Tiktok’s big fat secret

Social-media chefs are racking up millions of views for their delicious recipes. But how healthy are they? Sarah Rainey uncovers some very dirty dishes

Search for ‘food’, ‘cooking’ or ‘recipe’ on the video-sharing platform Tiktok and you’ll be bombarded by results – 26 billion just for #Foodtok. And millions of us use the recipes for meal ideas.

Take a closer look and many are downright unhealthy. For, unlike food on supermarket shelves or many restaurant menus, platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram are not subject to any of the healthy-eating legislation of the offline world, nor do foodie influencers have to display the nutritional content of their recipes.

Nutritionist Harry Snell, who specialises in emotional eating and weight loss, warns that many contain ‘hidden dangers’ for our health. So how bad are they?

With the help of Harley Street nutritionist Kim Pearson, nutritional therapist Sarah Law and Alex Allan, a gut and hormone health expert, we

FOODIE INFLUENCERS DON’T HAVE TO DISPLAY NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

reveal the nutritional breakdown – and hidden health risks – of four recipes from some of the UK’S top food influencers

The NHS advises a daily calorie intake of 2,000 for women, 2,500 for men (this can vary depending on age, metabolism and level of physical activity).

Spoiler: each of the following recipes exceeds the maximum recommended daily amounts (RDAS) of saturated fat for women (20g a day) and half or more of salt for adults (6g) in a single serving; two comprise more than double your daily calorie intake.

So, if you’re feeling hungry, look away now…

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