Food TikTok is a goldmine of creativity, offering delicious and easy-to-make recipes. But with so many trends, it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth trying. So, I took it upon myself to test four of the most viral TikTok food trends of the year.
I made sure to choose recipes that have been seen everywhere and that countless people swear by. Each recipe was given a score out of five based on taste, ease of preparation, and overall enjoyment.
1. Chickle (Pickle-Cheese Roll-Up): 5/5
This one caught my eye with its simple yet intriguing concept. All you need is cheese and a pickle. The cheese is toasted in a frying pan, then a pickle is placed on top and the cheese is folded over to create a wrap.
This recipe is simple, quick, and has minimal cleanup. The combination of salty pickle and melted cheese is surprisingly addictive. This is a perfect late-night snack for those craving something salty and cheesy.
2. Tanghulu (Candied Fruit): 2/5
This Chinese snack is visually stunning, with brightly colored fruit coated in a glossy, hardened sugar. The ASMR aspect of the crunching sugar alone was enough to convince me to give it a try.
While the flavor combination was enjoyable, the execution was challenging. The sugar syrup is tricky to get just right, and it took me several attempts to achieve the desired crunch. My final product was more sticky than crunchy, and the cleanup was a nightmare. I would only recommend attempting this recipe if you have experience working with sugar or have a candy thermometer on hand.
3. Pancake Cereal: 5/5
This trend has taken over TikTok, and for good reason. The mini pancakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, offering a fun twist on the classic breakfast staple.
Making them might require a little patience as you individually flip each miniature pancake, but the effort is totally worth it. I enjoyed them both with and without milk, but my favorite was without milk, allowing the crunchy texture to shine through. This is a delicious and playful way to enjoy pancakes.
4. Pasta Chips: 3/5
I’ve been dying to try this recipe for ages. It involves cooking pasta al dente, tossing it in olive oil and seasonings, and then air frying it until crispy. The result is a crunchy and satisfying snack.
While the flavor was good and the texture was satisfyingly crunchy, it wasn’t mind-blowing. The extra step of air frying the pasta made this a less appealing option compared to simply eating a bowl of pasta. Overall, it was a good snack, but not something I would make regularly.
My journey through these viral TikTok food trends was a fun one. Each recipe offered a unique take on familiar dishes, some more successful than others. I encourage you to give them a try and see for yourself what you think! And don’t forget to let me know in the comments if there are any other TikTok food trends you’re loving.