Even legacy brands are shifting their budgets toward influencer marketing, recognising it as a driver of growth & not just a trend. Heinz, nearly 200 years old, is now partnering with creators like @hungryhugh.
Source: Instagram
The right creator can make your seemingly simple product fly off the shelves by making it feel special. That is what happened with Little Moons Mochi in 2021. A viral TikTok wave led to a 1,300% sales spike, 6.7 million impressions, and over 137,000 new followers.
HelloFresh took that same creator-led approach and scaled it. With help from our elite influencer agency team at House of Marketers, HelloFresh Influencer Campaign generated 500+ monthly tracked sales, reducing customer acquisition costs by 30%, and pulling in 5 million video views. All powered by creators who know how to make food content that actually converts.
Influencer marketing: The most effective strategy for food brands
Whether it is a plant-based meal prep video or a behind-the-scenes restaurant tour, food content works because it feels real, shareable, and worth trying.
The right food influencer can do more than make your mouth water; they can
- Build trust and credibility
- Create authentic content that converts
- Make audiences hungry for inspiration and action
In short, food influencers are not just content creators; they are brand partners & trendsetters. In this guide, we will be covering:
- Vegan Food Influencers: Plant-based pros promoting mindful eating and sustainability.
- Baking Influencers: Sweet treats, stunning bakes, and everything in between.
- Food & Travel Influencers: Explore restaurants, trends, and food experiences.
- Chef Influencers: Professionally trained chefs sharing tips, recipes, and plating perfection.
Each section will highlight top food influencers on Instagram who are setting the pace for 2025, along with actionable insights on why their content works and how brands can collaborate meaningfully.
Let’s get into it!
Vegan Food Influencers in The USA on Instagram
Plant-based, passionate, and incredibly persuasive these creators are changing how audiences think about wellness, sustainability, and what it means to eat well.
Whether they’re sharing meal prep tips, weight loss journeys, or comforting vegan bakes, these top food influencers on Instagram know how to drive engagement and appetite.
Here are a few standout voices in the vegan community:
1. Nzinga Young
@veganzinga
Instagram:112k followers
Nzinga has been a committed vegan for over six years, but her plant-based journey started long before that. Raised in a vegetarian household, she developed an early appreciation for whole foods and compassionate eating rooted in Vipassana meditation.
Nzinga’s work has been featured on HuffPost, and she’s spoken at vegan conferences across the globe. She’s also contributed to key advocacy organisations like Vegan Outreach and Farm Sanctuary. Whether she’s sharing nourishing recipes or reflecting on her meditation practice, her voice is grounded and intentional. For brands seeking a values-led influencer who embodies authenticity, Nzinga is a thoughtful and powerful partner.
2. Amanda Le
@rawmanda
Instagram: 373k followers
Amanda Le started embracing veganism in 2014. She’s been showcasing simple, nourishing meals packed with fruit, vegetables, and good energy. Her signature content focuses on intuitive eating and the transformative power of unprocessed food.
Amanda’s feed is bright, wholesome, and engaging, a go-to for fans looking to reset their eating habits or explore raw vegan recipes. Her authenticity makes her one of the most trusted Instagram food influencers in the clean-eating space.
3. Courtney Lopez
@knowyourproduce
Instagram: 31.1k followers
If you want to make fresh produce fun for the whole family, Courtney Lopez is your go-to. Her platform Know Your Produce is a treasure trove of kid-friendly plant-based recipes and seasonal produce education.
With a strong emphasis on accessibility and simplicity, Courtney is an ideal partner for produce brands and health-forward food companies looking to reach parents and everyday cooks. She stands out among top food influencers on Instagram for her focus on education and family-friendly content
Source: Instagram
4. High Carb Hannah
Instagram: 271k followers
High Carb Hannah’s story is one of transformation from a lifelong struggle with body image and food addiction to reclaiming her health through a whole-food, plant-based diet. Her journey is raw, real, and incredibly moving.
