I Tried TikTok’s Viral Food Combos And Some of Them Surprised Me

As the world goes into a meltdown about TikTok’s potential ban, I’ve found myself scrolling through some of the app’s most entertaining—and occasionally baffling—trends. Among these, weird food combos took center stage. Never tried dipping pickles into peanut butter? Well, TikTok said it was good so I tried it, and, well… you’ll have to find my verdict below.

Goldfish and Milk

It sounds harmless at first—goldfish crackers in milk—but don’t let nostalgia fool you. The idea seems to stem from a desperate lack of cereal or an overzealous pursuit of creativity. Once the milk hits the crackers, the texture spirals into uncharted territory: soggy cheese mush. The initial crunch of a goldfish is obliterated, leaving behind a bowl of cheesy, semi-liquid despair.

Rating: 2/10. A valiant effort, but the flavor mismatch feels like a betrayal to both snacks.

Hot Cheetos and Condensed Milk

Spicy snacks like Hot Cheetos usually stand tall on their own, but TikTok convinced us to drag them into the dessert world. The condensed milk adds an almost caramelized sweetness, creating a flavor profile that somehow toes the line between addictive and confusing. One bite leaves you pondering: do I hate this, or do I need another?

Rating: 6/10. The spicy-sweet tango is worth exploring if you love extremes, but not for the faint-hearted.

Vanilla Ice Cream With Olive Oil and Sea Salt

This combination might sound like an overpriced dessert from a chic restaurant, but TikTok brought it to the masses. Drizzling good-quality olive oil over vanilla ice cream and finishing it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt results in a surprisingly elevated treat. The olive oil’s richness blends beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the ice cream, while the salt adds the perfect crunch.

Rating: 9/10. Weird? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely. This one’s a keeper.

Pickles and Peanut Butter

This pairing seems to divide people into two camps: those who swear by it and those who instantly regret trying it. The sharp tanginess of the pickle doesn’t sit comfortably with the dense, nutty creaminess of peanut butter. The result? A chaotic flavor clash that never really finds harmony.

Rating: 2/10. It’s an experiment you won’t forget—but not for the right reasons.

Mustard-Drizzled Popcorn

This combo feels like something you’d stumble upon at a movie theater when all other condiments ran out. The tangy, slightly bitter kick of mustard cuts through the buttery richness of popcorn, creating an oddly balanced snack. It’s not life-changing, but it works better than expected.

Rating: 8/10. A solid option for adventurous snackers.

Ketchup on Vanilla Ice Cream

Here’s one that no amount of optimism can salvage. While some food combos lean into the weird but work on a technical level, ketchup on vanilla ice cream feels like culinary sabotage. The tanginess of ketchup dominates, clashing with the sweet creaminess of the ice cream in the most unpleasant way.

Rating: 1/10. Just… don’t.

Fries Dipped in Cookies and Cream Shake

We’ve seen fries dipped in milkshakes before, but TikTok took it up a notch with cookies and cream. The sweetness of the shake pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the fries, creating a comforting mix of flavors and textures. While the cookie crumbs add a bit of complexity, some argue that a classic vanilla shake might still do the job better.

Rating: 7/10. It’s enjoyable but doesn’t quite dethrone the OG vanilla-and-fries combo.

In-N-Out Burger Drizzled with Honey

Adding honey to an In-N-Out burger might sound like a crime against a beloved fast food staple, but it’s not as wild as it seems. The sweetness from the honey doesn’t clash with the savory burger but doesn’t elevate it either. It’s more of a “meh” experience—fine to try but not worth repeating.

Rating: 4/10. The burger is better without the honey.

Cinnamon Roll Dipped in Chili

This trend originates from a long-standing Midwestern tradition, pairing cinnamon rolls with chili for a mix of sweet and savory. However, TikTok made this classic combo feel new again, with mixed results. The cinnamon roll’s sugary icing doesn’t mesh well with the acidity of chili’s tomato base, leaving an oddly sour aftertaste.

Rating: 3/10. A classic for some, but it might not win over new fans.

Snickers with Jalapeño Cheese Dip

This one feels like an internet prank that went too far. The creamy, spicy jalapeño cheese dip utterly overpowers the caramel and chocolate in the Snickers bar, leaving a confusing mess of flavors. It’s hard to understand why anyone thought this might work, let alone why it caught on.

Rating: 1/10. Stick to eating Snickers on their own.

Popcorn and Soy Sauce

While not as flashy as some combos, soy sauce drizzled over popcorn delivers a surprising umami punch. The salty depth of soy sauce elevates the popcorn’s natural flavor without overwhelming it. It’s simple, tasty, and far less chaotic than many other trends.

Rating: 8/10. An understated win for those who prefer savory snacks.