TikTok Food Trends 2023: What’s Cooking on the Internet This Year?

2023 has seen TikTok continue to serve up a buffet of food trends that captivate millions globally. The app, with its bite-sized videos and viral appeal, has revolutionized the way we consume and share food ideas. Whether you’re a professional chef or a casual foodie, TikTok is where food inspiration goes viral, and 2023 is no exception. The year’s food trends have been both mouthwatering and mind-boggling, often pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking, nutrition, and presentation.

1. Butter Boards: The Next Charcuterie

Charcuterie boards had their time in the spotlight, but now TikTokers are buttering things up—literally. Butter boards, where softened butter is spread across a board and garnished with edible flowers, herbs, salts, or fruits, have become a massive trend. The beauty of these boards is in their simplicity and the freedom to customize based on your palate. With the combination of visually appealing setups and satisfying spreads, it's no surprise that butter boards have amassed millions of views and inspired countless recreations. Think of it as finger-painting for adults—with butter.

2. Cloud Bread's Fluffy Comeback

2020's viral cloud bread is back for round two in 2023. Cloud bread, a light, airy, and fluffy bread-like creation made primarily from egg whites, cornstarch, and sugar, has returned with new spins. TikTok chefs have taken the concept to the next level, infusing the bread with flavors like matcha, cocoa, and even savory versions with garlic and cheese. This low-carb, high-protein treat is once again captivating audiences, particularly those with a focus on gluten-free or keto-friendly diets. Its pillow-like texture makes it the perfect snack to break and share on camera.

3. Pickled Everything

Pickling has surged in popularity, with TikTok creators embracing the tangy, briny magic of pickling everything from cucumbers to strawberries. Yes, you read that right—pickled strawberries. Creators like Emily Mariko (@emilymariko) have shown how easy it is to add flavor and longevity to your food by pickling it. Pickled fruits, especially, have sparked curiosity, as people experiment with the sweet and sour contrast. Whether it’s traditional vegetables or daring new fruit combinations, pickling continues to be a massive trend this year.

4. Fermented Hot Honey

2023 is the year of fermented hot honey. This spicy-sweet concoction, made by fermenting honey with chili peppers, has exploded on TikTok. Unlike regular hot honey, fermented hot honey brings an extra depth of flavor and probiotic benefits. It’s the new must-have condiment for everything from pizza to fried chicken, and it’s being drizzled on everything in sight. Foodies on TikTok are showing their followers how to make this versatile sauce at home, offering tips on fermentation methods and flavor variations.

5. Smash Burgers Reimagined

The smash burger, which involves smashing ground beef patties onto a hot griddle for maximum caramelization and crispy edges, has been a longstanding favorite. However, in 2023, TikTok has taken this classic to new heights. Chefs are introducing unconventional ingredients like shredded cheese pressed into the patty or blending in unusual meats like lamb or venison. Smash burgers have become an art form on TikTok, with home cooks perfecting the process and sharing tips for achieving the crispiest, juiciest result.

6. Pasta Chips 2.0

Pasta chips originally went viral as a crunchy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. This year, they’ve seen a resurgence but with a twist. TikTok chefs are now experimenting with different pasta shapes, coatings, and dips to elevate the snack. For example, instead of the usual olive oil and parmesan, creators are opting for truffle oil, hot sauce, or even honey for a sweet-spicy combo. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, pasta chips continue to reign supreme in snack trends, offering a unique crunch with endless customization.

7. Healthy-ish Junk Food

2023 has seen an increase in TikTok creators finding ways to make typically unhealthy junk foods a little more nutritious without sacrificing taste. Whether it’s air-fried potato chips, cauliflower-based pizza crusts, or avocado chocolate mousse, the emphasis is on indulgence with a healthier twist. TikTok is teeming with recipes that promise guilt-free enjoyment, allowing users to satisfy their cravings without derailing their diets. Healthy food is being disguised as fun and trendy junk food.

8. The Rise of Mocktails

The mocktail trend, fueled by a growing interest in sober living and wellness, has taken over TikTok in 2023. These non-alcoholic beverages are not only beautifully presented but also crafted to deliver complex, satisfying flavors without the buzz. Whether it’s a sparkling raspberry lime mojito or a sophisticated herb-infused tonic, mocktails are making a serious case for themselves as the drink of the year. TikTokers are sharing easy, delicious recipes that look just as good (if not better) than their alcoholic counterparts. It’s the year of sobriety chic, and mocktails are leading the charge.

9. Vintage Recipes Resurfaced

2023 has also seen a fascination with vintage recipes. From Depression-era cakes to old-school casseroles, TikTok creators are breathing new life into recipes from the past. These dishes, often simple and resourceful, reflect a bygone era but are finding relevance in modern kitchens as people look for affordable and accessible ways to cook. There’s something nostalgic and comforting about these recipes, and TikTok is making them cool again.

10. Unexpected Ingredient Pairings

TikTok food trends are also pushing the boundaries of flavor combinations. In 2023, the weirder the pairing, the better. TikTokers are experimenting with everything from peanut butter on burgers to mustard on watermelon, and surprisingly, some of these bizarre combinations are becoming cult favorites. While not every combination is a hit, the trend encourages creativity and open-mindedness in the kitchen.

11. ASMR Cooking

Another 2023 trend that’s captivating TikTok is ASMR cooking. The crackle of frying bacon, the crunch of slicing a cucumber, the satisfying sound of whisking batter—ASMR cooking videos have millions hooked. Many creators focus on the sensory experience of cooking, offering their viewers not just a recipe but an immersive, calming experience. This trend combines the relaxing elements of ASMR with the satisfying visuals of cooking, making it one of the most engaging content formats on the platform.

In conclusion, TikTok continues to shape and define the way we approach food, whether through innovative trends, the resurrection of old recipes, or the simple joy of sharing meals online. The food trends of 2023 reflect not only a curiosity for new flavors and techniques but also a desire for community and shared experience. From butter boards to pickled fruits, TikTok’s culinary influence shows no sign of slowing down, as it continues to inspire and entertain millions of food lovers worldwide.