In the ever-evolving world of social media, food influencers have emerged as key players, captivating audiences with their delectable recipes, creative cooking techniques, and engaging personalities.
These influencers are more than just chefs or food bloggers—they are trendsetters who shape our culinary preferences and inspire us to explore new tastes and flavors.
From mouth-watering Instagram posts to viral TikTok food challenges, these influencers have a significant impact on the way we think about food and cooking.
In this article, we’ll explore the top food influencers who are leading the way and setting trends across the globe.
Why Follow Food Influencers
Food influencers have become an essential source of inspiration for anyone interested in cooking, baking, or simply enjoying good food.
They offer a window into diverse culinary traditions, share practical cooking tips, and provide unique recipes that range from simple weeknight dinners to extravagant gourmet dishes.
Following food influencers allows you to:
- Discover New Recipes: From healthy meals to indulgent desserts, food influencers regularly share recipes that can elevate your culinary repertoire.
- Learn Cooking Techniques: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you can pick up new skills and techniques from these influencers.
- Stay Updated on Food Trends: From the latest viral food trends to must-try dishes, food influencers are at the forefront of what’s hot in the culinary world.
You can check out the best FOOD INFLUENCERS here on CreatorsRanks – just click and see.
What Do Food Influencers Share?
Food influencers curate a variety of content that appeals to a broad audience. Some of the most popular types of content shared by food influencers include:
- Recipes and Cooking Tutorials: Step-by-step guides and videos on how to prepare different dishes.
- Food Photography: Beautifully styled images that make food look irresistible.
- Restaurant and Product Reviews: Honest reviews of dining experiences and food products.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Insights into their daily lives, kitchen setups, grocery hauls, and more.
- Food Challenges and Trends: Participating in or creating viral food challenges to engage their audience.
How Do Food Influencers Make Money? (The Business Side of Food Influencing)
Food influencers have turned their passion for food into lucrative careers.
Here’s how they typically make money:
- Sponsored Posts and Brand Collaborations: Companies pay influencers to promote their products or services.
- Affiliate Marketing: Influencers earn a commission on sales generated through their affiliate links.
- Creating and Selling Their Own Products: Many influencers have their own lines of cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, or branded food products.
- Ad Revenue from Social Media and Blogs: Earnings from advertisements displayed on their YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, or personal blogs.
- Hosting Events and Cooking Classes: Some influencers also host live cooking classes, webinars, or food tours.
Ranking Food Influencers
What we rank & insights
Our method for ranking food influencers is comprehensive and data-driven, highlighting the most impactful voices in the culinary world.
Influencers are primarily ranked and sorted by their follower count, which gives a snapshot of their reach and popularity within the food niche.
However, we go beyond just numbers. We also rank them based on their engagement rate, measuring how actively their audience interacts with their content (likes, comments, shares, and saves).
Next, we assess content quality, prioritizing influencers who consistently produce high-quality, creative content that stands out.
Additionally, we consider their overall influence, including their ability to inspire food trends, collaborate with renowned brands, and innovate within their niche.
This holistic approach ensures our rankings reflect both the popularity and the true impact of each influencer in the food space.
Note: Estimated monthly earnings are calculated using industry benchmarks and public data. These figures are approximate, as actual earnings can vary depending on brand deals, sponsored posts, and other revenue streams. For precise financial insights, direct access to their financial statements would be necessary.
Rankings (TOP 10)
These influencers have been selected and sorted based on their follower count, engagement rate, content quality, and overall influence in the food niche.
1. Nusr-Et (Salt Bae)
Nusret Gökçe, famously known as Salt Bae, became an internet sensation with his unique salt-sprinkling technique and has since expanded his restaurant empire worldwide.
53.3+ million followers
Turkey
Shares cooking videos, restaurant updates, viral content
Born 1983
Products, Collaborations
Nusr-Et Steakhouse (own brand), branded merchandise
Est. Net Worth
$70 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$500,000 – $1 million
Sources of Income Restaurant chain, merchandise, sponsored content
Insight
Salt Bae’s viral fame boosted his restaurant chain, which now spans 15 locations across the globe, attracting celebrities and high-profile guests.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/nusr_et
https://www.tiktok.com/@nusr_et
https://www.youtube.com/@saltbaegoldenking7046
| 4.9 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others  |
2. Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay is a Michelin-starred chef known for his fiery personality, culinary expertise, and successful TV shows.
