Trend cluster
Category

Virtual
Cook

Brands and chefs are launching virtual cooking classes & shows for consumers to enjoy.

Quarantine-Friendly Online Cooking ClassesWorldly Virtual Cooking ClassesVirtual Cooking ServicesCreative Online Cooking ShowsChef-Led Virtual Cooking Classes

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 together
01

Virtual 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.

02

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.

03

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 playbook
For

Food 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.

For

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.

For

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%.

Popularity61%
Activity46%
Freshness10%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific

Evidence

Examples of the Virtual Cook trend

7 featured examples from Apr 2, 2020 to Jul 6, 2021
Quarantine-Friendly Online Cooking Classes
CategoryLifestyle

Quarantine-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
CategoryLifestyle

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
CategoryBusiness

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
CategoryLifestyle

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
CategoryLifestyle

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
CategoryTech

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
CategoryLifestyle

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.