# Virtual Cook Brands and chefs are launching virtual cooking classes & shows for consumers to enjoy. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Apr 9, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-cook ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 2, 2020 to Jul 6, 2021 - Published: Apr 9, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Cook trend ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Virtual Cook trend means for industry ### 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 for Virtual Cook Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 46%, freshness 10%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 10% ## Examples of the Virtual Cook trend 7 featured examples from Apr 2, 2020 to Jul 6, 2021. - [Quarantine-Friendly Online Cooking Classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-cooking-classes): Kelowna's Start Fresh Helps You Improve Your Cooking (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-cooking-class): PCC Natural Markets' Cooking Camps for Kids Explore Global Cuisine (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Grocery stores can offer virtual cooking classes that feature products from their store. - [Virtual Cooking Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-cooking): MilkCrate Launches a Virtual Culinary Service with a Professional Chef (Category: Business) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keep-cooking-and-carry-on): Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On Delivers Recipes for Unique Times (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-cooking-classes): Former MasterChef Contestants are Hosting Live Eatwith Classes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily-kitchen): Daily Kitchen Live Will Focus on Quarantine Friendly Recipes (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for TV networks and streaming platforms to produce limited-ingredient cooking shows and other quarantine-friendly content. - [Virtual Summer Cooking Classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultra-proud): Michelob Ultra's Ultra Proud Celebrates Hispanic-American Creators (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)