Food Review's Demise: TikTok Hyperbole vs. Descriptive Writing

A Slate article examines the decline of traditional food criticism in favor of short-form video reviews on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The author contrasts vague, hyperbolic descriptors like "fire" and "game changer" used by influencers with the evocative prose of late critic Jonathan Gold and British critic Will Self. Lexicographer Grant Barrett notes that video effectively conveys visual and auditory cues, reducing the need for descriptive language. Food writer Cathy Chaplin sees influencer culture as a natural evolution from early food blogs, though she links virality to decreased narrative substance. A 2025 report finds 80% of consumers distrust inauthentic influencers. Despite the rise of video, the author finds hope in writer-owned food newsletters like Gourmet and Best Food Blog, while acknowledging the challenge of competing for attention. The piece reflects on the loss of sensory imagination in food writing, yet concedes that video reviews are effective.