Lets Talk FoodTok

Written by Emma Knauf Illustrations by Jordan Schechter

On TikTok, #foodtok currently has 8.5 billion views. Billions of times, people have watched videos on the app, all about food. Just by scrolling for a few minutes, people can learn how to revamp ramen noodles for dinner, how to start a new diet, how to make a grandmother’s famous casserole recipe, or learn about the newest five-star restaurant in NYC, meaning people can learn anything and everything about food. TikTok has made it simple for people around the world who are passionate about food to connect and learn from each other. The app has influenced food lovers for the better, and it has changed the way we look at, learn about, and eat food.

One of the best qualities about food is how unique and different it is around the world. Traveling is a great way to try new foods and gain knowledge about other cultures. But, now the “For You Page” is a one-way ticket around the globe, exposing people to brand new foods and ingredients used in different countries. They can also hear stories about the food being made, as well as stories about different cultures and customs. That is exactly what Joanne Molinaro (@thekoreanvegan) is doing with her TikTok account. Molinaro is showing users how to make traditional, vegan Korean recipes while telling stories about her family and culture. TikTok gives people the chance to express their culture in the kitchen and gain attention and appreciation from others.

TikTok is a great way for people to quickly find resources and verified experts to follow. Professional nutritionists and dietitians on the app can directly answer questions, expose dieting myths, provide accurate information, and create an accepting and positive space for others to educate themselves and grow. Steph Grasso (@stephgrassodietitian) is one of many registered dietitians on TikTok. Grasso uses her account to explain how to maintain a balanced diet and to clarify false information from other videos and accounts while making nutrition fun and easy with healthy recipes and relatable content. Also, Todd Anderson (@ turnipvegan) is just one of many vegan food accounts on the app. He uses his account to talk about how veganism has changed his life and to post all kinds of vegan recipes. TikTok is a welcoming community for all food lovers and allows users to work together to help teach others about different diets.

Never used an oven before? No worries! TikTok is full of cooking tips and hacks to help beginners gain valuable skills and knowledge. There are so many videos that simplify preparing and making food for less experienced cooks. The app can turn cooking, something that some see as intimidating, into something users can love and cherish. College students and young adults living on their own need simple and inexpensive meals that don’t take too much time. TikTok is the perfect space to post recipes, explain all the steps and ingredients to use, and show exactly how to make it. Violet Witchel (@violet.cooks) is a college student who posts healthy, easy-to-make recipes on a tight budget and with fewer ingredients.

Whether you are planning a vacation or just looking for a new takeout place, people on TikTok are always posting recommendations for restaurants, diners, cafes, food trucks, bakeries, and so much more. Posting about restaurants on TikTok gives people a more personal review that is easier to understand and follow along with. It also helps out smaller, lesser-known restaurants by giving a chance for foodies all around the world to hear about them. Caroline Ponseti (@thethriftyspoon), for example, reviews restaurants in Washington, D.C.—most being healthy and budget-friendly. Accounts like hers make searching for places to eat less of a hassle and provide honest opinions that help people make smart food decisions.