Is Social Media Changing the Way We Eat?

Scrolling through social media is now a usual part of our daily lives. It is interesting how these platforms can actually 'influence' the way we eat. We have noticed that the things we see on social media somehow make it onto our plates. We're not the only ones—social media is changing the way we eat, and here's how:

Discovering New Cuisines

Thanks to social media, discovering new dining spots is as easy as tapping a hashtag. We've discovered amazing dishes from all over the world through vibrant food blogs and posts. This kind of exposure to various cuisines has somehow elevated our taste buds and pushed us to experiment with new recipes and restaurants that we might have never found otherwise. For restaurants and catering businesses, this is an opportunity to showcase unique dishes and bring in a diversified customer base.

Viral Food Trends

Trends like the dalgona coffee craze or the cloud bread from a couple of years ago, start on social media and are wild. It is amazing how one post starts off a trend of millions of people trying to recreate the dish. For food industry businesses, keeping up with these trends can bring in heavy traffic and engagement. Featuring trending items on your menu or making your own viral content could put your business on the map.

"Instagrammability"

Restaurants now design dishes with social media in mind. The visual appeal of food has never been more important. We eat with our eyes first, and a beautiful dish can reach a wide audience, drawing crowds to a restaurant. This focus on "Instagrammability" has raised the bar for presentation, making dining out a more visually stimulating experience. From a business point of view investing in presentation can translate to increased free advertising - aka user-generated content-? when customers share their food experiences online.

Influencers and Reviews

For restaurants and catering companies, partnering with content creators can be a powerful marketing strategy to reach a wider audience and build credibility. Food influencers play a massive role in shaping our eating habits. When a trusted content creator talks about a new restaurant or dish, people can be more inclined to try it. It's like having a foodie friend who always knows the best spots.

Community and Connection

Food has always been a way to connect with others, and social media amplifies this. Sharing a photo of your homemade pizza or the dessert you had at a new café invites conversations and connections. It's a way to bond over shared interests and experiences, even with people across the globe. Fostering a sense of community through social media can drive customer loyalty and create a more engaged and supportive customer base.

For those of us in the food tech, restaurant, and catering industries, embracing the power of social media can lead to significant growth and connection. How has social media influenced your business or eating habits? Share your thoughts and favorite food trends in the comments!