Have you tried color-changing butterfly tea or the fluffy Coke from TikTok? If not for social media, you might not even know they exist. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are changing how we explore food and flavors. Alton Brown, a popular chef and food scientist, believes that our food experiences are shifting.
Brown points out that social media has made us more aware of diverse foods and cultural dishes. This is a positive change, as food connects people from different backgrounds. However, he also notices that many people struggle to describe what they taste. Young people find it hard to articulate the flavors and aromas they experience while eating.
Brown links this change to how we use social media. “We’re not just tasting with our mouths anymore,” he says. “We’re tasting with our eyes.” Photos of food, especially on Instagram, often prioritize looks over taste. The visual appeal can be so strong that it overshadows the actual eating experience.
Is Alton Brown Right?
It’s clear we eat with our eyes. Colorful foods often get more attention online. Flashy items like rainbow bagels or unique food trends can attract us, but we may not appreciate their taste fully. While trying something daring might be fun initially, it often leads to disappointment when the flavor doesn’t match the hype.
Alton describes social media food pictures as “food porn.” He argues that these images often miss the essence of cooking and eating. It’s not the same as the rich culture and connection that food can offer. When we focus solely on taking the perfect photo, we might forget the enjoyment of eating and sharing meals with others.
Food trends can be exciting, but don’t forget to cherish family recipes and traditions. If you feel disconnected from what you eat, try to engage with your food on a deeper level. Ask yourself, “What does this taste like?” and share those thoughts with others. Embrace the flavors and the stories behind them.
