Assisted Choices
Virtual
Cook
Brands and chefs are launching virtual cooking classes & shows for consumers to enjoy.
Trend
What is the Virtual Cook trend?
Virtual Cook: With the expansion of physical distancing policies around the world, restaurants and celebrity chefs are launching virtual experiences that will help consumers innovate in their own kitchen. Whether they are about trying a new recipe or developing cooking skills further, these experiences are beneficial in a multitude of ways.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Virtual Cook trend
Since consumers are advised to remain at home during the current health pandemic, many have turned to learning a new skill or perfecting an existing one to pass the time. Offered exclusively in the virtual space due to safety concerns, these experiences allow consumers to feel fulfilled during their period in self-isolation. The emphasis on productivity and self-development grants individuals a sense of purpose, allowing them to feel less anxious about the developing global situation.
Trend themes
Themes within the Virtual Cook trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherVirtual Cooking Classes
With the pandemic forcing people to stay at home, chefs and food brands are offering virtual cooking classes as a way to teach new recipes as well as expand culinary skills.
Limited-Ingredient Cooking Shows
Cooking shows that offer recipes with limited ingredients are becoming more popular in response to the difficulties of shopping and hoarding necessities during the pandemic.
Chef-Led Virtual Cooking Classes
Professional chefs and former MasterChef contestants are leading virtual cooking classes catering to all types of cuisine preferences and cooking skill levels.
Industry implications
What the Virtual Cook trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFood and Beverage Industry
COVID-19 has drastically changed how people enjoy eating and cooking, creating a need for businesses in the food and beverage industry to adapt to virtual platforms and limited ingredient options for their recipes.
Education Industry
Virtual cooking classes are not only a way to teach culinary skills, but also offer an opportunity for online education and new skill acquisition for those interested in other subjects.
Technology Industry
The need for virtual platforms to engage with a larger audience in cooking classes is creating new opportunities for the technological advancements in video conferencing, streaming, and online learning platforms.
Workshop question
How might your brand support consumers virtually in a crisis?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Virtual Cook
Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 46%, freshness 10%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Evidence
Examples of the Virtual Cook trend
7 featured examples from Apr 2, 2020 to Jul 6, 2021Quarantine-Friendly Online Cooking Classes
Kelowna's Start Fresh Helps You Improve Your Cooking
Restaurants, catering companies, and culinary schools can leverage online cooking classes to generate additional revenue streams and engage with customers during periods of lockdo…
Worldly Virtual Cooking Classes
PCC Natural Markets' Cooking Camps for Kids Explore Global Cuisine
Grocery stores can offer virtual cooking classes that feature products from their store.
Virtual Cooking Services
MilkCrate Launches a Virtual Culinary Service with a Professional Chef
Restaurants can leverage the trend of virtual cooking services to diversify their revenue streams and engage customers in new and innovative ways.
Creative Online Cooking Shows
Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On Delivers Recipes for Unique Times
Food delivery services can explore partnerships with online cooking shows to offer curated ingredient boxes for viewers to easily recreate the recipes at home.
Chef-Led Virtual Cooking Classes
Former MasterChef Contestants are Hosting Live Eatwith Classes
The online learning industry has the opportunity to provide virtual cooking classes, catering to individuals' desire to learn new skills from the comfort of their homes.
Limited-Ingredient Cooking Shows
Daily Kitchen Live Will Focus on Quarantine Friendly Recipes
Opportunity for TV networks and streaming platforms to produce limited-ingredient cooking shows and other quarantine-friendly content.
Virtual Summer Cooking Classes
Michelob Ultra's Ultra Proud Celebrates Hispanic-American Creators
The food and beverage industry has a chance to partner with creators to foster learning and engagement through virtual culinary events that emphasize unique recipes and cultures.