We all know it today, food is a universal language. On social media, some have understood this well. So it’s diverse and varied: there are those who prepare, those who taste, those who tell stories, and sometimes those who do it all at once.
From haute pâtisserie to street food tours, these creators have become the new faces of culinary pleasure, each in their own way.
Here is our top 15 most inspiring food influencers of the moment.
And if you want advice for your social media strategy, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Top 15 culinary influencers
Cédric Grolet
- Number of followers on Instagram: 13.1 million
When art meets indulgence, you get Cédric Grolet. His perfect creations, almost too beautiful to eat, make millions of fans dream. Between sculpture and dessert, he embodies French excellence.
FastGoodCuisine
- Number of followers on YouTube: 6.73 million
Charles is the guy who democratizes good food. Fast, generous, and funny, he shows that you can eat well without breaking the bank or spending three hours in the kitchen. A true pro of viral, hassle-free recipes. In fact, he also shines today with his fast-food brand Pepe Chicken and his beverage brand named Pops.
Roxane (L’atelier de Roxane)
- Number of followers on YouTube: 4.51 million
Roxane is a ray of sunshine. Between entertaining and educational content, she shows everyone that food is, above all, a moment of joy to share, which is even better when you add a little bit of madness to it all. Beyond that, Roxane offers pastry training courses that aim to be accessible to everyone.
Diego Alary
- Number of followers on TikTok: 3.3 million
A former Top Chef contestant, Diego has conquered social media with his blunt tone and creativity. He cooks simple, tasty, and stylish food. And above all, he makes you want to try, even when you only have one pan and three ingredients.
Philippe Etchebest
- Number of followers on YouTube: 1.9 million
Between television and social media, Etchebest remains a figure of respect and transmission. He speaks of rigor, passion, but also resilience. A chef who inspires as much as he impresses.
Hervé Cuisine
- Number of followers on YouTube: 1.6 million
He is the big brother of food creators. Always clear, calm, and educational, Hervé has introduced the basics to millions of beginners. A discreet but essential pioneer.
Michel Dumas
- Number of followers on YouTube: 1.3 million
Michel doesn’t pretend: he cooks as he lives, with frankness and humor. His dishes are generous, his punchlines cult-classic, and his accent as flavorful as his recipes.
Cyril Lignac
- Number of followers on Instagram: 3.5 million
Between his restaurants, his shows, and his sweet stories, Cyril embodies French gourmet charm. Accessible, smiling, and sincere, he makes gastronomy chic but never snobbish.
Thibault Geoffray
- Number of followers on Instagram: 800k
Thibault has proven that you can love eating and take care of yourself. He revisits the classics in a healthy version, without ever forgetting the indulgence. His energy is contagious.
FlorianOnAir
- Number of followers on YouTube: 731k
Florian is the reporter of taste. He travels across France to test burgers, tacos, kebabs, or hidden bistros. He tastes everything, without a filter, with a rare sincerity. Thanks to him, we rediscover the true pleasure of eating.
Jean-François Piège
- Number of followers on Instagram: 604k
A Michelin-starred chef, Piège shares his love of products and technique on social media. Always elegant, he embodies modernized French tradition. A true reference for enthusiasts.
Hélène Darroze
- Number of followers on Instagram: 400k
A strong woman in the gastronomic world, Hélène Darroze embodies a sincere cuisine, rooted in tradition and focused on emotions. An inspiring figure for an entire generation.
La Guinguette d’Angèle
- Number of followers on Instagram: 154k
Angèle is living proof that you can make plant-based food without being boring. Her colorful, local, and lively cuisine has won over people far beyond the “green” believers.
La petite Okara
- Number of followers on Instagram: 174k
Mathilde cooks vegan with tenderness. She speaks truthfully, shares her doubts and successes, and shows that ethical cooking can be just as warm as a slow-cooked dish.
Norbert Tarayre
- Number of followers on their Instagram: 493k
How can we finish this top list without talking about Norbert. He embodies French conviviality: that of a meal with friends, simple but full of heart. Between his restaurants, his shows, and his committed speeches, he remains a chef close to the people, faithful to his values and his boundless energy.
A few questions about culinary influencers
Do you have to be a chef to become a food influencer?
Not at all! Many food influencers are not professional chefs.
What matters is the perspective, passion, and sincerity.
A good food influencer can be an amateur pastry chef, a street food tester, or even passionate about local products.
On which platforms are cooking influencers most active?
The largest communities are found today on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- YouTube for more immersive formats: detailed recipes, food trips, documentaries.
- Instagram for mouth-watering visuals,
- TikTok for short and fun recipes,
How do food influencers make a living?
Several sources of income exist:
Sometimes even their own products (groceries, sauces, pastries, etc.).
But the most followed always keep a guiding principle: only recommend what they truly love.
- Partnerships with food brands, utensils, or restaurants,
- Sponsored content creation,
- Cookbooks, shows, culinary events,
What is the difference between a food critic and a food influencer?
The critic analyzes and rates a restaurant’s cuisine according to precise criteria.
The influencer, on the other hand, shares a personal experience, often more spontaneous, more visual, and more emotional.
One evaluates, the other provides feedback with a lot of emotion.Collaboration strategies with an automotive influencer
What are the benefits of collaborating with a food influencer?
Working with a food influencer can be a very good option for your brand.
These creators have a unique ability to tell a story through taste.
When they share a recipe, a product, or a culinary experience, they don’t sell, they transmit an emotion.
Their community trusts them because they speak with sincerity, and it is this authenticity that makes all the difference.
Collaborating with a food influencer allows you to:
- Giving visibility to a brand or product in a warm and credible context.
- Creating engaging content (photos, videos, recipes, reviews) that inspires and makes mouths water.
- Reach a targeted audience, often passionate about cooking, well-being, or gastronomy.
- Associate your image with strong values: authenticity, creativity, sharing, pleasure.
In summary, a good partnership with a food influencer is a win-win exchange:
the influencer keeps their freedom of tone, the brand gains visibility, and the audience discovers a sincere and inspiring culinary experience.