can’t cook.

Still, for many, the fun and creativity are worth it.

My Personal Story:

The first time I saw Tanghulu on TikTok, I thought it was too hard to make. Like I said earlier, I love cooking, but I don’t know how to cook well.

But I was curious, so I tried it. I dipped some grapes in sugar syrup. It wasn’t perfect, but the crunch was amazing! That moment showed me that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be fun and meaningful.

That’s what makes social media special. Cooking is not just for experts or chefs. It’s for everyone, even people like me who are just starting.

Conclusion:

Social media, especially TikTok, has changed kitchens around the world. Cooking is now fun, creative, and something we share with others.

Viral recipes help bring people together. They make us want to try, create, and share. Cooking is no longer just a way to stay alive , it’s a way to have fun, express yourself, and connect with people everywhere.

So next time you see a fun food video online, give it a try. You never know , you might love it, even if it’s not perfect.