Saturday, March 29, 2025
The once traditional concept of pudding as a dessert is being flipped on its head with the rise of “breakfast puddings,” a food trend gaining popularity on social media. Breakfast puddings now feature inventive recipes like chia seed puddings that taste like cookie dough, overnight oats resembling tiramisu, and Weetabix transformed into cheesecake-style creations.
TikTok’s Role in the Trend
TikTok has been a driving force behind this trend, with millions of views for viral recipes created by content creators such as Jessica Hoffman. These recipes often involve soaking ingredients like oats and chia seeds overnight with additions like dates, cacao, or indulgent ingredients like melted chocolate and caramel spreads. The trend includes flavors inspired by popular candy bars and desserts, from Snickers to matcha lattes.
Mainstream Appeal and Retail Growth
The trend is quickly moving from social media to the mainstream. Retailers like Marks & Spencer are now offering ready-made breakfast puddings, such as salted caramel overnight oats. Companies like Linwoods and Earthy have also jumped on the bandwagon, selling flavor-packed oats for overnight soaking.
Dietitian’s Take on the Trend
While nutritionists acknowledge the benefits of healthy versions using plant-based ingredients like fresh fruit and nut butters, some caution against recipes featuring highly processed items like chocolate bars. Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, recommends enjoying these indulgent versions in moderation.
Challenging Breakfast Norms
Despite concerns, psychologist Deanne Jade sees no harm in the trend. She argues that “pudding” means different things in various cultures and that incorporating flexibility into our approach to food could be beneficial. In countries like Italy and France, sweet pastries are common for breakfast, suggesting that the distinction between dessert and breakfast might not be so rigid after all.