18.1+ million followers
United Kingdom
Shares cooking tutorials, restaurant reviews, cooking competitions
Born 1966
Products, Collaborations
Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant Group (own brand), Gordon Ramsay’s Cookware, Amazon
Est. Net Worth
$220 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$800,000 – $1.5 million
Sources of Income
TV shows, restaurants, cookbooks, product endorsements
Insight
Gordon owns over 35 restaurants worldwide, earning him 7 Michelin stars, one of the highest counts globally.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/gordongram
https://twitter.com/gordonramsay
https://facebook.com/gordonramsay
https://www.tiktok.com/@gordonramsayofficial
youtube.com/gordonramsay
| 4.9 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
3. Jamie Oliver
Globally recognized chef and food campaigner known for his approachable recipes and dedication to healthy eating.
10.5+ million followers
United Kingdom
Shares easy-to-follow recipes, healthy eating tips, cooking techniques
Born 1975
Products, Collaborations
Jamie Oliver’s Kitchenware (own brand), Tesco, Sobeys
Est. Net Worth
$300 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$1 million – $2 million
Sources of Income
Cookbooks, TV shows, product lines, restaurant chains
Insight
Jamie's campaign for healthy school meals in the UK led to significant changes in food standards, impacting over 24,000 schools.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/jamieoliver
https://twitter.com/jamieoliver
https://www.facebook.com/jamieoliver
https://www.tiktok.com/@jamieoliver
https://www.youtube.com/user/JamieOliver
| 4.9 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
4. Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa)
Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a beloved chef and TV host with a focus on elegant yet simple home cooking.
4.6+ million followers
United States
Shares classic recipes, entertaining tips, kitchen hacks
Born 1948
Products, Collaborations
Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks (own brand), Food Network, William Sonoma
Est. Net Worth
$60 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$250,000 – $500,000
Sources of Income
TV shows, cookbooks, product lines
Insight
Ina’s cookbooks have sold over 10 million copies, and her show has been one of Food Network’s longest-running programs.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/inagarten
https://www.facebook.com/InaGarten
https://www.tiktok.com/@ina.garten3
YouTube Playlist (Recipes)
| 3.9 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
5. Rosanna Pansino
Popular YouTuber and baking enthusiast known for her fun, colorful creations and easy-to-follow baking tutorials.
4.4+ million followers
United States
Shares baking tutorials, themed desserts, kitchen hacks
Born 1985
Products, Collaborations
Nerdy Nummies Cookbooks (own brand), Wilton, Disney
Est. Net Worth
$12 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$100,000 – $250,000
Sources of Income
YouTube ad revenue, sponsored content, product lines
Insight
Rosanna's “Nerdy Nummies” series is the most-watched baking show on YouTube, with over 3 billion views.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/rosannapansino
https://twitter.com/rosannapansino
https://www.facebook.com/rosannapansino
https://www.tiktok.com/@rosannapansino
https://youtube.com/@rosannapansinoe
| 4.1 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
6. Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)
Blogger, author and TV personality known for her accessible comfort food recipes and life on a ranch.
4.3+ million followers
United States
Shares comfort food recipes, family life, ranch living
Born 1969
Products, Collaborations
The Pioneer Woman Kitchenware (own brand), Food Network, Walmart
Est. Net Worth
$50 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$200,000 – $400,000
Sources of Income
TV shows, product lines, cookbooks, blog ad revenue
Insight
Ree’s blog, started as a hobby in 2006, has turned into a multimedia empire, including a TV show, product lines, and a magazine.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/thepioneerwoman
https://twitter.com/thepioneerwoman
https://www.facebook.com/thepioneerwoman
https://www.tiktok.com/@thepioneerwoman
https://www.youtube.com/user/thepioneerwoman
| 4.1 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
7. Yotam Ottolenghi
Celebrated chef and cookbook author known for his Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine and innovative vegetable dishes. His Instagram feed is full of great recipes.
