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This summer, vibrant and visually appealing food and drink trends are making waves, capturing attention both on social media and in real life. Among the highlights are dot cakes adorned with colourful sprinkles, refreshing tequila spritz cocktails, and the ever-soft Japanese-style milk bread. These trends have sparked curiosity: are they simply social media sensations, or do they genuinely offer enjoyable experiences worth the effort?
Dot cakes, which have gained significant popularity in the United States, especially through New York’s The Dotcakes bakery, have become synonymous with bright buttercream-covered treats decorated with small, round sprinkles known online simply as “dots” (similar to what is called “hundreds and thousands” in the UK). This trend has crossed over to the UK with bakeries such as Alex’s Bakery in Manchester offering their own takes. The enthusiasm extends to home bakers, with one TikTok recipe video reaching 2.5 million views by June, and Ocado reporting an 80% monthly increase in searches for sprinkles from April to May. Chloe Rose Steen, a 23-year-old from Cheshire, took on the trend herself, reporting that after repeatedly seeing dot cake videos during scrolling sessions, she anticipated their rapid rise on social channels. For her, and many others, the appeal lies in their simple yet whimsical nature, making these cakes fun and accessible to create at home.
Turning to beverages, the Aperol Spritz once dominated summer menus, but recent years have seen the rise of the Hugo Spritz, a florally inclined elderflower alternative, with Ocado noting a 452% increase in searches for this drink. However, a newcomer gaining attention is the tequila spritz, described by M&S as a cousin to the grapefruit Paloma cocktail and representing a broader shift in how tequila is perceived. Joseph Costello, a bartender in Bath, explains that the tequila market has matured beyond shots paired with salt and lemon, now focusing on 100% agave varieties that offer a smoother drinking experience. He recommends a simple recipe mixing Aperol, tequila, prosecco, and grapefruit soda for those seeking a refreshing summer cocktail with citrus and wine notes.
Japanese-style milk bread is another standout trend, with its gentle sweetness and pillowy texture earning growing popularity in the UK over the past five years. This bread combines milk and a unique starter method called tangzhong or yudane, contributing to its soft crumb. TikTok is filled with videos celebrating this loaf, including one from Great British Bake Off’s Edd Kimber that attracted substantial attention. Waitrose has documented a notable surge in interest for milk buns, linking this to the broader fascination with Asian-inspired cuisine. Jo, known online as This Mum Cooks, recently tried a discounted Japanese milk bread and praised its versatility and softness, particularly recommending it untoasted to best enjoy its texture. She remains enthusiastic about both purchasing and perfecting homemade versions of the bread
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