TikTok is changing how food trends emerge and spread. It’s no longer just a place to watch dances; it’s becoming a key player in the food world. Recent data shows how quickly new flavors go from trending on the app to being sold in stores, proving that TikTok isn’t just influencing culture—it’s creating it.
Fast-Tracking Trends
Brands have learned to act fast when they spot something viral. “Social teams catch trends, and brands jump right in to seize the moment,” says Alyssa Williams, a category insights manager at Spate. The introduction of TikTok Shop has turned the platform into a commerce powerhouse, allowing brands to create buzz and drive sales in one spot. Launches focus on staying relevant and getting immediate feedback rather than building long-term loyalty.
One brand, My/Mochi, recently launched Ice Cream Sandwiches inspired by the unique textures that Gen Z loves. They teamed up with GoPuff, a popular Gen Z shopping platform, to tap into trending flavors.
Rapid Growth of Food Trends
Some trends are skyrocketing in popularity. Spate’s analysis from August 2024 to July 2025 reveals food trends with over 1,000% growth in TikTok mentions compared to the previous year:
- Dubai Chocolate Bar has surged over 1,000% on TikTok and over 394.8% in Google searches. This treat has quickly made its way into mainstream stores like Costco.
- Matcha Einspanner, a layered matcha latte, also saw a growth of over 1,000% on TikTok and 24.4% on Google.
- Pickle Cotton Candy is going viral as users taste and review it, showing over 1,000% growth in TikTok mentions and 664.6% on Google.
- The Honey Chipotle Sauce trend is part of the spicy-sweet movement, with similar numbers in growth.
- Pistachio Cream recipes are booming with more than 644.8% growth on TikTok.
- Ceremonial-grade Matcha is also experiencing significant growth, with consumers trending towards premium quality.
Experts believe flavors like matcha, pistachio, and spicy-sweet will stick around. Matcha is moving from lattes into snacks and beverages, becoming more versatile.
Cultural Shifts in Food
TikTok isn’t just about food flavors; it’s also reshaping how people enjoy meals. Trends have emerged around shared experiences, like “girl dinner” nights and themed pasta gatherings. This summer, tomatoes had their moment with the collaboration between Carbone Fine Foods and Malin + Goetz to create a tomato-scented candle. Chris Wendling, Carbone’s EVP of Marketing, points out that the platform is inspiring creativity in home cooking.
In a creative twist, My/Mochi introduced a campaign called “Make Your Own My/Mochi,” asking fans to suggest new flavors. This initiative received over 5,000 entries, showcasing how engaged communities are becoming part of product development.
Conclusion
TikTok is bridging the gap between viral trends and actual products. What once took years to transition from niche to mainstream now happens in just weeks. Brands like My/Mochi and Carbone Fine Foods are adeptly balancing cultural relevance and brand identity, leaving the door open for the next exciting flavor to take off. Instagram and TikTok are no longer just platforms for sharing; they’re arenas where culinary innovation thrives.
For more insights, you can check Spate’s research on food trends here.
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