Social Media Food Trends That are Redefining Consumer Choices in 2025

Social media food trends are more influential than ever, reshaping how consumers interact with food and drink. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook have elevated food content into a multi-billion-dollar arena, dictating choices and driving revenues. With Instagram posts on chaos cakes surging by 45.36% and TikTok’s pasta chips rising by 24.78%, food marketers and brands must recognize the growing potential of these trends.

Social media has become a cornerstone for restaurant discovery and engagement. Statistics show that 90% of consumers research restaurants online before dining, and 37% rely on social media to find new dining spots. 

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are no longer just visual hubs—they are decision-making tools that influence 50% of diners’ choices. Moreover, 22% of customers are inspired to revisit a restaurant due to its engaging social presence, highlighting the importance of content like reviews, interactive posts, and quick responses. 

For brands, leveraging this influence is crucial to capture attention and drive growth in today’s competitive market.

How does social media influence food trends?

Social media shapes food trends by spotlighting visually striking, easy-to-make, or culturally diverse dishes. Algorithms favor engaging, shareable content, turning a simple recipe into a global phenomenon. Social media food marketing ensures that trends like chaos cakes or butter boards gain visibility and traction by aligning consumer interest with creative content.

AI-powered platforms, like Tastewise, amplify this influence by identifying trends early and enabling brands to create tailored, real-time marketing strategies. For example, Tastewise can help promote ‘the next best thing’ with the prune and walnut tart recipe. Technology is a powerful tool for addressing food marketing challenges and satisfying consumer appetites.

Social media food trends are no longer just fun online movements; they are tools for influencing purchasing decisions and reshaping global food culture. Platforms like Tastewise empower brands to capitalize on these insights, ensuring their products align with what consumers crave. 

Are you ready to harness these trends for your business?

The impact on consumer behavior and food culture

Food trends on social media impact consumer preferences and cultural practices in transformative ways:

1. Shift to health-conscious eating: Plant-based deli meats and zero-waste dining resonate with consumers seeking sustainable and ethical choices.
2. Visual culture: Instagram’s focus on aesthetics drives demand for photogenic dishes like bocconcini cheese platters and chaos cakes.
3. Globalization of tastes: TikTok trends like butter boards and seafood dishes infused with Southeast Asian flavors encourage culinary exploration.

Top social media food trends in 2025

On Instagram

1. Chaos Cakes: Growing by 45.36%, these colorful, vegan-friendly cakes dominate feeds, with users praising their whimsical appeal.
2. Plant-Based Deli Meats: Posts of artisan-style sandwiches inspire creativity in vegan cooking.
3. Seafood Innovations: Southeast Asian-inspired seafood dishes trend for their exotic flavors and vibrant presentations.
4. Bocconcini Cheese: Fresh mozzarella variations steal the spotlight in salads and appetizers.

On TikTok

1. Butter Boards: Featuring lavish butter spreads paired with artisanal breads, this trend appeals to food stylists and home cooks alike.
2. Pasta Chips: Gaining 24.78% in discussions, this air-fried snack attracts Chinese cuisine enthusiasts and artisan food lovers.
3. Elevated Instant Noodles: Quick meals upgraded with premium toppings resonate with busy yet adventurous cooks.

On YouTube

1. Plant-Based Protein Drinks: Fitness influencers endorse these products in recipe tutorials, driving interest among health-conscious audiences.
2. Izzio Sourdough Bread: This low-sugar bread trend has grown by 115.1%, with home bakers sharing their creations.
3. Prune Recipes: Videos highlighting prune cocktails and desserts capture consumer interest in innovative uses of familiar ingredients.

On Facebook

1. Zero-Waste Dining: With a 10.11% rise in discussions, this movement encourages sustainable practices in meal preparation and packaging.
2. Snack Plates: Creative, visually appealing snack trays are trending for their health and convenience, particularly among families.

In 2025, social media food trends are more than fleeting moments; they are essential tools for solving key challenges in food marketing. From creating captivating content to understanding consumer demands, these trends empower brands to connect with audiences in ways that drive both loyalty and revenue. The rise of chaos cakes, pasta chips, and zero-waste dining illustrates the shift toward innovation, visual appeal, and sustainability—areas where marketers often struggle to stand out.

For marketers, the real challenge lies in turning these trends into actionable strategies. How do you ensure your campaigns resonate with evolving tastes? How can your messaging balance authenticity with impact? Platforms like Tastewise bridge this gap, helping brands navigate these complexities with real-time insights that accelerate decision-making and drive results. Embracing popular food trends isn’t just about staying relevant; it’s about meeting consumers where they are and transforming their desires into tangible growth.