TikTok has undeniably become a major player in shaping today's culinary landscape. While some trends born on the platform have been spectacular failures – remember the infamous "steak in a toaster" incident that allegedly sparked a house fire? – others have offered genuine inspiration. From the questionable glitter pickle and coffee with mayonnaise concoctions (seriously, who asked for those?) to the surprisingly delightful pandemic-era frog bread, Dalgona whipped coffee, and dirty sodas, TikTok's influence is a mixed bag. As we approach the end of 2025, let's revisit some of the most noteworthy TikTok food trends that have emerged throughout the year.
A recurring theme throughout the year has been a focus on savvy shopping and saving money – a sentiment that resonates with many as grocery prices soar and wages remain stagnant. We've seen innovative hacks for repurposing leftovers and discovered new recipes that are both appealing and accessible. Unlike the often lengthy tutorials found on platforms like YouTube, TikTok's culinary content tends to be concise and easily digestible.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Shopping Hack
The 5-4-3-2-1 shopping method promotes mindful shopping habits. It's not about leisurely browsing, but rather about consciously selecting items to minimize food waste and resist unhealthy impulse purchases. The core principle is to buy five vegetables, four fruits, three proteins, two sauces, and one grain each week to ensure a balanced and sustainable diet. The easy-to-remember mnemonic helps to guide your shopping choices and promote healthier eating habits.
Recession Recipes
While the economic situation might not be officially classified as a recession (or worse, a depression), many individuals are feeling the financial strain and seeking creative ways to cut costs. Summer 2025 saw a surge in "recession recipes" on TikTok, with users sharing their favorite budget-friendly meals. The hashtag #budgetmeals became a hub for penny-pinching ideas, including "struggle meals" featuring Hamburger Helper, arroz con pollo made with ingredients from discount stores, and tuna melts prepared with generic groceries.
Adding Jam or Honey to Coffee
Maximizing the value of your grocery purchases means utilizing every last bit of each product. Two related TikTok trends from 2025 centered around using the remnants of condiments to sweeten your morning coffee. As it turns out, adding jam to your coffee can be a surprisingly pleasant experience, especially if you enjoy a fruity flavor. Similarly, pouring coffee into an almost-empty honey container can infuse your brew with a touch of sweetness. (This trick would work equally well with tea if honey-flavored coffee isn't your preference.)
The Leftover Pizza Sandwich
Having leftover pizza is hardly a culinary crisis. While it's delicious straight from the fridge, a quick zap in the microwave can restore its cheesy goodness. However, TikTok creators have discovered an even more inventive use for leftover pizza: transforming it into the outer layers of a sandwich. The filling is entirely up to you. Consider a pizza grilled cheese for an extra dose of dairy, load it up with raw or roasted vegetables for a healthier twist, or venture outside the box with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff for a unique "fluffernutter pizzawich."
Nutella Grilled Cheese
The idea of combining a grilled cheese sandwich with Nutella might initially raise eyebrows, but the results can be surprisingly delightful. The recipe, popularized on TikTok, typically involves using brie cheese on sourdough bread, topped with chocolate hazelnut spread and crushed almonds. The combination of flavors – sweet, savory, and slightly tangy – creates a harmonious and satisfying experience, with the almonds adding a pleasant crunch.
Crispy Onion Chips
Crispy onion chips are strong contenders for the title of 2025's best low-carb snack. TikTok users claim these chips require only two ingredients: thinly sliced onions and shredded cheese. Simply layer the cheese on top of the onions and cook them in an air fryer until crispy. (An oven can also be used for larger batches.) While flavorful on their own, these chips can be enhanced with additional seasonings or a dipping sauce.
Barbecuterie Boards
Charcuterie boards have been a TikTok staple for years. Just when you thought every possible variation had been explored – dessert boards, butter boards, Halloween-themed char-boo-terie boards – TikTok introduced the BBQ-terie board. As the name suggests, these boards feature an assortment of barbecued meats and smoked sausages piled high on rustic wooden platters. Optional accompaniments include baked beans, coleslaw, and mini corn muffins, along with essential dipping sauces like mustard and barbecue sauce.
Snack Cake Pops
Occasionally, TikTok unveils ideas that are so simple and brilliant that you can't help but wonder why you didn't think of them yourself. One such hack involves making cake pops without needing leftover frosted cake. TikTok creators suggest creating easier cake pops by crushing Little Debbie snack cakes, rolling them into balls, and dipping them in melted chocolate. Don't forget the lollipop stick!
Cookie Fries
TikTok embraces trompe-l'œil foods, and cookie fries are a standout example. These aren't a reimagining of the deep-fried Oreos often found at state fairs, but rather a simpler treat to create. Start with store-bought cookie dough, roll it out, and slice it into strips before baking. The resulting cookie fries are ideal for dipping in milk, frosting, chocolate sauce, jam, peanut butter, or whipped cream.
Trash Can Cookies
TikTok has a knack for reviving old trends. Sometimes, creators revisit retro recipes under their original names, even without fully understanding the context. Other times, they repackage familiar ideas with new names, as seen with 2025's trash can cookies. These are essentially a modern take on kitchen sink cookies, a recipe that dates back decades. The concept is perfect for promoting a "zero waste kitchen" by incorporating leftover pretzels, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, and uneaten Halloween candy into a batch of cookie dough.
Loaded Cereal Bowls
While last year focused on dessert bowls combining salty snacks, cookies, and candy, 2025 saw a shift towards healthier options with the emergence of the loaded cereal bowl. These bowls typically combine dried cereal with ingredients like fruits, peanut butter, and yogurt. While not suitable for making in advance due to the cereal becoming soggy, they are quick to assemble and provide sustained energy.
Whipped Dr. Pepper
This past summer's whipped Dr. Pepper shares similarities with 2024's fluffy Coke, but omits the marshmallow fluff and uses a different soda. The recipe requires only two ingredients: frozen Dr. Pepper chunks and heavy cream, blended together and topped with a splash of soda. Some TikTokers have created autumnal variations incorporating flavors like maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice.
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