As I’ve shared before, TikTok has become my happy place recently. And though I’m not a creator myself (yet anyway!), I’ve found an additional benefit of this trendy social media platform: it’s educational!
One of my favorite parts of TikTok is the food content. My husband and I are both foodies who enjoy trying new foods and dining at fine restaurants. TikTok has created plenty of ideas for us, so I decided to give ‘em a go to see if the hype was worth the chatter.
Here, I tried seven TikTok food trends and shared my honest opinion on whether you should give ‘em a go, too:
Cooking the Egg Quesadilla
@aldentediva@mrs_dee_penda thank you for the ##hack!! Have you guys seen this on @tiktok yet?? 🐖 ##wellnesstips ##TalkToAnimals♬ original sound – Tara “T” Ippolito 💜
When I first watched this TikTok, I thought, ‘Hey, I could do that.’ And I was right! It’s super-simple, delicious and filling, and has become part of our weekly rotation.
Though it’s been touted as a breakfast concept, I think this dish is delicious for any meal. The idea is easy: you whisk together two eggs and pour them into a hot frying pan coated in olive oil or butter. Then, you sprinkle cheese on top and allow it to melt. Next, you stick a tortilla to the cheese and egg concoction. Once it sticks, you flip it over, add more cheese and fillings (peppers and meat, if you’d like). Lastly, you fold it over and cook it at a lower heat until the tortilla becomes crispy. Add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole on top, and serve with a side of lettuce and tomatoes.
Cooking Pesto Eggs
Another egg-forward trend, this breakfast food is ideal if you like pesto. Since I’m a fan, I gave it a shot — and now I’m addicted. Seriously, it’s so yummy! Rather than using olive oil or butter to coat your pan to fry up or scramble eggs, you use pesto. Then, the eggs and pesto sauce combine to create a mouthwatering dish. I like to add some pico de gallo on top for an additional flavor profile.
Eating Watermelon and Mustard
@lizzo##stitch with @yayayayummy ummmm I ended up just eating it w tajin 🤭♬ original sound – lizzo
Yep, you read that correctly: watermelon and mustard. While many people gagged at the very thought of this combination, I was intrigued. I’m originally from North Carolina, where it’s relatively common to sprinkle salt on your watermelon on a hot summer day. Since mustard offers a tang that I enjoy, I figured it could be enjoyable. And well, I was not disappointed. At first, it was a strange taste, but now I’ve grown to love it. Apparently, Lizzo and I have similar taste buds!
Eating a Lemon Peel for Euphoria
@psychiccitywitchDo you know about the Dandelion cover-up? Wait until you try lemon peel.🍋🧿##thirdeye ##herbalism ##awake ##astral ##witchtok ##fyp ##spiritual♬ Soul Catcher – MikhailovMusic
According to one TikToker, eating a lemon peel — mmhmm, the peel — will bring you euphoria and joy. Like many others, I was skeptical and a little grossed out. But for the sake of journalism, I gave it a shot and waited the recommended twenty minutes to feel immense happiness. I’m sad to report I didn’t feel any differently — but I did have very fresh breath. (And a weird taste in my mouth.) I don’t recommend this one.
Eating Cucumber and Sugar to Create Watermelon
@janellerohnerLet’s make watermelon round 2. Have U tried this yet? What did u think? @sophielyuik ##eatwithme ##mukbang ##foodtiktok♬ Kiss Me More (feat. SZA) – Doja Cat
I love melons of all kinds. In fact, when they’re in season, I probably have a bowl of fruit every single day. And while I also frequently eat cucumbers in my salad and on my sandwiches, I’ve never thought to, um, dip them in sugar? According to one TikToker, combining these two together creates the taste of watermelon. However, I just found it to be a very odd sweet cucumber flavor that wasn’t enjoyable. I say, stick to the real watermelon and cucumber.
Eating Nature’s Cereal
@lizzoAnother s/o to @natures_food since y’all hoes can’t read lol AAAAAAND for the “unblended smoothie” hive — it’s not bussin Janelle 😏♬ Triple S – YN Jay & Louie Ray
Another food trend made famous by Lizzo, Nature’s Cereal, is a healthy alternative to traditional flakes and milk. You simply combine coconut water and ice with various fruits, from blueberries and raspberries to strawberries and pomegranate seeds. Then, eat with a spoon, as you would typical cereal. Though I like fruit and I dig coconut milk, I was a little annoyed by the ‘healthy’ approach. In my mind, if you want to enjoy cereal, you should! However, when I tried this on a sweltering day, it was exactly what I needed to feel refreshed. I wouldn’t eat it every single day, but after a day spent outside, it’s a nice cool-down snack.
Drinking Steeped Lettuce to Get Sleepy
@halalsnacctrying the ##lettucewater ! ##fyp♬ original sound – deena
Another viral TikTok food trend is steeping lettuce in hot water to create a tea of sorts. It doesn’t matter what type, just any ‘ole leafy green you enjoy. The idea is that if you sip on it, you’ll be sleepy within half an hour. Though I’m a reasonably good sleeper who tends to fall asleep quickly, I thought it was an interesting concept — and one I’ve never heard of before. While I did feel tired, I’m not sure if it was from the lettuce tea… or from the boot camp I did in the early A.M. Whatever the case, it doesn’t taste great, so I’d suggest sticking to chamomile tea for a restful night instead.