Hannah is known for popularising “The Starch Solution” a high-carb, low-fat approach to plant-based eating that helped her lose 40 pounds and overcome addiction. Today, her platform offers motivation, comfort food recipes, and practical tips for anyone trying to improve their relationship with food.
If your brand values emotional storytelling and real-life wellness wins, Hannah is one of the top Instagram food influencers to keep on your radar.
5. Sam Turnbull
Instagram: 223k followers
Sam Turnbull never planned to go vegan but once she did, she turned her journey into a full-blown plant-based movement. As the founder of It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken, Sam creates approachable, comfort-food-style vegan recipes that even meat-lovers crave.
Her platform has grown into a family-run business with bestselling cookbooks, an online meal planner, and a global community of fans. What sets her apart from many food influencers on Instagram is her ability to make veganism accessible, no niche ingredients, no food snobbery, just fun and flavorful meals anyone can make.
6. Kiki Nelson
@plantifulkiki
Instagram: 190k followers
Author, speaker, and plant-based advocate, Kiki Nelson is the voice behind Plantifully Lean, a transformative approach to weight loss rooted in whole foods and nutritional science. After shedding 70 pounds through her plant-based lifestyle, she’s built a loyal following by sharing recipes, plate-building techniques, and practical weight-loss strategies that feel achievable for everyday life.
Her audience trusts her because she’s been through the journey herself. For brands targeting health-conscious consumers, Kiki offers more than just content she offers credibility.
So you’re sold on the power of food influencers — but not sure where to start? At House of Marketers, we specialise in influencer marketing for food brands, helping you find & manage partnerships that actually drive results. Contact us to start your campaign.
Baking Influencers in The USA on Instagram
If your brand focuses on baking tools, pantry staples, or dessert-focused food products, partnering with Instagram food influencers in this category can create a high-conversion, high-visual impact campaign that feels both cosy and credible.
Let’s take a look at some of the top baking influencers on Instagram right now:
1. Kayla Burton
Instagram: 78.9k followers
Kayla Burton bakes with heart and a healthy dash of strategy. She started Broken Oven Baking as a creative outlet and quickly discovered a passion for recipe development and the tech side of food blogging.
Her content is known for being fun, accessible, and absolutely packed with delicious bakes. Kayla also mentors other food creators, which adds another layer of credibility to her brand. If you want to reach baking enthusiasts who love clear, fuss-free recipes, she’s a go-to among Instagram food influencers.
2. Maryanne Cabrera
@littleepicurean
Instagram: 57.4k followers
A former pastry chef turned content creator, Maryanne Cabrera brings professional precision to everyday baking. Her feed is a love letter to desserts, fresh breads, and indulgent drinks all beautifully styled and approachable for home bakers.
Maryanne’s loyal audience follows her for recipes that are equal parts elegant and doable, making her a trusted partner for baking brands. Whether you’re promoting flour, mixers, or specialty chocolate, she knows how to integrate products in a way that feels natural and delightful.
Source: Instagram
3. Michelle Lopez
@hummingbirdhigh
Instagram: 211k followers
What started as a side project to escape the corporate grind became one of the most beloved baking blogs online. Michelle Lopez’s Hummingbird High has grown into a rich community of home bakers who love her stunning photography, clear instructions, and thoughtful insights into technique. Brands looking to connect with hobbyist bakers and foodies will find her a perfect fit. She’s one of the top food influencers on Instagram in the desserts niche for a reason: people trust her, follow her, and bake with her guidance every week.
4. Sarah Kieffer
@sarah_kieffer
Instagram: 281k followers
Known for her “pan-banging” chocolate chip cookies and poetic reflections on life in the kitchen, Sarah Kieffer is a storyteller at heart. Her content blends warmth, nostalgia, and culinary skill, creating a sense of intimacy that her followers adore.
For brands that want more than a product plug that want a feeling Sarah delivers. Her content reminds us why baking is more than a task. It’s a way to connect.
5. Kathleen Ashmore
Instagram: 200k followers
With a background in marketing and analytics, Kathleen brings precision to the world of baking. Kathleen’s Cravings started as a passion project and has since grown into a trusted recipe hub for home cooks who crave comfort food with a homemade twist.
