TikTok Food Trends 2021: The Most Viral Culinary Sensations of the Year

In 2021, TikTok emerged as a major platform for food trends, with culinary enthusiasts around the world showcasing innovative recipes and viral dishes. The year saw a myriad of food trends, from aesthetically pleasing baked goods to savory meals that captured the hearts (and taste buds) of millions. Here’s a deep dive into the most captivating TikTok food trends of 2021, their origins, and their impact on the culinary landscape.

1. Dalgona Coffee: A Whipped Coffee Phenomenon
One of the standout trends of 2021 was Dalgona coffee, a whipped coffee drink that took the internet by storm. Originating from South Korea, this trend became a global sensation thanks to TikTok. The drink is made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a frothy, creamy texture, which is then served over a glass of milk. Its aesthetic appeal and simple recipe made it an instant favorite among TikTok users.
Key Ingredients:

• Instant coffee
• Sugar
• Hot water
• Milk

2. Cloud Bread: Fluffy, Colorful Delight
Cloud bread, with its ethereal, fluffy texture and vibrant colors, was another TikTok food trend that captured attention. Made with a mix of egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch, this bread resembles a cloud both in appearance and texture. It’s baked until golden and puffy, creating a light, airy treat that’s perfect for social media. The trend gained traction due to its unique texture and the endless possibilities for customization with different food colorings and flavors.
Key Ingredients:

• Egg whites
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

3. Baked Feta Pasta: A Creamy, Savory Delight
Baked feta pasta became a household staple in 2021, thanks to its simplicity and rich flavor. This trend began in Finland and quickly spread worldwide. The recipe involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, then mixing it with cooked pasta. The result is a creamy, tangy pasta dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Its widespread popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste and the ease of preparation.
Key Ingredients:

• Feta cheese
• Cherry tomatoes
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Pasta

4. Pasta Chips: A Crunchy Twist on a Classic
Pasta chips are another trend that gained traction in 2021. This innovative snack involves cooking pasta until it’s crispy and then seasoning it to taste. The process includes boiling the pasta, tossing it in oil and seasoning, and baking it until crispy. This crunchy, flavorful snack became popular due to its easy preparation and the versatility of flavors that can be added.
Key Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Oil
• Seasoning (e.g., garlic powder, Parmesan cheese)

5. Tortilla Wraps: Creative and Versatile
TikTok users took the tortilla wrap to new heights in 2021, creating various inventive recipes using a single tortilla cut into four segments. The trend, known as the "Tortilla Hack," involves making a slit in the tortilla, adding different fillings to each quadrant, and then folding it into a compact, easy-to-eat wrap. This method allows for endless combinations of ingredients, making it a versatile and popular choice for quick meals.
Key Ingredients:

• Tortilla
• Various fillings (e.g., cheese, meats, vegetables)

6. Nature’s Cereal: A Refreshing Morning Treat
Nature’s cereal, which involves using coconut water as a base and adding fresh fruit and berries, became a trendy breakfast option in 2021. This simple yet refreshing dish offers a healthy alternative to traditional cereals and quickly became popular on TikTok due to its visual appeal and nutritious benefits.
Key Ingredients:

• Coconut water
• Fresh fruit and berries

7. Pancake Cereal: A Breakfast Revolution
Pancake cereal took the concept of breakfast to a new level by creating tiny pancakes that resemble cereal. These mini pancakes are served with milk, just like traditional cereal, but offer a delightful twist on the morning meal. This trend quickly gained popularity for its fun presentation and the ability to customize flavors and toppings.
Key Ingredients:

• Pancake mix
• Milk

8. Whipped Strawberry Milk: A Fruity Twist on a Classic
Whipped strawberry milk, similar to Dalgona coffee, became a favorite in 2021 for its vibrant color and refreshing taste. The trend involves whipping strawberry syrup or fresh strawberries with milk, resulting in a frothy, flavorful drink. Its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste made it a hit on social media.
Key Ingredients:

• Strawberry syrup or fresh strawberries
• Milk

9. Corn Ribs: A Sweet and Savory Snack
Corn ribs, created by cutting corn on the cob into strips and grilling them, were a hit in 2021. This inventive snack offers a new way to enjoy corn, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. It’s seasoned with various spices and served with dipping sauces, making it a versatile and tasty option.
Key Ingredients:

• Corn on the cob
• Seasoning (e.g., paprika, garlic powder)

10. Ube Desserts: A Vibrant Purple Delight
Ube, a purple yam from the Philippines, gained popularity in 2021 for its unique color and flavor. Ube desserts, such as ice cream, cakes, and pastries, became trendy on TikTok due to their striking appearance and sweet, nutty flavor. The vibrant purple hue of ube adds a visually appealing element to various desserts.
Key Ingredients:

• Ube (purple yam)
• Sugar

The popularity of these trends reflects TikTok’s influence on the culinary world, highlighting the platform's role in shaping food trends and creating viral sensations. Each trend brought something unique to the table, whether it was the aesthetic appeal of cloud bread or the creamy comfort of baked feta pasta. TikTok continues to be a powerful force in the food industry, driving creativity and innovation in the kitchen.