The biggest TikTok food trends of 2024 (so far)
Since TikTok took off in 2020, the app has become an endless source of inspiration when it comes to home cooking.
From pandemic-era favourites like Dalgona coffee and sourdough bread to today’s sleepy girl mocktail and scrambled pancakes, social media users are becoming more adventurous in the kitchen. And for grocers, tapping into these viral trends can drive sales.
READ: Why TikTok is ripe with opportunities for grocers
Below, we round up some of the biggest trends of the year (so far).
Shaved frozen fruit
Is there anything sweeter than fresh fruit in the summer? How about a bowl of faux-sherbert made from shaved frozen produce?
This simple concept—creating frozen fruit shaved ice with watermelon, strawberries and even tomatoes—took off on TikTok last summer and remains a favourite among foodies on the platform.
Sleepy girl mocktail
After girl dinner comes the sleepy girl mocktail.
READ: Sleepless in the grocery store
This social media trend took off at the start of the year, and it’s no surprise. Last June, Narrative Research reported that one third of Canadians are only getting three or fewer nights of restful sleep per week. Enter TikTok’s favourite night time beverage: tart cherry juice (which contains tryptophan and melatonin), magnesium powder and a sparkling water to top it off.
Scrambled pancakes
This hassle-free take on a breakfast favourite achieved viral status this summer.
By scrambling pancake batter like eggs, the dish not only transforms into tasty bite-sized pieces, but saves time and energy, TiKTokers say.
From scratch
Love her or hate her, Nara Smith is inspiring her gen Z fans to take a traditional approach to home cooking—very traditional.
The influencer’s cooking vlogs, wherein she makes every meal and most ingredients from scratch, have earned her 9.3 million followers on TikTok.
Cottage cheese craze
Cottage cheese is one of social media’s most surprising stars.
The dairy ingredient has been celebrated for its versatility. TikTokers have used the cheese on toast, as a dip and even in cookie dough. Its newest—but not yet final—form is that of a high-protein flatbread.
Creative cucumber salads
Thanks to Canadian TikToker Logan Moffitt (@logagm), the humble cucumber is enjoying a renaissance. Moffitt's cucumber salad recipes went viral this summer (and even caused a shortage of the vegetable in Iceland!), prompting creators to get creative in the kitchen—because sometimes, as Moffitt says, you really do need to eat an entire cucumber.
