HOW CHEFS ARE TURNING VIRAL FOOD TRENDS INTO MENU STAPLES

April 21, 2025

Social media is today’s test kitchen. One viral food trend can spark millions of views and create nationwide cravings overnight. Yet, in the fast-paced world of foodservice, chefs and operators don’t just chase clicks—they turn viral inspiration into reliable, repeatable menu items that keep customers coming back.

From TikTok recipes to flavor-forward Instagram content, here’s how culinary pros are making trend-worthy-foods menu-worthy and how food brands and manufacturers can help.

FEED TO FORK: VIRAL TRENDS THAT ARE HITTING MENUS

Not every food trend survives the scroll, but the ones that do are increasingly showing up in creative, craveable ways on restaurant menus. Here are six of the hottest trends chefs are leaning into:

#1 CHILI CRISP: This umami-packed condiment exploded online—and chefs are making it their own.

• On the menu: Chili crisp-drizzled noodles, crispy chicken sandwiches, or spicy aioli burgers.
• Brand opportunity: Bulk back-of-house chili crisp formulated for foodservice that maximizes versatility and offers labor-saving prep and consistent quality and heat levels.

 

#2 SMASH TACOS (or Smashburger Tacos): A TikTok favorite where smashed burger patties are cooked directly onto tortillas.

• On the menu: Elevate taco menus beyond traditional with burger, chorizo, and vegetarian-style tacos—playing with global or regional ingredients and toppings.
• Brand opportunity: Precise meat portions, smash taco kits, and other kitchen-ready solutions to save on prep and cook time.

 

#3 CHAOS CAKES: Growing by 45.36%, these colorful, vegan-friendly cakes dominate feeds, with users praising their whimsical appeal.¹

• On the menu: Customize these messy, wild treats with seasonal ingredients, bold textures, and unexpected flavor pairings (chili powder, pretzels, or candy cane toppings)
• Brand opportunity: Thaw-in-serve or pre-baked fresh cakes save bake time; consider colorful icing and pre-portioned topping mixes, or kits patrons can use to decorate their own cakes, table-side.

 

#4 UPSCALE TINNED FISH BOARDS: Once niche, now next-level. Social media made tinned fish cool—and chefs made it craveable.

• On the menu: Tinned fish tapas boards with pickled veg, fancy crackers, and curated tins.
• Brand opportunity: Offer chef-friendly SKUs with individual portions or co-branded restaurant kits to simplify board assembly.

 

#5 BUTTER BOARDS & FLAVORED SPREADS: Initially a share-worthy trend, now evolving into signature appetizers.

• On the menu: Whipped flavored butters with artisan breads or seasonal toppings.
• Brand opportunity: Compound butters with flavor innovation for easy prep and supplying recipe inspiration for menu extension.

 

#6 PICKLE EVERYTHING: Pickle juice, pickle seasoning, pickle ranch that consumers can’t get enough.

• On the menu: Pickle-brined fried chicken, pickle slaw, and pickle-forward dressings.
• Brand opportunity: Pickle concentrates or pre-made sauces that cut labor and work across multiple dishes and dayparts.

 

WHAT FOOD BRANDS AND MANUFACTURERS CAN DO NEXT

Food trends move fast—and so should suppliers. The brands that help chefs stay ahead of trends, while keeping operations simple, will win big.

• Deliver Trend-Ready Ingredients: Whether it’s a pre-made chili crisp, chaos cake base, or brine concentrates, the key is offering speed-scratch products with flavor innovation and functional ease.
• Inspire with Real-World Recipes: Go beyond the product spec sheet. Provide recipes and visual examples that show how your ingredient or product works in on-trend menu builds.
• Make It Kitchen-Friendly: Chefs need formats that work for their back-of-house needs—whether that’s high-heat packaging, pre-portioned items, or long shelf life for lower waste.
• Collaborate with Creators and Operators: Co-developing menu ideas with chefs or leveraging creator momentum builds credibility—and keeps your brand connected to what’s hot.

TRENDS MAY START ONLINE, BUT THE BEST ONES END UP ON MENUS

In a time when diners crave what they see on their screens, chefs are bridging the gap between viral and viable. Nevertheless, they can’t do it alone. The opportunity for food brands and manufacturers? Be their partner in transformation. Deliver the tools and trend-aligned products that help chefs go from TikTok to menu-ready without missing a beat.

Ready to help chefs capture the next big flavor trend? Let’s connect about how your brand can deliver the ingredients, innovation, and inspiration chefs need to make social-worthy food a long-term success. We’d love to help.

 

Sources:
¹ Social Media Food Trends That are Redefining Consumer Choices in 2025, Tastewise, January 21, 2025
TikTok Food Trends 2025, Last updated 4-14-2025
Gen Z food trends: what today’s young US consumers want, Attest, Last Updated 3-10-2025