Food trends used to start in kitchens and trickle outward. Today? They’re born online, go viral, and end up on store shelves. From bold snacks to functional drinks, the internet is now a testing ground for what’s next in food. Here are 14 viral favorites that made the jump from screen to shelf.
14. The Great Sourdough Revival
Remember when everyone was suddenly a baker? During the pandemic, online communities and Facebook groups became the new marketplace for sharing and trading sourdough starters, each with its own unique flavor. This movement brought a centuries-old tradition back to life, and now, you can find artisanal sourdough starters and freshly baked loaves in almost every grocery store.
13. The “Swalty” Revolution
Move over, “swicy” (sweet and spicy), there’s a new flavor combination in town. “Swalty” is the marriage of sweet and salty, and it has taken over our feeds and grocery aisles. Think popcorn cookies, miso caramel, and candied bacon. This trend, born from countless TikTok recipe videos, has inspired a new wave of products that play with our taste buds in a delightful way.
12. The Pickle Takeover
From pickle-flavored everything to the viral Chamoy pickle challenge, the pickle has become a social media superstar. This isn’t your grandma’s pickle recipe. We’re talking about pickle-infused hot sauce, pickle ranch, and even pickle-flavored cotton candy. What started as a niche obsession online has become a flavor phenomenon, with grocery stores dedicating entire sections to this briny food.
11. The Rise of Dirty Soda
Mix soda, cream, and flavored syrups, and you get the “dirty soda.” It’s a non-alcoholic beverage trend that came from Mormon communities in Utah and has become a viral sensation, with Yelp searches for “dirty soda” increasing by over 600%! Now, you can find dirty soda bars popping up across the country, and grocery stores stocking all the ingredients you need to make one.
10. The Cottage Cheese Comeback
Cottage cheese has made a major comeback, and it’s all thanks to TikTok. The #cottagecheese hashtag has billions of views, with creators sharing everything from cottage cheese toast to cottage cheese ice cream. This popularity has led to a 20% increase in cottage cheese sales, with some brands now struggling to keep up with demand.
9. The Matcha Madness
Matcha has been around for centuries, but it’s social media that propelled it into the mainstream. The vibrant green color and health benefits made matcha a favorite among wellness influencers and foodies alike. From matcha lattes to matcha-infused desserts, this green powder is everywhere. And yup, even in grocery stores.
8. The Dubai Chocolate Bar Craze
A chocolate bar created by a home baker in Dubai became a global hit after a video of it went viral on TikTok, with over 120 million views. This pistachio-infused chocolate bar, with a unique texture and flavor, captured the hearts of millions. The demand was so high that major supermarket chains like Waitrose and Lidl quickly launched their own versions, which sold out almost instantly.
7. The Takis Invasion
Takis, the spicy rolled tortilla chips, have been a popular snack in the US for years, but it was TikTok that brought them to the UK and other parts of the world. The #takis hashtag has billions of views, with creators sharing reactions to the intense flavor and heat of these snacks. The viral Taki Cream Cheese Jalapeño combo, in particular, led to a massive demand for the product.
6. The Cucumber Salad Craze
A simple cucumber salad recipe went viral on TikTok, and suddenly, everyone was making it. This salad even became a summer staple for millions of people. The hashtag #cucumbersalad has billions of views, and the trend was so popular it led to an increase in cucumber sales at grocery stores.
5. The Probiotic Soda Boom
Gut health is a hot topic, and probiotic sodas are the latest trend to take over the wellness world. These fizzy drinks have become a popular alternative to traditional sodas, and brands like Olipop and Poppi are suddenly a hit. This only proves the growing interest in gut health and new wellness trends.
4. The Rise of Influencer-Founded Food Brands
In the past, celebrities endorsed products. Now, they create them. A new wave of influencer-founded food brands has taken over the grocery store, with creators like MrBeast (Feastables) and Pokimane (Myna Snacks) launching their own snacks. These brands have become popular with their followers, thanks to viral videos and effective social media campaigns.
3. The Chaos Cakes and Pasta Chips Movement
Chaos cakes, which are cakes decorated in a chaotic style, and pasta chips, which are made by baking cooked pasta until crispy, are two more examples of how social media is changing the way we eat. These trends have inspired home cooks to focus on having fun and being creative in the kitchen. The trends also led to an increase in the variety of cake decorating supplies and pasta shapes available at the grocery store.
2. The Triangle Sushi Takeover
Triangle sushi, also known as onigiri, has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries, but it’s social media that made it a global phenomenon. The #onigiri hashtag has billions of views on TikTok, and the trend became so popular you can now find triangle sushi in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores.
1. The Feastables Frenzy
At the top of our list is Feastables, the chocolate bar brand created by YouTube superstar MrBeast. What started as a viral marketing campaign has turned into a food phenomenon. The Feastables bars are now available in major grocery stores around the world, and the brand’s success proves the power of influencer marketing amid the changing landscape of the food industry.