What’s Behind the Current Obsession with Food-Themed Aesthetics?

Since Megan Thee Stallion introduced “Hot Girl Summer” in 2019, the Internet’s fascination with “-girl” aesthetics has only grown. From “clean girl” to “that girl,” we’ve seen many trends, but one remains especially popular: the “[insert food] girl.”

What began with “garlic girls” (those who added extra cloves to every meal) and “pickle girls” (united by a love for fermented foods) has now expanded into a full range of food-inspired aesthetics. These playful trends are evolving into a bona fide design movement, with Pinterest’s 2025 color palette—including Cherry Red, Butter Yellow, Dill Green, and Alpine Oat—serving as proof.

For years, aesthetics were largely shaped by industry leaders like designers and fashion editors. But with the rise of social media, young women are reclaiming traditionally “feminine” interests and turning them into fun, lighthearted expressions of identity. These trends emerge organically from platforms like TikTok, where creators transform food-inspired vibes into viral aesthetics with millions of views. Even major brands and celebrities are joining in—Hailey Bieber launched a product line inspired by the strawberry girl aesthetic before most even knew what it was.

Food-inspired aesthetics aren’t new—Tumblr moodboards featuring food items ruled the 2010s long before TikTok’s millions of “food-inspired” videos. Food carries deep cultural and emotional significance, which is why it’s so perfect for moodboarding, as noted by Bon Appetit.

Each “food girl” reflects a unique lifestyle and creates an entire world of its own. Imagine it as a personality quiz come to life—rather than having Buzzfeed tell you what pizza you are based on your favorite Taylor Swift era, you get to choose your food-inspired identity. Are you a “tomato girl” embracing slow, Mediterranean living? Or perhaps you’re a “hard-boiled egg girl” who treats skincare as a full-time job? Maybe you’re a chaotic “baked beans girl” always carrying emergency snacks in your designer bag. No matter your vibe, there’s a place for everyone at this dinner table.

Tomato Girl
This gorgeous Tuscan villa, designed by Studio Magness, makes us want to live out our tomato girl fantasies. Emerging from the Italian summer many embraced in 2023, the tomato girl aesthetic is all about slow living, red linen dresses, and homemade pasta, alongside terracotta tiles, vintage appliances, and ceramics that evoke a sense of nostalgia. It’s rustic, warm, and has a timeless Mediterranean feel—a perfect blend of authenticity and modernity.

Cherry Girl
Cherry girl is the more sophisticated, Parisian version of tomato girl, who studied abroad and never quite came back. While both share a love of red, cherry girl embraces deeper burgundies, creating a moody atmosphere with velvet upholstery, vintage posters, brass accents, and cherry motifs. This aesthetic exudes sultriness—think siren-like eyes, scarlet lips, and a home that hosts dinner parties where Proust is discussed over red wine.

Lemon Girl
Bright, fresh, and full of optimism, the lemon girl aesthetic channels the energy of the Amalfi Coast. It’s the antidote to the moody, dark academia vibes of the past, bringing sunny yellows, crisp whites, and ceramic tiles with lemon patterns. The look is completed with rattan furniture, striped awnings, and botanical prints. It’s all about embracing la dolce vita.

Strawberry Girl
Combining cottagecore with balletcore and a touch of Hailey Bieber’s TikTok influence, strawberry girl brings soft pinks, vintage florals, and an almost overwhelming level of sweetness. Expect scalloped edges, floral wallpapers, and milk glass collections. It captures a romantic, nostalgic energy that’s both fresh and feminine.

Mango Girl
Living in a constant vacation state, mango girl opts for bikinis over business attire. This aesthetic brings sunset oranges and golden yellows into spaces with rattan furniture, bold botanical prints, and plenty of tropical plants. The vibe is a mix of wellness guru and tropical beach lover, complete with smoothie bowls, yoga corners, and perfect golden-hour lighting.

Baked Beans Girl
The most chaotic of the food-inspired aesthetics, baked beans girls are adventurous and independent. Think earthy tones, organic textures, and a relaxed, undone style. She’s wellness-conscious but also has a fun side—imagine someone who does sunrise yoga but also stress-eats cold ravioli straight from the can.

Hard-Boiled Egg Girl
The minimalist’s take on food-inspired design, hard-boiled egg girl celebrates clean lines, neutral tones, and curated simplicity. Think ivory-colored walls, curved furniture in eggshell shades, and refined neutral textiles. The aesthetic shines brightest in the bathroom, with spa-like amenities and marble surfaces—because every hard-boiled egg girl knows the importance of a good skincare routine.