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2023's Digital Culinary Landscape: A Year in Online Food Trends

From vegan cheese that stretches to mocktails that mesmerize, this year was a rollercoaster of flavors, fads, and fun.

Culture

Tinned Fish

The humble tinned fish emerged as an unexpected star in the culinary world. No longer just a pantry staple, it became a centerpiece for creative and gourmet dishes. TikTok users showcased everything from simple, elegant crackers topped with sardines and herbs to elaborate tinned fish charcuterie boards. This trend highlighted a shift towards sustainable and convenient eating.


Cottage Cheese Comeback


Cottage cheese made a triumphant return, shedding its bland, diet-food image. TikTokers reinvented it in smoothie bowls, savory dips, and even as a creamy addition to pancakes. Its high protein content and versatility made it a hit among health-conscious foodies.


Sunday Roast Revival


The classic Sunday roast got a modern makeover. While maintaining its comforting essence, TikTok chefs added unique twists like exotic spice rubs and unconventional side dishes. This trend reflected a yearning for comfort and tradition in uncertain times.

Girl Dinner

'Girl dinner' became a phenomenon, representing a carefree approach to dining. It's all about assembling an array of snacks - think cheese, fruits, chocolates, and whatever else is on hand - into a meal. This trend celebrated simplicity and spontaneity in eating.


Tomato Girl Summer


Inspired by the 'Hot Girl Summer' meme, 'Tomato Girl Summer' became a symbol of healthy, vibrant living. TikTok was flooded with recipes featuring fresh, juicy tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, and drinks. It was a celebration of seasonal produce and simple, fresh flavors.

Barbie-themed Foods


Coinciding with the hype around the Barbie movie, Barbie-themed foods took over TikTok. From pink smoothies and cupcakes to Barbie-inspired cocktails, this trend was all about fun, playful, and often pink food creations.


Upside Down Puff Pastry Tarts


Upside-down puff pastry tarts became a visual and culinary delight. TikTokers flipped the script on traditional tarts, creating beautiful, Instagram-worthy dishes that were as delicious as they were photogenic. This trend showcased the creativity and artistry in modern cooking.

French Yogurt Cake (Gâteau au Yaourt)


The French Yogurt Cake, or Gâteau au Yaourt, became a sensation for its simplicity and elegance. This easy-to-make cake, often involving using the yogurt container for measuring ingredients, became a hit for its rustic charm and deliciousness. It's a trend that celebrates the joy of uncomplicated baking, bringing a touch of French culinary chic to kitchens worldwide.


Diet Coke "Recipes"


Diet Coke "recipes" emerged as a quirky trend, where TikTokers used the soda in unconventional ways. From using it as a marinade for meats to mixing it into cake batters, this trend showed the versatility of this popular beverage in cooking, often with surprisingly tasty results.


WaterTok


WaterTok took hydration to a whole new level. This trend involved creating unique, often sugar-free flavored water concoctions. Think cucumber-mint or berry-lime infusions, and even more adventurous combinations like “Mountain Dew-flavored water” made with zero-sugar additives. It's a trend that made staying hydrated fun and flavorful.


Hwachae (Cold Korean Fruit Bowls)


Hwachae, a traditional Korean refreshment made with fruits and edible flowers in cold water or milk, gained international fame. These visually stunning and refreshing bowls became a summer favorite, showcasing the beauty of Korean cuisine and the appeal of light, fruity treats

Pastina Love Affair


Pastina, the tiny star-shaped pasta, became a comfort food sensation. This humble Italian staple was celebrated for its versatility and nostalgia factor. TikTokers shared recipes ranging from simple buttery bowls to hearty, veggie-packed soups, reminding us of the comfort of simple, home-cooked meals.


Brazilian Lemonade Craze


Brazilian Lemonade, a refreshing twist on traditional lemonade made with limes and condensed milk, took the internet by storm. This creamy, tangy beverage was a hit for its unique flavor and ease of preparation, perfect for sipping on sunny days or as a novel addition to summer gatherings.


Homemade Ice Cream Innovations


Homemade ice cream became a creative outlet for many. With or without an ice cream maker, people churned out flavors ranging from classic vanilla and rich chocolate to inventive combinations like lavender-honey and spicy mango. This trend showed the joy of making and sharing delightful frozen treats.

The Chopped Sandwich


The chopped sandwich, a method of finely chopping and mixing all the sandwich ingredients before stuffing them into bread, gained popularity for its even distribution of flavors in every bite. This trend was a hit for its playful take on the traditional sandwich, making lunchtime both fun and delicious.

Each of these trends reflects a broader narrative about how we engage with food in 2023. They show a blend of nostalgia, health consciousness, sustainability, and a desire for culinary creativity and experimentation. These trends are not just about what we eat but how we relate to food as an expression of culture, health, and personal identity.

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