Looking for the trendiest dishes and cooking techniques for fall? Forget print magazines or cable cooking shows — foodies today turn to the social media platform TikTok for the latest culinary news, recipes and food prep hacks.
From TikTok to table, viral food trends, baking hacks and cooking methods get millions of views worldwide, shaping how modern cooks prepare meals for their households. Here’s a sampling of TikTok food trends going viral in the fall of 2024.
Pickled cucumbers
Hot on the heels of harvest season, pickled cucumbers have recently popped up as a fan favorite on TikTok. “I’ve seen videos where people are pickling cucumbers with unexpected flavors like chili and garlic,” says Gary Gray, co-founder of couponing site CouponChief.com.
Other variations he’s seen include cucumbers with cream cheese, salmon and deli meats. According to Gray, cucumbers are so popular now that some stores struggle to keep them in stock. “I think the trend is also about nostalgia,” he says. “Many people remember their grandparents making pickles and want to recreate that experience.”
Charcuterie cups
With the holiday season right around the corner, newbie foodies and those with more experience look to TikTok for new ways to make holiday entertaining and meals more exciting. One of the most popular trends is the resurgence of the charcuterie board — but with a twist.
Instead of using a platter or board, TikTok food creators craft charcuterie cups. They layer meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies and nuts in paper or clear cups for individual servings.
This idea has an aesthetic appeal and is convenient. Charcuterie cups let guests grab their personalized portions. The cups are easy to hold during gatherings and simple to customize for different tastes.
Savory ice cream
Another TikTok trend impacting how we eat is serving savory ice cream for snacks and desserts. Flavor combinations that once seemed unusual, like garlic, olive oil or miso caramel, are now popping up in home kitchens and under the #Foodtok hashtag.
Creators on TikTok share recipes that guide viewers through making these flavors, demonstrating how to balance sweetness and saltiness. As a result, savory ice cream is becoming a quirky yet delicious option for fall desserts.
Hot chocolate boards
Much like charcuterie boards, hot chocolate boards include various hot chocolate ingredients, such as marshmallows, whipped cream and flavored syrups. They encourage creativity, are visually appealing and are perfect for entertaining guests of all ages this fall.
This trend has taken off as colder weather approaches. It offers a fun take on a classic winter beverage.
One-pot meals
When it comes to social media and cooking posts, one-pot meals continue to trend. Home cooks look for ways to simplify meal prep while minimizing cleanup.
TikTok influencers share innovative one-pot recipes featuring comforting ingredients like pasta, rice and seasonal vegetables. These recipes often combine everything in a single pot, making them time efficient and great for busy families.
Fall harvest salads
Gardening is another popular TikTok category, so it should be no surprise that fall harvest salads are another popular TikTok fall food trend. “I’m seeing them everywhere — particularly with influencers who grow their own produce,” says Gray, adding that these salads feature ingredients like roasted beets, apples and nuts.
“The colors in these salads are stunning,” he says. “You’ve got the deep reds of beets and the bright greens of kale, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.”
Air fryer everything
The air fryer craze is still going strong as the days get cooler. This versatile kitchen appliance allows cooks to create dishes without the excess oil.
This autumn, TikTok users continue experimenting with air fryer recipes including everything from Brussels sprouts to cheeseburgers and apple cider donuts. These recipes appeal to those looking to enjoy their favorite fried foods in a healthier way.
Mason jar meals
Another cooking technique capturing attention this fall is jars and salads. This approach involves layering ingredients in a jar, making it easy to prepare meals ahead of time.
TikTokers showcase colorful, vibrant salads with grains, proteins and vegetables, encouraging viewers to mix and match their favorites. This method saves time and helps busy cooks create fresh and healthy meals throughout the week.
Baked feta frenzy
One unique trend that has emerged from TikTok and that’s still going strong is baked feta pasta. This viral TikTok food trend involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes until creamy, then mixing it with pasta.
This comfort food became wildly popular on TikTok several years ago and is still a staple in many kitchens. The combination of flavors is simple yet satisfying, appealing to both novice cooks and experienced chefs.
A plethora of pumpkin spice
Fall is well known as the season of comfort food, and that includes many recipes featuring pumpkin spice. Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice has evolved beyond lattes to include a variety of dishes.
From pumpkin-spiced tiramisu to savory pumpkin soups, TikTok users showcase how to include this seasonal favorite in all sorts of meals. These recipes cater to sweet and savory palates, so there’s something for everyone.
Plant-based alternatives
As the popularity of these trends grows, some TikTok users enjoy experimenting with plant-based alternatives this season. TikTok features many recipes that highlight vegetables and legumes as main ingredients. Whether using lentils as a substitute for beef or pork to create meatballs or adding chickpeas to baked goods, plant-based cooking is becoming more popular and appealing.
TikTok food trends influence our meals
As summer ends and autumn takes hold, TikTok continues influencing how we cook and eat, introducing new trends to excite and inspire home cooks. TikTok users offer viewers unique takes on familiar dishes and innovative cooking techniques.
These viral food ideas then move from screens to kitchens across the country. As trends evolve, they encourage creativity and offer us all opportunities to explore new flavors and experiences.
Sarita Harbour is a long-time business, finance and food writer. See her latest recipes and food trends posts online at Recipes From Leftovers.