Have you ever wondered how TikTok food influencers and food influencers on Instagram captivate millions with their unique takes on everything from gourmet dishes to street food classics? Food influencers have become an essential part of social media, sharing recipes, restaurant tips, and culinary adventures that inspire food lovers worldwide. In Nigeria, the top food influencers on Instagram and TikTok are not only expanding our love for food but also creating platforms where brands and businesses can thrive through powerful partnerships. In this article, I’m going to explain what food influencers mean, list the top 20 influencers from TikTok and Instagram, and explore how to become a food influencer.
Key Points
- Food influencers create engaging content, from recipes to restaurant recommendations, and often collaborate with brands to showcase products or experiences.
- Successful food influencers establish a distinctive brand by choosing a niche, whether in specific cuisines, local food gems, or health-focused recipes.
- Instagram and TikTok are essential for visual storytelling, while a blog or YouTube can provide a space for in-depth content.
- Once established, food influencers can earn through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content, transforming their passion into a profitable career.
What Is a Food Influencer?
A food influencer is a passionate content creator who shares everything from recipes to gardening tips across social media platforms, captivating audiences with a love for food. If you’re following top food influencers on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, you’ve likely seen how they collaborate with brands, whether through demonstrating kitchen gadgets or promoting meal kits.
While some food influencers are trained chefs or work within the food industry, many others are self-taught enthusiasts who’ve turned their personal passion into a career, making the world of food influencers on Instagram and TikTok food influencers incredibly diverse.
Many food influencers began as food bloggers, writing recipes, answering questions, and creating a space for food lovers to engage.
How to Become One of the Top Food Influencers
Being one of the top food influencers is not an easy job but the following steps are going to guide you in an easier way:
#1. Select Your Style and Build Your Brand
Becoming a food influencer means creating a style that’s as unique as your favorite dish. Top food influencers know how to stand out—some focus on sharing their own recipes with stunning step-by-step photos, while others showcase local gems, snapping pictures of chef-prepared dishes that make you want to visit immediately. There are even those who combine food and travel, journeying across countries to share the best dishes from each destination.
Choosing a niche is also key; whether you’re into vegan recipes, gluten-free delights, or spotlighting your city’s trendiest coffee shops, a specific focus makes it easier to connect with a dedicated audience.
For instance, if you specialize in gluten-free dishes, you become a trusted source for anyone managing gluten sensitivities. Likewise, if you’re into superfoods, people interested in the latest health trends will naturally gravitate towards your content.
#2. Choose Your Medium
Your next big step as a food influencer is selecting how you’ll share your content. Starting a blog gives you space for detailed storytelling, from in-depth recipes to personal anecdotes that bring each post to life. If video content is more your style, YouTube can be perfect for “how-to” cooking tutorials or restaurant explorations around your city.
For visual storytelling, Instagram is unbeatable for food influencers, especially with its vibrant community and collaboration opportunities with restaurants and food brands.
Platforms like TikTok, popular with younger audiences, are ideal for quick, engaging clips under a minute, which allow you to reach a younger demographic fast. And while focusing on a single platform is a good start, remember that many top food influencers use a multi-platform approach.
#3. Start Creating Content
The heart of your brand as a food influencer is your content. For those who develop recipes, take pictures throughout your cooking process and write clear instructions that make it easy for followers to recreate your dishes. If you’re more about food adventures, capturing the perfect shot when your dish arrives at a restaurant will be essential. Remember, even the top food influencers started somewhere; you don’t need fancy equipment from the start.
A good smartphone and natural light can go a long way. The goal is to create consistently high-quality content that keeps your followers coming back for more.
Don’t worry if you feel like you’re starting small—even big names like Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, began with zero followers. Building a following takes time and dedication, and consistency is key.
#4. Interact With the Industry
Networking is crucial in the food influencer world, whether it’s commenting on fellow influencers’ posts, reaching out to food photographers, or connecting with restaurant owners. Engaging with others in your niche will help build relationships and make you more visible. Collaborating with other influencers on videos, podcasts, or blog posts is a great way to expand your audience. These connections might feel intimidating at first, but engaging with your community is worth it.
#5. Monetize Your Platform
Once you’ve built a loyal following, you can start exploring ways to monetize your platform. On Instagram, microinfluencers with just over 1,000 followers can already begin collaborating with brands. YouTube also offers ad revenue, paid directly based on video views, but you can supplement it with affiliate links or sponsored partnerships.
