Social media has the power to make food trends explode overnight, turning everyday dishes into viral sensations. But just as quickly as they rise to fame, many of these trends fizzle out, leaving behind only memories (and maybe some regret). From bizarre flavor combinations to over-the-top Instagram bait, these food fads had their moment in the spotlight, before disappearing just as fast.
Rainbow Bagels
These brightly colored bagels took Instagram by storm, with their swirling hues making every breakfast feel magical. However, despite their eye-catching appeal, they tasted just like regular bagels, leaving many underwhelmed. Once the novelty wore off, people went back to classic bagels with actual flavor.
Unicorn Everything
For a while, everything from lattes to toast was covered in pastel colors, edible glitter, and a touch of whimsy. The unicorn trend peaked with Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino, which was more of a sugar bomb than a coffee drink. Eventually, people got tired of all the artificial colors and moved on to more natural, aesthetic foods.
Black Ice Cream
Charcoal-infused ice cream looked edgy and mysterious, making it a hit for moody foodies. However, concerns over the effects of activated charcoal on digestion (and medications) led many places to stop selling it. Plus, it stained people’s teeth and tongues black, not the most flattering selfie moment.
Cloud Eggs
These fluffy, airy egg creations looked gorgeous on social media but were a hassle to make. Beating egg whites to a foamy consistency and baking them just right was too much work for a breakfast staple. People quickly went back to classic scrambled and fried eggs for their ease and taste.
Sushi Burritos
A hybrid of sushi and a burrito, this oversized roll promised the best of both worlds. But in reality, the giant size made them hard to eat, and the fillings often fell apart. Traditional sushi rolls and poke bowls remained more practical options, causing sushi burritos to fade.
Cronuts
A croissant-doughnut hybrid, the cronut caused long bakery lines when it first debuted. However, its popularity led to countless imitations that didn’t quite live up to the original. The hype died down once the novelty wore off, leaving behind a legacy of forgotten hybrid pastries.
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Freakshakes
These milkshakes were overloaded with whipped cream, candies, donuts, and even full slices of cake stacked on top. While they made for impressive photos, they were almost impossible to drink without making a mess. Eventually, people realized they were more about excess than actual enjoyment.
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Glitter Coffee
At one point, baristas were dusting cappuccinos and lattes with edible glitter for a sparkly caffeine boost. But the trend quickly died down when people realized that glitter didn’t add anything to the flavor, just to their dishwashing routine. In the end, a well-made espresso was all that truly mattered.
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Clear Coffee and Clear Milk Tea
The idea of coffee and milk tea that looked like water fascinated people for a brief moment. However, the taste was often described as weak or artificial, failing to live up to expectations. Once the shock factor wore off, people returned to their rich, comforting traditional brews.
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Rolled Ice Cream
Inspired by Thai street food, rolled ice cream looked cool in videos but took much longer to prepare than a typical scoop. The trend relied heavily on its visual appeal, but the actual taste wasn’t much different from regular ice cream. As the excitement faded, most people went back to their favorite local ice cream parlors.
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Avocado Lattes
Serving lattes inside avocado shells seemed like a genius idea for about five minutes. Not only was it messy and impractical, but it also didn’t enhance the taste in any way. People quickly realized that a good ceramic mug was the way to go. Plus, the lingering avocado residue didn’t exactly complement the coffee’s flavor, making the experience more about aesthetics than enjoyment.
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Raindrop Cake
This clear, jelly-like dessert looked like a drop of water and fascinated food lovers worldwide. But its nearly flavorless, gelatinous texture left most people unimpressed. It was more of an artistic statement than an actual satisfying dessert, which is why it quickly vanished.
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Viral food trends are fun while they last, but most of them don’t stick around for long. Whether they’re too impractical, too gimmicky, or just not as delicious as expected, they eventually fade into internet history. The next big food craze is always just around the corner, so get ready for whatever weird trend comes next!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
12 Legendary Burgers That Fast Food Chains Killed Too Soon
Some burgers come into our lives like a spark, lighting up taste buds and leaving an unforgettable impression. These burgers are more than just a meal, they’re an experience. These legendary creations captured our hearts and taste buds, captivating us. But just as quickly as they appeared, they were gone. Whether it was due to a limited-time promotion or a business decision, these burgers vanished before we could savor them long enough. These burgers deserve a comeback.
Read it here: 12 Legendary Burgers That Fast Food Chains Killed Too Soon
15 Forgotten Dinners We’re Dying to Bring Back
In a world of constantly evolving food trends, some classic dinner dishes have unfortunately fallen into obscurity. These meals might not be trending on Instagram right now, but they’ve got flavors and nostalgia that deserve a second chance. From hearty casseroles to comforting one-pot wonders, these forgotten dinners hold a special place in our hearts. Here are a couple dinners we’re dying to bring back.
Read it here: 15 Forgotten Dinners We’re Dying to Bring Back
12 Old School Sandwiches That Used to Rule Lunchtime but Disappeared
There’s something nostalgic about old-school sandwiches. Once the centerpiece of every lunchbox and diner table, these sandwiches were simple yet satisfying. Over the years, they’ve fallen into obscurity, replaced by more trendy alternatives, but their charm remains undeniable. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 12 classic sandwiches that used to rule lunchtime but have sadly disappeared from the mainstream.
Read it here: 12 Old School Sandwiches That Used to Rule Lunchtime but Disappeared
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