The power of social media has revolutionized how we discover and consume food. From viral challenges to food trends that take over TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, fast food is more than just a quick meal—it’s an experience. Whether it’s a quirky new flavor or an eye-popping food creation, certain fast foods have taken the world by storm, becoming social media sensations.
At Spicy Scoop, we’re diving into the top 10 fast foods that have not only gone viral but have ignited conversations, influenced trends, and captivated food lovers everywhere.
🍟 1. McDonald’s BTS Meal – USA, Global
Why it went viral: In 2021, McDonald’s teamed up with global K-pop sensation BTS to create the BTS Meal, a combination of McNuggets, fries, and a unique sweet chili and cajun dipping sauce. Fans of the band and fast food lovers alike flocked to McDonald’s, sharing their unboxing experiences and customizations on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. The meal became a massive hit, sparking a global trend of collecting limited-edition fast food collaborations.
Key social media moment: Fans shared custom BTS-inspired TikTok videos and memes, boosting the meal’s popularity worldwide.
🍔 2. The Impossible Whopper – USA, Global
Why it went viral: The Impossible Whopper was a game-changer in 2019, offering a plant-based alternative to the classic Whopper. As more people turned to plant-based diets, the Impossible Whopper gained traction, with many documenting their first bites and comparing it to the original beef version. The blend of environmental consciousness and food innovation made this burger a viral sensation.
Key social media moment: People took to Instagram and Twitter to share comparisons, with hashtags like #ImpossibleWhopper becoming trending topics.
🍕 3. Pizza Hut’s “Stuffed Crust Pizza” – USA, Global
Why it went viral: Originally launched in 1995, Pizza Hut’s Stuffed Crust Pizza experienced a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to social media. Influencers and food bloggers praised its cheesy, indulgent crust, and the viral “cheese pull” videos showcasing its gooey goodness took over Instagram and TikTok.
Key social media moment: The hashtag #StuffedCrustChallenge exploded, encouraging food lovers to try the pizza and share their cheesy moments online.
🌮 4. Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos – USA, Global
Why it went viral: When Taco Bell introduced the Doritos Locos Taco in 2012, it combined two fan-favorite snacks: Taco Bell’s signature taco and the beloved Doritos chip. The launch was hyped across social media, with fans posting unboxing videos, fan art, and taco-stuffing challenges. Its bold flavors and crunchy shell made it a sensation, with people flooding Taco Bell to try the viral item.
Key social media moment: Memes and TikTok videos of people attempting to eat multiple Doritos Locos Tacos in one sitting went viral.
🍩 5. Krispy Kreme’s “Original Glazed Donut Burger” – USA
Why it went viral: Krispy Kreme is known for its sweet, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, but in 2015, they introduced something unexpected: the Original Glazed Donut Burger. This crazy creation sandwiched a beef patty between two glazed donuts, drawing foodies’ attention across the globe. Photos of the indulgent, sweet-and-savory burger spread like wildfire, turning it into a social media sensation.
Key social media moment: Food bloggers and Instagram influencers shared photos of themselves indulging in the over-the-top creation, sparking cravings across social platforms.
🍔 6. Shake Shack’s ShackBurger – USA, Global
Why it went viral: Known for its high-quality ingredients and cult-like following, Shake Shack’s ShackBurger quickly became a social media favorite, especially when the brand expanded internationally. Instagram and TikTok influencers raved about the burger’s perfectly balanced flavors and unique crinkle-cut fries. Shake Shack’s reputation for premium fast food made it a must-try for social media foodies.
Key social media moment: Instagrammers and YouTubers began sharing their “ShackBurger experiences,” leading to the burger becoming synonymous with #BurgerGoals.
🍪 7. Oreo McFlurry – USA, Global
Why it went viral: When McDonald’s first introduced the Oreo McFlurry in 1997, it quickly became a social media favorite for sweet tooths everywhere. The iconic combination of vanilla ice cream and crushed Oreo cookies led to countless social media posts of people customizing their McFlurries with different toppings. Its creamy texture and crunchy bits were perfect for viral videos showing “the perfect McFlurry swirl.”
Key social media moment: Users on TikTok and Instagram shared their own Oreo McFlurry hacks, leading to an explosion of #McFlurryMagic posts.
🌯 8. Chipotle’s Burrito Bowl – USA, Global
Why it went viral: Chipotle’s Burrito Bowl became an instant social media favorite, largely because of the customizable nature of the dish. From influencers to celebrities, everyone was sharing their perfectly crafted burrito bowls—loaded with everything from carnitas to guacamole. The bowl’s combination of fresh ingredients and the growing trend toward healthy eating made it a go-to fast food item on social media.
Key social media moment: The #ChipotleBowlChallenge encouraged fans to show off their creative combinations, leading to viral recipe shares and Chipotle hacks.
🍔 9. In-N-Out’s Secret Menu – USA
Why it went viral: While In-N-Out Burger is beloved for its core menu, its Secret Menu has made waves on social media. From the Animal Style fries to the Protein Style burger (lettuce-wrapped), In-N-Out’s secret offerings have created a sense of food mystery and excitement. Foodies love to share their unique combinations and document the reactions of their friends trying these secret items for the first time.
Key social media moment: The #InNOutSecretMenu challenge took off, with TikTokers and Instagrammers revealing their custom orders.
🍦 10. McDonald’s “Shamrock Shake” – USA, Global
Why it went viral: The Shamrock Shake is a seasonal sensation that McDonald’s drops every March for St. Patrick’s Day. Its minty, creamy flavor and vibrant green color have made it a favorite for social media users looking to celebrate the occasion. As the shake’s return nears every year, people flood social media with photos, memes, and nostalgia-laden posts about the coveted treat.
Key social media moment: Fans eagerly anticipate the Shamrock Shake‘s return on Instagram and TikTok, often sharing their first sips of the year.
🌍 Social Media Meets Fast Food Innovation
Fast food has come a long way since its humble beginnings, with social media playing a huge role in turning certain meals into global phenomena. From limited-time collaborations to viral food trends, these iconic fast foods show just how powerful the connection between food and social media can be.
Hungry for more viral fast food? Explore our Fast Food Trends and recreate these iconic dishes right at home!
Got a favorite viral fast food?
📩 Share your thoughts with us at hello@spicyscoop.shop, and who knows? It might just make it to our next post.
Stay trending,
The Spicy Scoop Team