Brands often approach food influencers for marketing campaigns, offering payments or products in exchange for social media posts. Choosing brand partnerships thoughtfully ensures that they align with your audience and values. As your following grows, you can negotiate higher rates and reach out to companies that resonate with your brand’s style.
Top 20 Food Influencers on Instagram and TikTok
Here’s a closer look at the Top 20 Food Influencers on Instagram and TikTok who are making a significant impact in Nigeria’s culinary world:
#1. Adeoluwa Prince Enioluwa
Known as “The Lip Gloss Boy,” Enioluwa combines food with his unique personality and humor, capturing his audience with engaging food reviews and taste tests. His Instagram is a blend of trendy foods and traditional Nigerian cuisine, often showcased with a humorous twist that resonates with young audiences. With his easy-going style, Enioluwa has successfully bridged food content with lifestyle, making him one of Nigeria’s most popular food influencers on Instagram.
#2. Sarah Olowojoba
Sarah Olowojoba’s content revolves around authentic Nigerian recipes with a modern touch, often sharing easy-to-follow tutorials. Her feed features beautifully plated dishes with step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for viewers to try Nigerian cuisine at home. Her approachability and emphasis on preserving Nigerian flavors have garnered a loyal following, making her an invaluable source for traditional cooking on Instagram.
#3. Adepoju Grace
Grace has carved out her space by focusing on family-friendly meals and comforting Nigerian recipes. Her content emphasizes simplicity and affordability, showcasing dishes that resonate with the everyday Nigerian. Her Instagram features a range of meals, from hearty soups to street foods, and she’s known for making these dishes approachable, making her a beloved figure among food influencers on Instagram in Nigeria.
#4. Foodblog9ja
This food blog brings together mouthwatering visuals and a strong emphasis on Nigerian street food and local favorites. The account captures the diversity of Nigerian cuisine, from savory snacks to regional delicacies. Foodblog9ja’s detailed descriptions and authentic style attract food lovers who want to explore the wide variety of Nigerian flavors, whether for dining out or cooking at home.
#5. Omoye Isabota
Omoye is known for her vibrant and aesthetically pleasing food presentations. She often infuses her culinary creations with a blend of Nigerian and international influences, appealing to a wide audience. Her use of color and artistic plating makes her dishes Instagram-perfect, giving followers both inspiration and practical tips on how to elevate traditional meals with a modern twist.
#6. Minister of African Food Tourism
Minister of African Food Tourism showcases African culinary traditions with an emphasis on cultural heritage. Known for celebrating regional ingredients and traditional dishes, this influencer uses their platform to make African cuisine accessible and appreciated both locally and internationally.
Their Instagram feed is a mix of vibrant dishes, storytelling, and culinary explorations, drawing followers who appreciate authentic African flavors and the stories behind them.
#7. Cynthia Onyeka Obi-Uche Ndu
With a keen eye for presentation, Cynthia shares recipes that highlight fresh, nutritious ingredients. Her content often incorporates health-conscious twists on Nigerian dishes, appealing to an audience looking to enjoy traditional meals with a modern, healthy spin.
Her expertise in both food and nutrition helps her stand out, and her posts make it easy for followers to replicate her colorful, nutritious recipes at home.
#8. Joy Ogbidi
Joy Ogbidi brings a creative flair to Nigerian cuisine, showcasing colorful, artfully plated dishes that celebrate Nigerian flavors in a contemporary style.
Her Instagram account captures the richness of Nigerian dishes, from spicy soups to refreshing fruit platters, all presented with her signature style. Her content resonates with food lovers looking for both visual inspiration and practical cooking tips.
#9. Our Foodie
This influencer offers a fun, relatable approach to cooking, often sharing budget-friendly recipes that cater to Nigerian tastes. With a strong presence on Instagram, Our Foodie provides quick, accessible recipes perfect for everyday meals, making cooking feel less intimidating for her followers.
She emphasizes affordability and practicality, appealing to those who want to eat well without breaking the bank.
#10. Mrs. Nancy Umeh
Mrs. Nancy Umeh stands out with her emphasis on family-friendly and nutritious meal options. Her Instagram posts are filled with vibrant, kid-friendly recipes that celebrate Nigerian cuisine, catering to parents and families looking for healthy meal ideas. She also integrates health tips and wellness advice, making her account popular among followers interested in holistic and family-centered food choices.
