When people talk about the culinary arts, it probably isn't popular YouTubers the Eh Bee Family's 'Pancake Art Challenge' that they're referring to. But while the popular YouTube challenge video may not be exemplary of fine dining, it's not the food that draws viewers in; it's the personalities.
The Pancake Art Challenge has a simple premise: the YouTubers set up two skillets, with one kid stationed at each. Provided with a set of colored pancake batters, the kids compete to see who can fry up a more accurate representation of a few different images. They start by each trying to make a pancake that looks like a fidget spinner, but move into increasingly complex designs like the poop emoji, the heart eyes emoji, and Pikachu.
Pancake Art Games
Eh Bee Family's 'Pancake Art Challenge' is a Head-to-Head YouTube Bout
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Challenges - There are other food challenges, aside from pancake art, that can be transformed into viral social media challenges with the right personalities to participate.
2. Inclusive Cooking - There is an opportunity for more cooking and baking challenges that are family-friendly, involve multiple generations and skill levels, and are accessible and possible regardless of socioeconomic status.
3. Edible Art - Cooking and baking as an art form can be a significant trend, with particular emphasis on making aesthetically pleasing food items using various techniques and different media (such as frosting, icing, and dough).
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Business models that aim to develop intergenerational appeal and platforms for content collaboration could massively benefit from viral pancake art challenges and other social influencer marketing methods.
2. Food and Beverage - There is an opportunity for branded content and innovative marketing surrounding interactive cooking events and challenges, with a particular emphasis on inclusive and accessible food culture.
3. Crafts and Hobbies - As people are spending more time at home and seeking creative outlets, there is an opportunity for businesses to offer pancake art tools and materials for enthusiasts to experiment and explore a new form of craft-making.