2023 has been a whirlwind of culinary innovation and delectable trends. From churro-infused chocolates to cube-shaped croissants, this year saw a fusion of tradition and creativity, a blurring of boundaries, and the ever-persistent influence of social media in catapulting niche flavors into mainstream popularity.

I have selected, analyzed and chosen for you the 14 most viral food trends.

To analyze them, I used Google Trends and search query frequency history for the current and last year.

Dive in as we explore flavors that have tickled taste buds, broken the internet, and set the culinary world abuzz. Whether you’re a foodie in search of the next big thing or a casual eater looking to stay in the know, this list is your ultimate guide to the tastiest trends this year. Let’s embark on this gastronomic journey!

Feel free to use the charts and data on your own sites as long as you place an active do-follow link to my site.

Churo Kit Kat

Churro Kit Kat is a limited-edition flavor of Kit Kat chocolate bars that was released in June 2023 to coincide with National Churro Day. The new flavor features buttery churro-flavored creme with sugar mixed between the brand’s fan-favorite wafers, pairing the signature churro taste with the familiar crunch of a Kit Kat bar.

It’s popularity has grown by 1671.24% against 2022 with 3200 search volume in September 2023

Cube Croissant

Cube Croissant is a new pastry trend that takes the traditional crescent-shaped croissant and gives it a cube shape.

Its popularity has grown by 611.62% against 2022 with 5600 search volume in September 2023

Cube Croissant went viral on social media in early 2023, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, which has helped to generate excitement and anticipation among consumers.

Cottage Сheese Ice Cream

Cottage cheese ice cream is a frozen dessert made with cottage cheese as the main ingredient. The boom in cottage cheese ice cream’s popularity in April 2023 can be attributed to its viral trend on TikTok, where users shared their unique recipes and creative ways to enjoy the dessert.

It’s popularity has grown by 37452% against 2022 with 13 600 search volume in September 2023 (and 135 500 in April)

Hwachae

Hwachae is a traditional Korean punch made with various fruits or edible flower petals soaked in honeyed water or honeyed magnolia berry juice. The name Hwachae comes from the Korean words “Hwa” which means flower and “Chae” which means edible plant. It is a refreshing summer drink that is perfect for hot days.

Interest in hwachae increased by 383.04% relative to last year, with 170 800 search volume in September.

The popularity of Hwachae has skyrocketed dramatically due to its recent appearance on TikTok. People have been sharing videos of themselves making and enjoying this refreshing drink, which has led to an increase in interest and popularity. Hwachae is easy to make and can be customized with different fruits and juices to suit individual tastes.

Omsom Noodles

Omsom Noodles are a line of instant noodles that come with sauce packets and wider cut noodles than normal.

It’s popularity has grown by 10966.67% against 2022 with 4800 search volume in September 2023.

The popularity of Omsom Noodles has grown in 2023 due to their unique flavors, launching Saucy Noodles, premium quality, convenience, social media buzz, and seamless brand extension.

Canned Mocktails

Canned mocktails are non-alcoholic mixed drinks that come in a can, making them a convenient and easy-to-enjoy beverage option.

It’s popularity has grown by 210.37% against 2022 with 1500 search volume in September 2023.

The popularity of canned mocktails has grown in 2023 due to their health and wellness trend, unique flavors, convenience, social media buzz, and availability. 

Matcha Tonic

Matcha Tonic is a beverage made with matcha green tea powder and tonic water.

It’s popularity has grown by 51.96% against 2022 with 2900 search volume in September 2023.

The growing popularity of matcha in recent years, particularly in the US, has contributed to the popularity of Matcha Tonic.

Tinned Fish

Tinned fish is a type of seafood that has been canned and preserved in oil, water, or other liquids.

It’s popularity has grown by 72.69% against 2022 with 17200 search volume in September 2023.

Tinned fish has been heavily promoted on social media, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, which has helped to generate excitement and anticipation among consumers.

Color Changing Marshmallows

Color Changing Marshmallows are a new type of marshmallow that changes color when exposed to heat. 

It’s popularity has grown by 210.37% against 2022 with 1500 search volume in September 2023.

The release of these marshmallows in April 2023 coincided with the start of s’mores season, which helped to increase their popularity among consumers.

Freeze-dried Skittles

Freeze-dried Skittles are a type of candy that has been freeze-dried to remove all moisture, resulting in a crunchy texture and intensified flavor. The popularity of freeze-dried candy, including Skittles, has skyrocketed due to its unique texture, longer shelf life, and health benefits.

Their popularity has grown by 353.05% with 239 900 search volume in September.

Here are some reasons why freeze-dried Skittles have become so popular:

• Intensified flavor: Without the moisture, the flavor of the candy is intensified, making it more flavorful than regular Skittles.
• Longer shelf life: Freeze-dried candy has a longer shelf life than regular candy because the lack of moisture prevents bacteria and mold growth.
• Health benefits: Freeze-dried candy is often considered a healthier alternative to regular candy because it contains no added sugar or preservatives.

Freeze-dried Skittles have become a popular snack among people of all ages, and they are often used in recipes for desserts and other treats.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a type of cheese made from the curds of cow’s milk. It has a mild flavor and a creamy texture, and it is often used as a healthy snack or ingredient in recipes.

It popularity has grown by 56.54% against 2022 with 489 500 search volume in September 2023.

Overall, cottage cheese’s popularity has grown in 2023 due to its health benefits, viral TikTok trend, nostalgia factor, versatility, and availability.

Espresso Tonic

Espresso Tonic is a refreshing coffee drink that combines a shot or two of espresso with tonic water.

Its popularity has grown by 77.04% against 2022 with 4900 search volume in September 2023.

Espresso Tonic is now a staple on the menu of many specialty coffee shops and chains, making it more accessible to consumers.

Yuzu

Yuzu is a citrus fruit and plant in the family Rutaceae of East Asian origin. It has been cultivated mainly in East Asia, though recently also in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Italy, and France. 

Its popularity has grown by 34.16% against 2022 with 789 400 search volume in September 2023.

Yuzu has a unique flavor that is a combination of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, making it a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and a trendy flavor in the US.

Olive Oil Coffee

Olive Oil Coffee is a new coffee trend that involves adding a spoonful of olive oil to coffee. Olive Oil Coffee has a unique flavor that is a combination of the bitterness of coffee and the fruity, nutty flavor of olive oil.

Its popularity has grown by 261.01% against 2022 with 11 600 search volume in September 2023.