#11. Belleben10
Well known for her entertaining cooking style, Belleben10 showcases Nigerian dishes in a fun and engaging way that resonates with younger audiences on TikTok. She often incorporates humor into her content, making traditional recipes relatable and enjoyable to watch.
#12. Nigerians vs Food
This TikTok channel creatively presents food challenges and reactions that bring out the dynamic Nigerian culinary culture. Followers love the humor and high-energy presentations, making everyday foods into exciting experiences.
#13. Chef Cupid
Chef Cupid’s TikTok is a blend of aesthetic plating and unique recipes. Known for his elevated takes on Nigerian cuisine, he brings a professional chef’s touch to everyday dishes, drawing in viewers with his refined approach and captivating presentation  .
#14. Mainaxfood
With a focus on traditional and street foods, Mainaxfood captures the essence of Nigerian street culture through his cooking videos. He often explores popular foods from various regions, giving viewers a taste of Nigeria’s culinary diversity while staying accessible and fun.
#15. Ayzah Cuisine
Ayzah Cuisine combines modern trends with classic Nigerian recipes, offering followers fresh ideas on traditional meals. Her colorful presentations and approachable tutorials make her a favorite among TikTok food enthusiasts who want to learn the art of Nigerian cuisine with a twist.
#16. Tspiceskitchen
Well Known for vibrant and lively videos, Tspiceskitchen captures the essence of Nigerian cuisine, from street food to high-end dishes. Her TikTok presence brings excitement to food lovers across Nigeria, highlighting flavors and ingredients in a creative and fun way that inspires at-home cooking. Her engaging content makes her a must-follow for those looking to explore Nigerian food culture on TikTok.
#17. Maryaamah
Maryaamah has carved out a space on TikTok as a talented food influencer who shares traditional recipes with a modern twist. Her cooking style is accessible and relatable, often featuring step-by-step tutorials that allow followers to recreate her dishes. Maryaamah’s engaging approach to TikTok has established her as a relatable figure, making her a favorite among Nigerians looking to connect with their culinary roots.
#18. The Hipsy Girl
With a mix of food reviews, recipes, and mukbang-style videos, The Hipsy Girl’s TikTok channel is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. She gives a casual, behind-the-scenes view of Nigerian dining, from local street snacks to unique restaurant experiences. Her humor and down-to-earth style make her a refreshing presence among TikTok food influencers in Nigeria.
#19. Food and Cravings
Specializing in mouth-watering food presentation, Food and Cravings showcases the visual appeal of Nigerian dishes. Their TikTok feed is filled with vibrant shots and clips that celebrate the beauty of food. Whether it’s a spicy jollof rice dish or freshly baked pastries, their content is curated for those who appreciate visually stunning food content on TikTok.
#20. Food and More
Known for sharing easy-to-make recipes and food hacks, Food and More’s TikTok page is filled with diverse content ranging from quick meals to traditional Nigerian dishes. Their approachable style and helpful tips make it easy for viewers to recreate meals at home, adding practical value to their fun and engaging content.
Who Is the Biggest Food Influencer?
Gordon Ramsay is considered one of the world’s biggest food influencers, with 36.6 million followers on Instagram.
What Do You Call a Food Influencer?
In short, a food influencer is someone who gains on social media by posting about food, meals, and cooking. The process of how to become a food content creator can vary from person to person, but they all share a love of food.
What Is the Difference Between a Food Blogger and an Influencer?
“Traditionally, bloggers focused on written content while influencers leveraged their reach for endorsements. Now, influencers can be bloggers and vice versa. It’s not just about the platform; it’s about impact. Bloggers share insights; influencers ignite trends.
Why Bloggers Are Called Influencers?
The word influencer comes from the English verb “to influence.” Blogger, vlogger, Instagrammer, and YouTuber are some other complementary terms for influencers, referring to the primary medium used. The word has become mainstream over the past few years, especially as Instagram has become more and more popular.
Conclusion
This list showcases some of the top food influencers on TikTok and Instagram, each with a unique approach to food content that resonates with different audiences. Whether you’re interested in healthy meals, global flavors, or budget-friendly recipes, these TikTok food influencers have a little something for everyone, making the platform a diverse and dynamic place for food inspiration.
By using the influence of food influencers from Instagram and TikTok, your brand can gain traction in an increasingly competitive market, fostering stronger connections with customers and achieving measurable growth.
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