From Scroll to Plate: How Social Media Shapes What Americans Eat

A survey of 5,000 U.S. adults reveals that social media has become a major driver in what Americans decide to eat.

According to the study, 77% say that trending content they encounter online influences their mealtime choices, while 93% regularly encounter food‑related posts and food content now occupies nearly 40% of many users’ feeds.

More than half of those surveyed say they’ve saved enough viral recipes to fill a cookbook. Key trends include ultra‑shareable dishes like loaded fries, “girl dinner” plates and cocktail‑inspired meals.

For brands, creators, and everyday consumers, this signals a shift: the kitchen is no longer just a home space, it’s a digital stage where visual appeal, novelty, and social influence shape our plates as much as taste and tradition.