Dear Food Enthusiasts,

From ancient Chinese markets to your TikTok feed, tanghulu is the latest food craze! Discover the story behind this sweet treat.

FOODIE FIND
Tanghulu Takes Over TikTok: A Sweet and Sticky Sensation

Looking for a sweet and visually stunning snack? Meet tanghulu, a traditional Chinese treat that's taking the world by storm thanks to TikTok. This colorful concoction of skewered fruits coated in a glistening layer of hardened sugar syrup is not only delicious but also mesmerizing to watch being made. Tanghulu's vibrant colors and playful presentation have captivated audiences worldwide, turning it into a must-try snack for food lovers and social media enthusiasts alike.

FEATURE ARTICLE
THE TANGHULU CRAZE: HOW TIKTOK TURNED A TRADITIONAL CHINESE SNACK INTO A GLOBAL SENSATION

In the fast-paced world of social media, TikTok reigns supreme in setting trends and capturing global attention. While it has popularized everything from dance routines to viral challenges, its latest sensation is tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack. Unexpectedly, this sweet treat has taken TikTok by storm (with over one billion views on #tanghulu videos), enchanting users worldwide and demonstrating the platform's unique power to turn cultural gems into international phenomena.

What is Tanghulu?

Tanghulu, which roughly translates to "sugar skewer" in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese snack consisting of skewered fruits, typically hawthorns, dipped in a sticky, sugary syrup. With a rich history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), its origin story is tied to Chinese folklore. Legend has it that a concubine of the Song Dynasty Emperor Guangzong fell gravely ill, and none of the court physicians could cure her. A doctor suggested a remedy of hawthorn fruits boiled with sugar, which she ate before each meal. Miraculously, she recovered, and this sweet remedy became popular among the people, eventually evolving into the candied treat we know today.

#TikTokTrend

So, how did a traditional Chinese snack become a global sensation on TikTok? The answer lies in the platform's unique ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. With its short-form videos and algorithm-driven feed, TikTok has the power to amplify even the simplest of pleasures.

The tanghulu trend on TikTok started to gain momentum when users began sharing videos of themselves making the snack at home. The mesmerizing process of dipping the skewered fruits into boiling sugar syrup, followed by the satisfying crackle as the syrup hardens, quickly captured the attention of viewers. As more and more people attempted to recreate the snack, the tanghulu obsession reached new heights.

Shiny Starry Appeal

Part of the sugary snack's allure on TikTok can be attributed to its visual appeal. The vibrant colors of fruits coated in glossy syrup create an aesthetically pleasing contrast that is perfect for capturing attention in a scroll-happy environment. Additionally, the crackling sound of the hardened syrup as it's bitten into, known as ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response), adds another layer of sensory satisfaction for viewers.

Celebrity Endorsement

The tanghulu craze also received a significant boost from celebrity endorsements. K-pop group Blackpink's Jennie, for example, played a role in popularizing the snack in South Korea when she and bandmate Jisoo made tanghulu in their 2020 Netflix documentary "Blackpink: Light Up the Sky."

A Global Community

Ultimately, what sets the tanghulu trend on TikTok apart is its ability to foster a sense of community among users. Whether it's through sharing recipes, swapping tips for achieving the perfect glossy finish, or simply enjoying the snack together in virtual solidarity, TikTok has brought people together around a shared love for tanghulu.

The tanghulu trend on TikTok is a testament to the platform's influence in shaping cultural phenomena. What started as a traditional Chinese snack has become a global sensation, thanks to TikTok's ability to amplify and democratize trends. Whether you're a seasoned tanghulu connoisseur or a newcomer to the craze, there's no denying the sweet satisfaction that comes from indulging in this timeless treat.

So grab a skewer, dip it in sugar syrup, and join the revolution - your taste buds will thank you.

DAILY BITES: AI IN ACTION
3 Actionable Steps for F&B Businesses

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the food and beverage industry. Here are three actionable steps F&B businesses can take to harness the power of AI:

1. Implement AI-powered recommendation systems: Utilize AI algorithms to analyze customer data and preferences, offering personalized product recommendations and tailored marketing campaigns.

2. Invest in AI-driven supply chain optimization: Optimize inventory management, reduce food waste, and improve supply chain efficiency through AI-powered analytics and predictive modeling.

3. Explore AI-enhanced customer service: Utilize AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide 24/7 customer support, answer inquiries, and gather valuable customer feedback.

MARKETING MUNCHIES
3 Actionable Tactics to Spice Up Your F&B Marketing Strategy

In today's competitive F&B landscape, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Here are 3 actionable marketing tactics to tantalize your customers and boost your brand:

1. Embrace User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage customers to share their experiences with your brand through photos, videos, and reviews. Utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Yelp to showcase UGC and build trust.

2. Leverage Influencer Marketing: Partner with food influencers who align with your brand values to reach a wider audience and generate buzz.

3. Prioritize Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website and online ordering platforms are optimized for mobile devices to cater to the growing number of customers who prefer to browse and order on the go.