In the ever-evolving landscape of food trends, it’s not uncommon for a particular ingredient to suddenly skyrocket in popularity, leaving supermarket shelves bare and shoppers scratching their heads in confusion. This time, the humble tub of cottage cheese has become the latest casualty of viral fame, and it’s all thanks to a recipe that’s taken social media by storm.
The Hot Honey Sweet Potato Beef Bowl, a dish sizzling across social media feeds, has put cottage cheese in the culinary spotlight. Content creators like Michael Finch and Danielle Mitchell have featured the ingredient prominently, causing a surge in its demand. The result? Cottage cheese has become a hot commodity, with many Australians finding it nearly impossible to snag a tub during their grocery runs.
Tina Provis, known for her stint on the reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, voiced her frustration on social media after failing to find cottage cheese at her local store. ‘Are we joking? Have we really sold out cottage cheese over this?’ she exclaimed, echoing the sentiment of many shoppers who were left empty-handed.
The cottage cheese craze has led to a flurry of comments online, with one shopper humorously blaming Michael Finch for the shortage after visiting three supermarkets in vain. Others expressed annoyance, particularly those who have been long-time consumers of the dairy product, now finding themselves competing with new fans brought in by the viral trend.
Supermarket chains have taken notice of the cottage cheese conundrum. A Coles spokesperson acknowledged the spike in popularity, attributing it to the health-conscious movement that’s been gaining traction on social media. They reassured customers that while the product has been flying off the shelves, efforts are being made to restock and meet the high demand.
Woolworths also confirmed the increased demand for cottage cheese, noting that customers are seeking high-protein, low-fat options for health reasons and as a versatile ingredient in recipes. The supermarket giant is working closely with suppliers to ensure that availability keeps pace with the newfound enthusiasm for cottage cheese.
But the impact of the viral recipe doesn’t stop there. Mingle’s taco seasoning, another key component of the Hot Honey Sweet Potato Beef Bowl, has also been swept up in the frenzy. Jordyn Evans, founder of Mingle Seasoning, reported a significant spike in sales, with the brand’s Taco seasoning selling out in many supermarkets. Evans highlighted the influence of social media on consumer behaviour, with the platform’s ability to drive immediate action and support for small businesses.
This isn’t the first time a social media trend has caused a stir in the grocery aisles. Mingle Seasoning has previously experienced a surge in interest following other viral food trends, such as meal prep content and the Everything Bagel Seasoning with the viral cucumber salad.
The sudden rise in popularity of cottage cheese is a testament to how quickly social media can influence food trends and shopping habits. Whether you’re a long-time fan of cottage cheese or newly curious about its versatility, this trend has certainly made an impact on supermarket shelves.
Have you noticed the cottage cheese shortage in your local stores? Have you tried the viral Hot Honey Sweet Potato Beef Bowl, or do you have your own favourite way to use cottage cheese? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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