Social media is for trendsetting! Many up-and-coming food and flavor trends have been influenced by the latest social media trends, as consumers use social media platforms to learn about new products, global cuisines, innovative menu items, and exotic ingredients.
With an increasing number of consumers relying on social media to help them discover new foods and flavors to try, brands need to pay close attention to what’s trending on social media. Keep reading for our experts’ insights into emerging social media trends – and how brands can draw inspiration from these trends to introduce exciting new products.
Authentic Inspirations from Abroad
The global cuisine trend has been fueled, in part, by social media, as an increasingly interconnected world means that consumers are exposed to a vast array of cuisines when scrolling on social media. Some of the most popular global foods and flavors started trending because of social media, so brands seeking to capitalize on the international cuisine trend should keep a close watch on the global foods and flavors that are picking up steam online.
The most popular global food item on social media as of late happens to be a sweet treat from the Middle East. Consumers’ obsession with Dubai chocolate is undeniable. This classic candy bar features rich chocolate with a creamy pistachio filling that features crispy knafeh, shredded phyllo dough that offers a unique texture.
Once Dubai chocolate started going viral, cooking influencers began experimenting with the candy bar’s unique flavors and ingredients, giving rise to a wave of Middle Eastern inspired desserts,
including Dubai chocolate flavored cheesecakes, strawberry cups, brownies, and cupcakes. Brands should consider capitalizing on consumers’ desires for experiencing Dubai chocolate in new and exciting formats by bringing its beloved flavors to everything from snacks and beverages to desserts and dairy.
As consumers have completely fallen for Dubai chocolate, they have become curious about what else Middle Eastern cuisine might have to offer. Brands may also consider drawing inspiration from other mouthwatering Middle Eastern specialties to make the most of this trend.
Unsurprisingly, Asian foods and flavors have also been trending on social media. In light of the craze surrounding Korean dishes, it also comes as no surprise that many trending Asian dishes hail from Korea. Hwachae, a Korean fruit punch featuring floral flavors, for example, was trending on social media last summer and recently began trending again, cementing its status as a seasonal favorite. Similarly, oi muchim, a spicy Korean cucumber salad, began trending as soon as cucumbers became the latest social media craving. As these authentic specialties have yet to trend in retail, now is the perfect time for brands to innovate with their flavors to introduce products that consumers won’t be able to get enough of.
Viral Food Trends for Vitality
Where are consumers learning about maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Social media, of course. Indeed, Millennial and Gen Z consumers, in particular, see social media as a resource for educating themselves about all things health and wellness, including finding functional ingredients to target specific health concerns and discovering new diet tips. Among these consumers’ top priorities is having the energy to support their busy, active lifestyles.
Social media influencers have been pushing protein-packed meals for enhanced energy and hormone balancing, giving rise to salads and breakfast bowls that feature high protein ingredients, like
cottage cheese and hard-boiled eggs. Halloumi cheese has also been having a moment, thanks to this trend, as recipes using fried or grilled halloumi as a substitute for meat have gone viral recently.
Brands should, first of all, take note of consumers’ fixation on protein and emphasize the protein content of their products. There is also an opportunity to innovate around the ingredients and recipes that are picking up steam on social media as part of the protein trend.
Health and wellness trends on social media have also sparked renewed interest in the gut health trend. Mocktails that use probiotic and prebiotic sodas as a base have been trending online as a result, as have functional ingredients that can support digestive health. Figs, for example, have been featured in social media recipes that claim to aid in digestion, making them as popular as ever. Brands should consider innovating around these ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
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