We tried 5 viral TikTok recipes to see what’s worth the hype

What is it? The Lizzo-endorsed breakfast hack that subs Lucky Charms for a boatload of fresh fruit. Developed by TikTok user @natures_food, the recipe finds blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and pomegranate seeds swimming in iced coconut water; a sprinkle of fresh mint seals the deal. I used this recipe to break down the specifics.

How is it? If you've ever thought to yourself, 'Fruit salad would be so much better as a soup,' this recipe is for you. I'd be lying if I said nature's cereal scratched the same itch as the sugary stuff, but that's not to say this isn't a fun way to zhuzh up your boring breakfast routine. Plus, there's no denying that it's the healthiest, most nutrient-dense TikTok recipe out there.

Time Out tips: The mint goes a long way, but basil is a suitable substitute. Don't like raspberries? Strawberries will do the trick. Want to spice things up? Toss in some dragon fruit. Like most TikTok recipes, nature's cereal is easily remixed.

What is it? More of a technique than an actual recipe, this ingenious hack allows you to turn your favorite sandwich (or taco, or dessert) ingredients into a melty quesadilla. Start by choosing four ingredients and giving them each a quadrant on a large tortilla, then cut a slit between two of the sections and start folding until you get a fat triangle. Eat it as is or griddle it for the full effect. I used this recipe to break down the specifics.

How is it? TikTok-ers really got it right with this one. The ease and versatility of this hack are not to be underestimated. The type-A personality in me loves that each ingredient has its own compartment, which allows the finished product to hold for longer – not that you'll need more than 60 seconds to devour it.

Time Out tips: Depending on which way you fold, the last two quadrants will make up the exterior of the handheld. This is important to note if you're planning to toast it, as you'll want to choose ingredients you don't mind getting hot and melty (i.e. cheese or meat). From there, the tortilla wrap hack world is your oyster – there are many, many variations to try.

What is it? From what I can tell, this viral recipe is a riff on a low-carb, high-protein flatbread made popular by the Atkins and keto diets. It utilizes just three ingredients – egg whites, sugar and cornstarch – which are whipped into a thick meringue and baked into a loaf. I used this recipe to break down the specifics.

How is it? I want to get something out of the way: This is not a substitute for bread. It's not easily sliced, and you certainly wouldn't want to top it with ham. It's more akin to a jiggly, slightly sweet omelette than anything else. After trying this recipe three times (and failing miserably again and again), I can't say I'd ever make it again.

Time Out tips: If you must try this recipe, a stand or hand mixer and a silicone baking mat are absolute essentials. You'll also need a rubber spatula to help shape the meringue into some semblance of a loaf.

What is it? The unbelievably easy vegetarian pasta dish that's taken over your TikTok and Instagram feeds, thanks to Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen, who first introduced the recipe to her audience back in 2019. Cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese are baked to ooey-gooey perfection and then tossed with your favorite pasta. I used this recipe to break down the specifics.

How is it? I'll admit that I was skeptical of this uber-viral recipe – it seemed too easy. Well, dear reader, in addition to being foolproof, baked feta pasta is indeed worth the hype. It's a wonderfully balanced bake that's bursting with fresh flavors. Plus, it stays good for a few days in the fridge and tastes even better cold.

Time Out tips: Don't ignore the recipe note about hanging on to some pasta water – you'll need it to help the cheesy, tomatoey goodness coat every inch of your noodles. This recipe is infinitely adaptable, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking; I imagine it'd be great with some shredded rotisserie chicken and a dash of red chili flakes. Heck, you could even sub a log of goat cheese for the feta.

What is it? A 21st century adaptation of Depression era water pie, Sprite pie is a science experiment that combines sugar, flour, butter, vanilla extract and – you guessed it – a can of lemon-lime soda in a frozen pie crust. I used this recipe to break down the specifics.

How is it? The finished product is slightly reminiscent of custard or chess pie, but without eggs, it falls flat (literally and figuratively). And because the two main ingredients are sugar and Sprite, this recipe is unbelievably, sickeningly sweet. A bite or two will do.

Time Out tips: This pie takes an hour to bake, so you'll want to wrap the crust in aluminum foil to ensure it doesn't burn. When it comes out of the oven, the insides will still be super jiggly – let it sit and cool and then pop it into the fridge to set properly.