2.5+ million followers
United Kingdom
Shares Middle Eastern recipes, vegetarian and vegan dishes, food styling tips
Born 1968
Products, Collaborations
Ottolenghi Kitchenware (own brand), Waitrose, Sainsbury's
Est. Net Worth
$5 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$50,000 – $100,000
Sources of Income
Cookbooks, product lines, restaurants
Insight
Ottolenghi’s cookbooks, especially “Plenty,” have been credited with revolutionizing vegetarian cooking with their vibrant and flavorful approach.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/ottolenghi
https://twitter.com/ottolenghi
https://www.tiktok.com/@ottolenghi
https://www.youtube.com/ottolenghi
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
8. David Chang
Renowned chef and founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, known for his bold, innovative cuisine and outspoken personality.
1.8+ million followers
United States
Shares Asian fusion recipes, restaurant insights, food industry commentary
Born 1977
🏆 Badge (speciality)
Podcaster
Products, Collaborations
Momofuku Goods (own brand), Netflix, MasterClass
Est. Net Worth
$50 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$100,000 – $300,000
Sources of Income
Restaurants, TV shows, product lines
Insight
David Chang’s podcast, “The Dave Chang Show,” has become a top-rated food podcast, providing insights into the restaurant industry and beyond.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/davidchang
https://twitter.com/davidchang
https://www.facebook.com/davidchang
https://www.tiktok.com/@davidchang
Podcasts
@davechangshow
@recipeclub
| 4.4 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
9. Andrew Rea (Binging With Babish)
Andrew Rea, known as Babish, is a YouTube chef famous for recreating iconic dishes from movies and TV shows in a visually appealing, cinematic style.
1.1+ million followers
United States
Shares recipe recreations, cooking tutorials, product reviews
Born 1987
Products, Collaborations
Binging with Babish Cookware (own brand), Blue Apron, Made In Cookware
Est. Net Worth
$4 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$60,000 – $120,000
Sources of Income
YouTube ad revenue, sponsored content, product lines
Insight
Andrew’s “Binging with Babish” series started as a hobby and grew into a major brand, including a best-selling cookbook and kitchen product line.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/bingingwithbabish
https://twitter.com/bingingwithbabish
https://www.facebook.com/BingingWithBabish/
https://www.tiktok.com/@babishculinaryuniverse
https://www.youtube.com/user/bgfilms
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
10. Samin Nosrat
Chef and author best known for her book and Netflix series "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," which explores the four fundamental elements of cooking.
701k+ million followers
United States
Shares cooking fundamentals, diverse cuisines, food culture
Born 1979
🏆 Badge (speciality)
Positive Spirit
Products, Collaborations
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat Cookbooks (own brand), Netflix, MasterClass
Est. Net Worth
$5 million
Est. Monthly Earnings
$30,000 – $70,000
Sources of Income
Book sales, TV shows, speaking engagements
Insight
Samin's show “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” was one of Netflix's most-watched culinary shows in its debut year, praised for its educational approach to cooking.
Links to all social media:
https://www.instagram.com/ciaosamin
https://twitter.com/ciaosamin
| 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Rated be others |
Conclusion (Who's Now Holding the Food Crown)
As we look at the top food influencers of 2024, it's clear that these individuals are not only shaping how we cook and eat but also how we connect with food on a deeper level.
Currently, the top spot as the leading food influencer on Instagram belongs to Nusr-Et (Salt Bae).
But each influencer brings something unique to the table, from Jamie Oliver’s focus on healthy eating to Salt Bae’s viral flair.
The diversity among these influencers, from chefs to home cooks, ensures there’s something for everyone in the world of food. They set trends, inspire culinary innovation, and even influence global food policies.
If you're looking to stay updated with the latest in food, these are the influencers to follow. Make sure to bookmark CreatorsRanks.com for monthly updates and insights into the ever-evolving world of influencers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest food influencers are those with the largest followings and most engagement, such as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, and Salt Bae.
A food influencer is someone who creates and shares content related to food, including recipes, cooking tips, and food reviews, to engage with their audience.
Yes, food influencers earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate marketing, and their own product lines.
Earnings vary widely based on follower count and engagement. Top influencers can make between $10,000 to $100,000 per month.
Food influencers make money through various streams including sponsored content, affiliate marketing, ad revenue, and selling their own products.
You can find food influencers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or by searching food-related hashtags like #FoodInfluencer and #CookingInfluencer.
Consider using influencer marketing tools or browsing through the lists and rankings on CreatorsRanks.com, where the top influencers across various categories are sorted and ranked.