A TikTok trend – Logan’s viral salad – has been blamed for causing a cucumber shortage in Iceland.

In late August, Logan’s viral salad recipe unexpectedly triggered a cucumber shortage in Iceland, catching the nation off guard. Major supermarkets, such as Kronan and Hagkaup, reported an astounding 200% increase in cucumber purchases, along with other ingredients featured in Logan‘s recipes, like rice vinegar, chile oil, and sesame oil. Despite Iceland’s local cucumber production peaking at six million annually, the supply couldn’t keep pace with the soaring demand. Store shelves were emptied almost overnight, forcing residents to hunt for cucumbers at multiple locations.

As the demand surged, supermarket chains scrambled to address the TikTok cucumber shortage. Kronan, which typically sources 99% of its cucumbers locally, resorted to importing cucumbers from the Netherlands to meet the rising need. Fortunately, Iceland’s farmers and grocery chains expect supplies to normalize quickly, as trends like this often fade rapidly.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON FOOD SUPPLIES

Food suppliers are continually adjusting their offerings to take advantage of the latest culinary trends. Previously, only major brands and expert chefs held sway over the food industry, but now, social media has democratized influence. Anyone can share a recipe, write a review, or post a quick video showcasing their latest dish.

Logan’s viral salad – has been blamed for causing a cucumber shortage in Iceland. Logan Moffitt has amassed 6.5 million followers on TikTok, and his influence has sparked a viral recipe frenzy that encourages other influencers to join in. Social media can shift consumer preferences overnight, leading to sudden spikes in demand for trendy cucumber salad recipes, which in turn resulted in the TikTok cucumber shortage that stressed local resources and made it challenging for farmers and suppliers to anticipate production needs.

Lessons for Future Food Trends

The TikTok cucumber shortage isn’t the first viral phenomenon to trigger food scarcity. In 2021, Emily Mariko caused a Kewpie mayo shortage with her popular salmon and rice recipe, which included sushi rice, sriracha, soy sauce, and a generous dollop of Kewpie mayo. These instances illustrate how quickly viral food trends can disrupt supply chains.

While such trends might not have long-lasting effects, they can significantly impact smaller regions with limited production capabilities. Food suppliers should remain vigilant about trends like the TikTok cucumber shortage and employ AI and social monitoring tools to track emerging crazes. Additionally, implementing purchase limits on certain ingredients can help prevent shortages from escalating.

The TikTok cucumber shortage has demonstrated how food trends can dramatically disrupt supply chains. What started as a simple recipe video has spiraled into a nationwide cucumber crisis in Iceland. With Moffitt continuing to share new cucumber recipes, the TikTok cucumber shortage may linger — so if you’re in Iceland, it might be wise to stock up!

As social media continues to shape consumer behavior, local farmers and supply chains must adapt to changing demands. This could involve raising purchase limits and keeping a close watch on trending food items. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a food supplier, staying alert to food trends is crucial for navigating potential supply issues like the TikTok cucumber shortage.