Her content is filled with weeknight-ready bakes, seasonal treats, and easy-to-follow instructions that make baking feel joyful. Brands seeking a reliable, no-fluff voice in the baking space will appreciate her balance of data-savvy and delicious.
6. Sally McKenney
Instagram: 1Million followers
A true icon in the baking world, Sally McKenney is the force behind Sally’s Baking Addiction. Since 2011, she’s built a baking empire based on one thing: reliability. Every recipe on her site is tested thoroughly, and her tutorials give home bakers the confidence to take on anything from pecan pie to Swiss meringue.
Foodie & Travel Influencers in The USA on Instagram
These Instagram food influencers are explorers capturing street eats & brunches in Brooklyn, and hidden gems in NewYork. Their influence comes from their ability to make people feel like they’re right there with them, tasting the experience.
Here are a few foodies who are doing it better than anyone else in 2025:
1. John Eats Cheap
@johneatscheap
Instagram: 525 followers
YouTube: 11.2k followers
For John and “Mrs. Cheap,” eating well has never meant spending big. What started as a home cooking channel focused on budget-friendly meals has evolved into a full-blown strategy guide for enjoying restaurant food without the restaurant prices.
John documents how to eat out on a budget—without sacrificing flavor, fun, or freshness. His signature style blends friendly storytelling with real-world savings. His content isn’t about deprivation—it’s about smart decisions, clever hacks, and celebrating good food at great value.
For brands focused on affordability, local dining, or value-packed promotions, John is an ideal partner. His community trusts him for his down-to-earth advice, honest reviews, and entertaining content.
2. Nina Berezin
@thequeenfoodie
Instagram: 72.8k followers
Nina Berezin is NYC food royalty and her Instagram is a curated map of the city’s best eats. Her content is equal parts food guide and visual diary, with a special love for sushi and fine dining.
She’s a trusted resource for locals and tourists alike, with posts that help followers discover their next favorite restaurant. For hospitality and dining brands, Nina offers a direct line to a discerning and hungry NYC-based audience.
Source: Instagram
3. Asdrid & Nick
@checkinchickens
Instagram: 10.3k followers
Asdrid and Nick, the duo behind Checkin Chickens, are NYC-based digital creators who balance 9-to-5 life with a shared love for food and travel. Their Instagram offers a personal, relatable lens into the best bites and destinations especially in and around New York City.
With a focus on local eats, weekend escapes, and hidden gems, they’re an ideal fit for food, hospitality, or lifestyle brands looking to connect with young professionals who live for their next adventure. This pair delivers charm, authenticity, and a dash of couple goals with every post.
4. Ana Colliton
@bitesofthebest
Instagram: 73.8k followers
Ana is the globetrotting tastebud behind Bites of the Best, an Instagram food blog dedicated to the most crave-worthy dishes from around the world. With over 75,000 followers, her content blends travel, food photography, and discovery from hidden gems to local favorites.
Ana’s passion for cuisine and culture makes her a standout among Instagram food influencers with international appeal. Whether she’s exploring street food in Southeast Asia or fine dining in Europe, Ana brings a global perspective that resonates with audiences and food brands alike.
5. Ryan Alexander
@ryan.cant.cook
Instagram: 565k followers
Bold, messy, and viral Ryan Alexander is not your average foodie. Known for TikTok hits like Fruity Pebble corndogs and fire-level spice challenges, Ryan brings a youthful, adventurous energy to the food content space.
He’s collaborated with fellow creators like Albert Cancook and continues to grow his fanbase across Instagram and TikTok. If your brand leans fun, spicy, or over-the-top, Ryan is a natural fit and one of the top food influencers on Instagram for Gen Z and millennial audiences.
6. Gustavo “Guga” Tosta
@gugafoods
Instagram: 1.2 million followers
Guga is the king of experimental cooking best known for sous vide steaks, seasoning hacks, and pushing the boundaries of barbecue. His Instagram complements his successful YouTube channels (Guga Foods and Sous Vide Everything), blending serious skill with unfiltered fun.
