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Insight of the Day: FoodTok: How supermarkets are using TikTok to win Gen Z shoppers

Summary of Findings: TikTok has become a key platform for younger consumers to discover new food trends, significantly influencing the grocery sector. Viral trends like cucumber salad and the British jacket potato have created opportunities for supermarkets to engage with Gen Z and other demographics. Supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and M&S are leveraging these trends to drive both online engagement and in-store experiences, such as TikTok-inspired salad stations and protein-rich food fixtures.

Key Takeaway: Supermarkets that actively participate in TikTok trends, tapping into viral food content, can engage younger consumers, drive store visits, and boost sales. Authenticity and a fun, relatable approach are essential for success on the platform.

Trend:

  • Viral food trends, often driven by TikTok, are influencing grocery shopping habits and product demand.

  • Supermarkets are adopting TikTok as a marketing tool to drive consumer engagement, both online and in-store.

  • Increased consumer interest in trying new recipes and products discovered through TikTok.

Consumer Motivation: Consumers, particularly younger shoppers, are motivated by the novelty, experience, and community-driven engagement of TikTok food trends. They enjoy experimenting with viral recipes and products, which creates a sense of being "in the know" and part of a larger cultural moment.

What Is Driving the Trend:

  • The rise of social media, especially TikTok, as a source of inspiration for food experimentation and discovery.

  • Supermarkets' ability to tap into viral trends and meet consumer demands quickly.

  • The appeal of easy-to-make, fun, and sometimes healthy food trends that resonate with a younger, digitally-savvy audience.

Who Are the People the Article Is Referring To: The article refers to Gen Z, millennials, and younger consumers who use TikTok as a source for food trends and grocery shopping inspiration. It also refers to supermarkets and brands that are leveraging the platform to boost sales and engagement.

Description of Consumers Product or Service & Their Age: The products referenced include viral food items, such as cucumber salad ingredients, baked potatoes, and protein-rich products, primarily targeting younger shoppers (Gen Z and millennials) who are active on TikTok.

Conclusions: TikTok has reshaped how younger consumers discover and engage with food trends, creating a valuable opportunity for supermarkets to participate in the conversation. By aligning with viral trends, retailers can drive both in-store and online traffic, making the shopping experience more dynamic and appealing.

Implications for Brands: Brands and supermarkets that engage authentically with TikTok trends can increase their relevance among younger consumers. By being quick to jump on viral trends, retailers can boost product visibility and sales while enhancing their brand’s digital presence.

Implications for Society: Social media is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, particularly among younger generations. The blending of online trends with in-store shopping experiences highlights the evolving nature of consumer behavior in a digital-first world.

Implications for Consumers: Consumers benefit from engaging with a fun, trendy shopping experience where they can try new products and recipes. This trend promotes a sense of community and shared discovery, making grocery shopping more interactive and enjoyable.

Implication for Future: Supermarkets will continue to use TikTok as a powerful marketing tool, adopting new strategies that merge online trends with in-store shopping experiences. We can expect to see more retailers adapting to viral trends to stay relevant and engage with younger audiences.

Consumer Trend: The main consumer trend is socially-driven food discovery, where consumers are inspired by viral TikTok trends to try new recipes and shop for trending products.

Consumer Sub-Trend: A sub-trend is the growing interest in fun and experiential grocery shopping, where consumers enjoy the novelty of trying viral food trends and discovering new products.

Big Social Trend: The major social trend is social media-driven consumerism, where platforms like TikTok significantly influence shopping habits, especially among younger generations.

Local Trend: In the UK, supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Asda are integrating TikTok trends into their marketing and product displays to attract younger, tech-savvy shoppers.

Worldwide Social Trend: Globally, the trend of socially-connected retail experiences is gaining traction, as retailers use platforms like TikTok to engage consumers and shape food culture.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by the Article: The big trend implied is "TikTok-Driven Grocery Shopping," where supermarkets leverage viral food trends to drive engagement and sales.

Name of the Big Social Trend Implied by the Article: The big social trend implied is "Social Media-Influenced Consumer Behavior," reflecting how platforms like TikTok are reshaping how consumers discover and purchase food and grocery products.

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