How far is too far? The truth behind social media food trends

Social media has transformed the way we approach food. What once was a tool for seeing what people you went to school with are up to now has now become a global spectacle, with viral trends capturing the attention of millions. From vegetable-based pizzas and protein-packed dishes to the extreme carnivore diet, food content on social media is pushing boundaries. But with the rise of these quirky and bizarre food creations, the question must be asked: How far is too far? Are these trends simply for content, or are people genuinely eating them?  

Let’s explore some of the latest food fads and what they reveal about the intersection of food culture and social media. 

One of the more recent food trends is the “plant-based pizza.” This idea involves using different veggies as a pizza base, something that might sound a bit strange at first. With the hashtag #sweetpotatopizza sharing over 35,000 videos, we think it’s a hit with our vegetarians and nutritious Instagram foodies.  

Here are some examples of what veggies have been used to create this crunchy concoction:   

Cabbage-based pizza: The process involves chopping cabbage, seasoning it with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and roasting it until crispy. It’s topped with tomato purée, cheese and any other desired toppings before being baked again. Surprisingly, the result is a cheesy, crunchy and surprisingly tasty alternative to traditional pizza crust. It’s a healthy low-carb option for those looking to reduce their flour intake, but is it really a lasting meal choice or just a viral trend?

Healthy food trends like the cabbage pizza highlights how much social media have shifted food from sustenance to a form of entertainment. 

This has gained traction with the sweetpotato pizza base too! In fact, the hashtag  #sweetpotatopizza has been used over 5000 times on IG! the This simple idea involves boiling and mashing sweetpotatoes, then mixing them with flour to form a dough. The dough is rolled out, cut into circles, topped with pizza sauce and cheese and baked into mini pizza rounds.  

We decided to put our own spin on this trend in the Liquid kitchen by making these quick and easy mini sweetpotato air-fried pizzas! It was a fun and delicious way to incorporate those vitamins while also embracing the latest trends, all in collaboration with our client, the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission. The Liquid Kitchen team  created, shot and edited this content for the commission and we love how they came out! 

Is this trend about better nutrition, or is it simply another easy-to-make Instagrammable dish? Parents may genuinely appreciate the nutritional value, but for the public, it’s unclear if this trend is a lasting shift in how we approach pizza – or just another passing food fad. 

Perhaps the most extreme of the food trends is the carnivore diet. This diet is based entirely on animal products; meat, fish, eggs and dairy, while excluding all plant-based foods. Followers claim it improves everything from energy levels to mental clarity. Some even go as far as to consume raw meats and dairy, believing that cooking destroys important nutrients. The hashtag #carnivore diet has used in just shy of 1 million posts on IG, representing its impact on food content this year so far.  

The carnivore diet has sparked significant controversy in the health and nutrition communities. While it’s true that animal products are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, the complete exclusion of plant-based foods raises concerns about nutrient deficiencies such as fibre and essential vitamins. There are also worries about the long-term effects on heart health due to the high intake of animal fats and proteins. 

The carnivore diet is extreme, polarising and visually appealing, making it perfect for viral content. But whether it’s truly sustainable or healthy remains a point of contention. As with other trends, it’s important to distinguish between genuine health choices and content-driven fads. 

What’s also evident is that food trends today are as much about the spectacle as they are about the actual food. The rise of viral food content has created a space where culinary creativity often trumps nutritional value or practicality. This shift has led to more outlandish combinations and extreme diets being presented as the ‘next big thing’.  

Protein-focused dishes and influencer chefs are more than just a passing social media trend; they’re shaping the food landscape for 2025. With an emphasis on protein for muscle building, weight management, and overall health, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with high-protein recipes. What started in fitness circles has exploded into mainstream culture, with everyone from athletes to busy parents turning to protein-rich foods for their daily meals.  

Brands are jumping on board too, offering everything from protein snacks to protein-packed beverages. As more people look to control their weight, enhance satiety and fuel workouts, the demand for protein is set to stay strong, making it a key fixture in both social media content and our kitchens in the years ahead. 

For businesses, staying on top of food trends is key to engaging with the ever-evolving consumer base. But it’s equally important to balance creativity with sustainability and offer products that have lasting value – not just viral appeal. Food trends will continue to surprise us in the coming years, but as consumers, it’s essential to focus on what truly benefits our health, rather than just chasing the next viral food sensation! 

Ultimately, food trends reflect our creativity and the culture of instant gratification. As we move further into the digital age, the challenge will be finding a balance between genuine food innovations and fleeting content-driven fads. 

Contact us via our email and socials to let us know what you think of these quirky social media food trends and if you’ll be jumping on board for 2025.