Panera has launched a ‘Roman Empire menu,’ riffing off a TikTok trend that has seen millions of users ask how often men think about the Roman Empire. As people hunt for entertainment and community online, the trend showcases how brands can stay afloat amidst quick trend cycles.

The humble pickle, often discarded from many a Big Mac, is taking over the snack world via a viral TikTok challenge. Not only does this highlight the adventurous nature of British snackers but also demonstrates the power of TikTok in shaping contemporary food trends both on and offline.

TikTok’s sway over people’s eating habits rises, and fast food brands have been living up to their names through quick releases of tailored menu items and viral dishes. Popeyes released its take on the online ‘Girl Dinner’ craze, giving itself relevancy and appeal among younger consumers.

McDonald's Grimace-themed milkshake has made waves online, with the #grimaceshake trend on TikTok transforming the happy purple character into something a little darker. Adopting a product into fan storytelling can effectively generate hype, whether or not it matches the brand's intentions.