The Top Viral Foods That Took the Internet by Storm
Here’s a look at some of the top viral foods that have taken the internet by storm and why they became so popular.
In today’s digital age, food trends spread faster than ever, thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Viral foods often start as simple creations or local favorites and, through the power of influencers and food bloggers, become global sensations. From unique flavor combinations to eye-catching presentations, these dishes capture our attention and, more importantly, our taste buds. Here’s a look at some of the top viral foods that have taken the internet by storm and why they became so popular.
1. Dalgona Coffee
Arguably the most iconic viral food of the pandemic era, Dalgona coffee became a household name in 2020. This whipped coffee drink, originally from South Korea, exploded on TikTok with its simple yet mesmerizing preparation process. All it takes is instant coffee, sugar, and water whipped into a frothy consistency, then layered over cold or hot milk. Its Instagram-worthy aesthetic and easy recipe made it an instant hit, especially during lockdowns when people sought new home-brewing trends.
2. Cloud Bread
Another pandemic-era sensation, cloud bread took the internet by storm with its fluffy, cotton candy-like texture and vibrant colors. Made from just egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch, cloud bread gained popularity for its unique texture and fun appearance, which could be dyed in a variety of hues. Its rise was fueled by its photogenic qualities, making it a TikTok and Instagram favorite, where users enjoyed experimenting with different colors and flavors.
3. Birria Tacos
Birria tacos have deep roots in Mexican cuisine, but they exploded in popularity on social media in recent years. Made with slow-cooked, juicy meat (traditionally goat or beef) and served with a flavorful consommé for dipping, birria tacos became a viral street food sensation. Their mouthwatering appearance and satisfying combination of crispy tortillas, tender meat, and rich dipping sauce made them a must-try for foodies everywhere. Videos of the crunchy, dip-worthy tacos flooded Instagram and YouTube, leading to a global birria craze.
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4. Feta Pasta
The baked feta pasta phenomenon originated in Finland and quickly became one of TikTok’s most viral recipes in 2021. This easy dish features a block of feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil until it becomes a creamy sauce, which is then mixed with cooked pasta. The simplicity of the ingredients and the minimal effort required to create a delicious meal made it a hit with home cooks. Plus, its appeal grew as users shared their own variations and twists on the recipe.
5. Sushi Bake
The sushi bake trend combines all the flavors of sushi in a convenient casserole form. Layers of rice, seasoned seafood, and creamy toppings are baked together to create a warm, comforting dish that can be served in bite-sized portions with seaweed sheets. This dish went viral on Instagram and YouTube, where food bloggers and influencers popularized it as a simple, shareable alternative to traditional sushi. Its customizable ingredients and the fusion of familiar sushi flavors in a new format made it a huge hit.
6. Korean Corn Dogs
Korean corn dogs have taken the internet by storm with their unique twist on the classic corn dog. These crispy, deep-fried delights are typically coated with a batter made of flour and panko breadcrumbs, often with fillings like mozzarella cheese, sausage, or both. Topped with sugar and served with condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise, these corn dogs have an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors. Their quirky appearance and tantalizing cheese pulls made them perfect for viral food videos.
7. Pancake Cereal
One of the more whimsical food trends, pancake cereal features tiny, bite-sized pancakes served in a bowl, often with butter and syrup or milk. The trend started on TikTok, where users shared videos of themselves flipping dozens of mini pancakes and serving them like cereal. The fun factor, coupled with how easy it is to customize with toppings like fruit or whipped cream, made pancake cereal a viral sensation in 2020.
8. Ube Desserts
The vivid purple hue of ube, a Filipino purple yam, has made it a star ingredient in viral desserts worldwide. Ube’s naturally vibrant color and subtly sweet flavor have made it a popular addition to treats like cakes, ice cream, and donuts. Ube desserts gained viral attention not only for their unique appearance but also for their connection to Filipino cuisine, showcasing the growing appreciation for global flavors in viral food trends.
9. TikTok Ramen
Another viral dish born from TikTok, TikTok ramen is a quick, easy recipe that transforms instant ramen noodles into a gourmet-like meal. The viral version often features a sauce made from butter, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a savory-sweet coating for the noodles. Topped with scrambled egg and everything bagel seasoning, this upgraded ramen recipe gained popularity due to its simplicity, affordability, and delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
10. Rainbow Grilled Cheese
The rainbow grilled cheese trend dazzled the internet with its colorful, gooey appearance. By adding food coloring to mozzarella cheese, food creators were able to craft grilled cheese sandwiches that, when pulled apart, revealed a rainbow of colors. This visually stunning food trend became a hit on Instagram, where it was shared widely for its photogenic and playful appeal, turning a childhood favorite into an Instagram sensation.
From Dalgona coffee to ube desserts, viral food trends showcase the power of social media in influencing culinary creations and inspiring home cooks. These foods captivate not just with their taste but with their visual appeal, simplicity, and often innovative twists on traditional recipes. As food trends continue to spread across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, we can expect even more creative and mouthwatering dishes to go viral in the future. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, these viral foods offer a delicious glimpse into the ever-evolving world of internet culinary culture.
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