15 Foods That Became Memes Before Going Viral in Stores
Food trends often start in unexpected places, like social media memes. These quirky online phenomena capture attention, spark conversations, and sometimes become a phenomenon in stores.
From rainbow-colored snacks to viral breakfast creations, many foods have gained fame through memes before hitting shelves. This list explores popular items that went from online humor to global trends, reshaping how we think about food marketing.
Rainbow Bagels
The rainbow bagel took over social media with its vibrant, swirled colors. Originally a niche creation by a small bakery, it became a sensation thanks to countless Instagram posts.
Memes about “eating rainbows for breakfast” gave it even more exposure. Soon, everyone wanted a bite of this colorful treat. It didn’t take long before cafes and supermarkets started offering their versions.
Avocado Toast
What began as a symbol of millennial culture quickly spiraled into memes about avocado-loving hipsters. Posts poked fun at its popularity, sparking debates about its affordability and trendiness.
The humor only fueled demand, making it a menu staple worldwide. Grocery stores now sell pre-sliced avocados and avocado toast kits. A simple meme helped transform it into a billion-dollar food trend.
Cronuts
The cronut, a croissant doughnut hybrid, was an internet darling before it became a bakery staple. Memes joked about its indulgence and how far people would go to get one. This mix of humor and curiosity skyrocketed its popularity.
The original bakery saw long lines, but soon stores everywhere replicated the idea. It’s now a permanent part of many dessert menus.
Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin spice became a cultural icon through memes teasing its seasonal obsession. Posts joked about pumpkin spice invading everything, from coffee to dog treats. This humor amplified its already strong appeal, driving demand every fall.
Brands eagerly expanded their pumpkin spice offerings to match the hype. Social media ensured it remained an autumn tradition.
Charcoal Ice Cream
This dramatic black ice cream caught attention with its unique appearance and health claims. Memes mocked its goth aesthetic, calling it “the official dessert of existential crises.”
The humor only made people more curious, leading to massive lines at shops. Charcoal ice cream became a trending treat in cafes and Instagram feeds alike. Its popularity eventually reached grocery stores.
Eggs on Everything
The internet couldn’t resist making memes about adding eggs to every meal. Posts joked about the magic of a runny yolk, calling it “food’s ultimate makeover artist.” The trend turned into a culinary movement, inspiring dishes with eggs on pizza, burgers, and salads. Restaurants capitalized on the hype, while stores promoted specialty eggs. A meme made this classic ingredient trendy again.
Galaxy Cakes
These shimmering, starry desserts mesmerized social media users. Memes about eating “the universe on a plate” gave them even more appeal. The artistry behind these cakes inspired bakers and hobbyists alike. Soon, galaxy-themed desserts were everywhere, from bakeries to baking kits in stores. The trend’s cosmic charm never faded.
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Creations
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos gained meme status for their bold flavor and snack hacks. Posts showed creative ways to use them, from coating fried chicken to topping pizzas. The internet’s obsession turned into a massive market for Flamin’ Hot-inspired products. Restaurants added Cheetos dishes, and stores launched spin-offs like Flamin’ Hot mac and cheese. A spicy meme became a culinary phenomenon.
Sourdough Bread
During lockdowns, sourdough bread became the focus of countless memes. Posts humorously chronicled the struggles of bread-making and the rise of “quarantine bakers.” The trend turned sourdough into a household project and a symbol of resilience. Specialty bakeries saw a surge in demand, and stores stocked sourdough starters. A meme brought an ancient tradition back into modern kitchens.
Cloud Bread
This fluffy, colorful bread took social media by storm. Memes joked about its texture, calling it “the pillow you can eat.” Its easy recipe made it accessible to home bakers, boosting its popularity. Cloud bread quickly appeared in cafes and stores, catering to the viral demand. The internet transformed this airy snack into a global craze.
Pickle Pizza
Pickle pizza started as a joke on social media, with memes questioning its existence. Posts featured reactions ranging from disbelief to curiosity, fueling debates about whether it was a brilliant or bizarre idea.
The hype turned it into a must-try novelty, with restaurants adding it to their menus. Stores soon began selling DIY pickle pizza kits for adventurous foodies. A quirky meme turned an unconventional topping into a trendy dish.
Dalgona Coffee
The whipped coffee trend started as a meme-worthy DIY project. Posts humorously depicted the effort needed to create the fluffy topping. Its visually appealing layers quickly went viral, inspiring countless attempts at home. Cafes caught on, adding dalgona coffee to their menus. What began as a playful meme turned into a lasting coffee trend.
TikTok Pasta
TikTok pasta recipes became memes overnight, with their simplicity and creamy appeal. Posts joked about the obsession with baked feta and cherry tomatoes. The trend led to shortages of feta cheese in some areas. Stores and brands embraced it, promoting ingredients for the viral dish. TikTok made pasta the star of kitchens everywhere.
Avocado Ice Cream
Avocado desserts gained attention through memes poking fun at their unconventional appeal. Posts debated whether avocados belonged in sweet treats. The curiosity helped avocado ice cream gain traction, appearing in specialty shops and grocery stores. Its creamy texture and unique flavor became a hit. A quirky meme turned this oddity into a beloved dessert.
Giant Pancakes
Massive pancakes stacked impossibly high became the subject of viral humor. Memes marveled at their size, joking about how to eat them without toppling the stack. Restaurants embraced the trend, creating menu items inspired by the meme. Supermarkets soon followed, offering pancake mixes labeled for “giant stacks.” This breakfast classic became a towering symbol of fun.
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