The glitter pickle craze: how TikTok turned a simple snack into a viral sensation

Edible glitter to decorate pickles, turning them into shiny food to post on TikTok: the latest terrifying social media trend

@jimmyjohns/TikTok @sophiieeroseeeee/TikTok

Glitter pickles, or “Glickles,” are the latest viral trend taking over TikTok, captivating millions of users with their shimmering appearance. This unusual fad involves decorating pickles with edible glitter, turning them into eye-catching, sparkling snacks.

The concept of making food more “Instagrammable” is nothing new, but adding glitter to pickles has managed to surprise and intrigue many. The trend began when a TikTok user experimented by adding edible glitter to a jar of pickles.

From there, the craze exploded, garnering millions of views and comments. The preparation is simple: just add glitter to the jar and shake until the pickles are evenly coated. Any type of pickle can be used, and the glitter creates a striking visual effect.

But why?

Despite their dazzling appearance, glitter does not alter the taste of the pickles. The main goal is purely aesthetic—to make pickles more visually appealing and social media-friendly. The online response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many users sharing videos and photos of their glittery creations.

Some comments highlight appreciation for the creativity and humor behind the trend, while others express an almost hypnotic curiosity about the final result. Even major brands, like the sandwich chain Jimmy John’s, have jumped on the trend, demonstrating how keeping up with online fads can be an effective marketing strategy.

What does this trend tell us?

What can we really learn from the glitter pickle craze? It’s clear that society is increasingly drawn to visually and sensorially engaging experiences, especially in an era dominated by social media. However, it is important to critically reflect on how these trends contribute to our well-being and the quality of our diets.

While glitter pickles are a fun and harmless example of culinary creativity, it is essential not to lose sight of the importance of nutrition and food as sustenance rather than just a visual spectacle. Unfortunately, the obsession with aesthetics continues to distance us from awareness of what we are actually consuming.