TikTok's Influence on Food Trends: What Foodservice Operators Need to Know

TikTok has emerged as a powerhouse platform, reshaping not only what we eat but how we talk about, present, and package our food. As a foodservice operator, staying ahead of these trends is crucial for success.

With the #TikTokFood hashtag amassing an astounding 43 billion views in 2021 alone, it's clear that food content is a driving force on the platform.

What This Means for Foodservice Operators:

  • Trend Awareness: Stay tuned to TikTok trends to anticipate customer demands and preferences
  • Visual Appeal: Invest in packaging that enhances the visual appeal of your food, as aesthetics play a crucial role in TikTok's food culture

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

One of TikTok's most significant impacts on food culture has been its promotion of sustainability and waste reduction.

How Foodservice Operators Can Adapt:

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Transition to compostable or recyclable packaging materials.
  • Portion Control: Offer varied portion sizes to reduce food waste and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Leftover Initiatives: Develop creative ways to repurpose leftover ingredients, and highlight these efforts in your marketing.

Global Flavors, Local Appeal

TikTok has become a melting pot of global cuisines, showcasing traditional dishes to millions of viewers. This globalization of food trends presents both challenges and opportunities for foodservice operators.

Strategies for Foodservice Operators:

  • Diverse Menu Offerings: Incorporate global flavors into your menu to cater to the expanding palates of your customers
  • Cultural Authenticity: If offering ethnic cuisines, ensure your packaging and presentation respect and reflect the dish's cultural origins.
  • Educational Packaging: Use packaging as an opportunity to educate customers about the origin and cultural significance of your dishes.

The Future of Food Packaging in the TikTok Era

As TikTok continues to influence food trends, packaging will play an increasingly important role in the success of foodservice operations.

Here are some key considerations for the future:

  • Interactive Packaging: Develop packaging that encourages customers to engage with your brand on social media, such as QR codes linking to recipe videos or behind-the-scenes content
  • Customization: Offer customizable packaging options that allow customers to create their own TikTok-worthy presentations
  • Sustainable Innovation: Invest in innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with the sustainability values promoted on TikTok
  • Portion Flexibility: Leverage packaging that accommodates the trend towards "egg flights" or snack-sized portions, as well as family-style meals for sharing
  • Brand Storytelling: Use your packaging to tell your brand's story and highlight your commitment to quality, sustainability, or cultural authenticity

Remember, in the world of TikTok, presentation is everything – and that starts with your packaging.