Modern food trends have always been a reflection of cultural shifts, social media obsessions, and the ever-changing tastes of new generations. The world saw the avocado craze during the 2010s, and Gen Z has recently brought briny and salty pleasures into the spotlight.
But beyond simple cravings, the latest wave of “it foods” (from pickles to olives and even dense bean salads) speaks to something deeper: identity, status, and the way we curate our lives online. In an age where grocery shopping is a flex, and fermented snacks become viral sensations, food has become more than just sustenance—it’s a social signal.
Why, though, do certain foods capture our collective imagination? What does our obsession with specific flavors say about us? Click through this gallery to uncover how “pick me” delicacies are shaping trends and our tastes.