TikTok Wrapped: The 2021 Food Trend Report

1. Cloud bread (3.3 Billion views)

Out of all the food trends that have taken over users ‘For You Page’, it was cloud bread that came out on top as the most viewed viral food trend of all time! The viral bake has been viewed over a staggering 3.3 billion times by users on TikTok. The recipe first gained popularity as part of the Atkins diet in the 1970s and was made into a TikTok trend last year. Even though the hype has simmered down in 2021, people have continued to create gluten-free and low-carb recipes in different shapes, colours and flavours to share on the platform. 

2. Whipped coffee (2.4 Billion views)

Nearly a billion views behind in second place is whipped coffee, also known as dalgona coffee. This creamy caffeinated beverage first became popular during lockdown, and since has gained over 2.4 billion views on the video sharing platform. It’s convenience has helped it stay a firm favourite amongst TikTok users as you only need three ingredients to make it. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of boiling water until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add the mixture to a glass of milk with ice and enjoy! 

3. Pancake cereal (1.6 Billion views)

Rounding off the top three is pancake cereal, with a whopping 1.6 billion views. These mini pancakes have fascinated TikTok users and influenced many to try their own - including celebrities such as Jason Derulo. Since pancake cereal, there have been many other variations. From cookie cereal (19.6 million views) to croissant cereal (7.5 million views), many sweet treats have been shrunk into ‘cereal size’ this year - with 4 of them making the top 50.

4. Frozen honey (1.6 Billion views)

In August this year frozen honey became the must-try trend of TikTok, and has gained over 1.6 billion views since. The ‘summer hack’ saw users freezing squeezy honey (or honey poured into in water bottles) to turn it into a gelatine texture popsicle. Be careful with this one though, many who tried the trend did not know that consuming large amounts of honey can cause discomfort, stomach ache and sickness. 

5. Dalgona candy (1.4 Billion views)

In fifth place is dalgona candy with over 1.4 billion views on TikTok. The popular Korean street snack is made from melted sugar and baking soda. Dalgona candy became a popular TikTok food trend following the release of the Netflix series Squid Games in September this year. Many TikTok users filmed themselves replicating the challenge from the show, with the aim to carve out the delicate symbol printed on the candy, without damaging the shape. 

September also saw the rise of the infamous salmon rice bowl, popularised by content creator Emily Mariko. Despite only becoming a viral trend at the end of September, the simple and healthy meal hack has been viewed over 708.3 million times on TikTok and ranks in 12th place on our list. This trend has helped Emily Mariko become one of the most well known food influencers in the world. 

However, Emily Mariko isn’t the only influencer who has found fame on the video sharing platform. Many chefs and foodies have taken to TikTok to share their knowledge and love for food, whilst also influencing others. According to research by Mintel[1], four in ten UK TikTok users purchased food or drink items after seeing it promoted by influencers on the platform last year - but who has been the most popular food influencer in 2021?

1. Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsayOfficial)

British chef Gordon Ramsay is the most successful and popular food creator on TikTok in 2021. Known for his fiery TV appearances, Ramsay has taken to TikTok like a natural, and gained over 29.8 million followers in the process. From sharing cooking tips, recipes, and the occasional dancing video, Ramsay has the potential to earn up to £22,471 ($29,800) per video on the platform - which is just under the annual average wage of a full-time chef in the UK, at £27,000 a year according to Total Jobs[2] .

2. Bayashi (@bayashi.tiktok)

Video creator, Bayashi ranks in second place with over 14.3 million followers on TikTok in 2021. Bayashi’s account increased in popularity after one of his many attempts to complete the Squid Game ‘dalgona candy’ challenge. One of his most viewed video attempts was seen by over 129.2 million people, and received 12 million likes on the single 30 second clip. When he is not taking part in challenges, he makes process videos of him cooking and eating extreme dishes, such as chocolate katsu and mozzarella donuts. Bayashi’s ability to build such a large fan base on the platform helps him make up to an estimated £10,622 ($14,101) per video this year.

3. Newton Nguyen (@newt)

Newton Nguyen, also known as Newt, rounds up the top three. From fashion to food influencer, Newt has become a well-known star of FoodTok and has gained an impressive 9 million follower count. The Vietnamese TikTok chef shares regular recipes from various cuisines on his account and has even brought out his own merch. It is predicted that he can make up to £6,788 ($9,002) per post on TikTok.