Food is one of the great unifiers of humanity. It can soothe the soul, unite families, and bring people together in new, unique ways. But in recent years, with the rise of the internet and the age of social media, the food industry has seen the emergence of a new breed of food influencer. These are the individuals whose tireless culinary innovation and dedication to the art have propelled them to the forefront of the food world, earning them legions of followers and fans.
The Rise of the Food Influencer
The term “food influencer” is still relatively new, but it’s one that has quickly progressed from obscurity. The rise of Instagram, Pinterest, and various other social media platforms has provided the perfect setting for these individuals to showcase their culinary prowess and generate a devoted following. More than just posting photos of mouthwatering meals, food influencers are also using their platforms to educate their followers about the best ingredients to use, the latest chefs and restaurants to look out for, and the latest food trends.
By using data analytics and SEO tools to their advantage, food influencers have managed to connect with more and more people all over the world. They have managed to make their presence known on some of the biggest platforms, and have gone on to collaborate with both small and large brands. These collaborations have helped food influencers leverage their reach even further, and created entirely new revenue streams for them.
Behind-the-Scenes with Today’s Top Food Influencers
One such food influencer is Jeff Mauro, known to his fans as the Sandwich King. Jeff has made a name for himself for his unique and delectable sandwich creations, and his no-nonsense, straight-talking approach to food. Mauro’s website, The Sandwich King, is packed with recipes, as well as videos and step-by-step guides to help his fans create their own signature sandwiches.
Then there is Phoebe Lapine, a pioneer in the gluten-free movement. After suffering from an autoimmune disease, Lapine began experimenting with gluten-free recipes. She now hosts a popular blog and podcast and has written several cookbooks to help her fans create delicious, gluten-free dishes.
Food influencer Richard Blais is another who has made a name for himself in the culinary world. Blais, best known for his win on Bravo’s Top Chef and his groundbreaking culinary techniques, has used his platform to share the latest food trends, as well as host culinary competitions and collaborations. Others, like Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, have taken a more traditional approach. Drummond hosts a widely-followed blog and social media presence, and has written numerous cookbooks and hosted a cooking show on the Food Network.
Culinary Innovation Never Stops
The best food influencers are the ones who never rest on their laurels and are constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to up their game. Whether it be through creating a viral dish or developing a new technique, these individuals are always on the hunt for the next big thing.
Richard Blais is known for creating unique dishes that combine modern culinary techniques with traditional recipes. These include huge over-the-top sandwiches and various “molecular gastronomic” recipes. Blais can often be seen experimenting with new tools and ingredients, and is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen.
Food influencer Matty Matheson is also known for his innovativeness. Known for his popular YouTube channel and his signature “Fat Matty” burger, Matheson has become an industry powerhouse. He’s gone on to host his own show on Vice Media, and recently launched his own clothing line, showcasing his unique style and personality.
Connecting with Your Favorite Food Influencer
With all of the food influencers out there, it can be easily become overwhelmed and not know where to start. But once you find a food influencer whose style and personality resonates with you, there are many ways you can connect with them and learn from their expertise. You can subscribe to their blog or podcast, follow them on social media, or even attend one of the many te