Recession-era recipes flourish on TikTok

Published: Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 9:00 am

TikTok Cooks Offer Budget-Friendly Recipes Amidst Rising Food Costs

A wave of social media influencers is gaining traction by sharing affordable and easy-to-make recipes, catering to a growing audience concerned about the rising cost of food. These creators are providing accessible cooking solutions, often drawing inspiration from historical cookbooks and adapting them for modern economic realities.

One prominent figure, Matthew Bounds, known as Your Barefoot Neighbor, has cultivated a large following across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. His approach focuses on simple recipes, often utilizing readily available ingredients and delivering instructions in concise video formats. Bounds has also expanded his reach with a bestselling cookbook. Beyond recipe sharing, Bounds has leveraged his platform to support charitable causes. He and his followers collaborated with another creator to raise a significant sum for a New Orleans-based nonprofit that provides meals to food-insecure families. Additionally, Bounds organized a food drive that resulted in thousands of food packages being donated to a local food pantry and several neighboring pantries.

Another influencer, Kiki Ruff, known as the Recession Recipes Lady, focuses on budget-conscious cooking. She researches recipes from periods of economic hardship, such as the Depression and wartime, to offer adaptable and cost-effective meal ideas. Ruff emphasizes flexibility, providing variations for recipes based on available ingredients and budget constraints. She has chosen not to monetize her content, prioritizing the needs of her audience who are seeking assistance during financial difficulties. Ruff's videos conclude with a message of encouragement and care, reflecting her commitment to supporting her viewers.

BNN's Perspective:

The rise of these budget-friendly cooking influencers highlights a crucial need for accessible and affordable food solutions in the current economic climate. Their efforts to provide practical advice and support charitable causes demonstrate the potential of social media to foster community and address real-world challenges. While the focus on cost-effective cooking is understandable, it's important to remember that a balanced diet is essential for overall health.

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