He’s also the author of Breaking the Barbecue Rules, where he shares the business side of content creation. For meat brands, grilling equipment, and bold flavor profiles, Guga is the food influencer you want on your side.
7. Katie Belly
@thebellychronicles
Instagram: 51.4k followers
Based in NYC, Katie Belly curates a flavorful feed that blends restaurant reviews, home-cooked dishes, and culinary discoveries from her travels. Whether she’s highlighting a hole-in-the-wall ramen joint or plating her latest kitchen experiment, her content oozes personality and wanderlust.
Katie’s audience is food-savvy and always hungry for something new, making her an ideal partner for restaurants, food events, and travel brands.
Chef Influencers in The USA on Instagram
When food meets training, storytelling, and expertise, these creators bring more than just recipes to the table.
Not all Instagram food influencers are casual cooks. Some have culinary degrees, restaurant resumes, or a deep-rooted mission to change how people understand and experience food. These chef influencers blend professional insight with engaging content, making them trusted voices for both home cooks and policy-minded foodies.
For brands looking to partner with educators, cookbook authors, or lifestyle leaders, these are some of the top Instagram food influencers leading the charge:
1. Kristen Kish
@kristenlkish
Instagram: 649k+ followers
Kristen Kish brings a rare blend of culinary prestige and on-camera charisma that makes her a standout chef influencer for brands looking to elevate their image. As the winner of Top Chef Season 10 and the current host of the show, she carries built-in authority, trust, and a devoted fan base that spans food lovers and media-savvy audiences alike.
For brands in the premium food, drink, or lifestyle space, Kristen represents the ideal partner: highly respected, widely visible, and deeply trusted. Her influence is built not just on taste, but on taste-making.
2. Jenné Claiborne
Instagram: 364k followers
Jenné is a vegan chef, author, and wellness guide based in Atlanta. Her platform Sweet Potato Soul shares nourishing plant-based recipes inspired by Southern comfort and African-American food traditions. With a cookbook, YouTube channel, and dedicated fanbase, Jenné is a warm, trustworthy voice in the health-conscious culinary space.
She’s one of the top Instagram food influencers for brands seeking an intersection of wellness, soul food, and plant-based living all served with heart.
3. Michelle Tam
@nomnompaleo
Instagram: 498k followers
Michelle Tam is the force behind Nom Nom Paleo, a wildly popular food blog and app turned cookbook empire. A clinical pharmacist turned paleo food pioneer, Michelle documents her journey through whole foods, family cooking, and balanced wellness.
With three New York Times bestselling cookbooks and multiple Webby Awards, Michelle’s content is ideal for brands in the health, kitchenware, or paleo product space. Her influence spans across blog, social, print, and podcast placing her among the top food influencers on Instagram when it comes to trust and transformation.
4. Raunak Sunder
Instagram: 929k followers
Raunak Sunder is a self-taught chef and digital creator who went from cooking out of necessity to building a viral food platform with millions of views. While studying computer science and scraping by during grad school, he developed a repertoire of affordable, quick meals and decided to share them with the world.
What started as TikTok uploads of budget-friendly recipes soon turned into a full-fledged cooking platform with viral hits and a loyal following. Raunak’s mission is simple: help people learn how to cook, no matter their background or budget.
With an emphasis on clarity, detail, and everyday accessibility, Raunak is a natural fit for brands in the grocery, cookware, or kitchen education space.
5. Kenji López-Alt
Instagram: 812k followers
Kenji López-Alt is a culinary powerhouse James Beard Award-winning author of The Food Lab and The Wok, former professional chef, New York Times columnist, and co-host of the podcast The Recipe. Known for his science-meets-skillet approach, Kenji has helped a generation of home cooks understand not just how to cook, but why things work in the kitchen.
His approachable cooking videos, food science insights, and thoughtful content across platforms have earned him a devoted following. From Seattle-based restaurant tips to signed book sales through Book Larder, Kenji’s ecosystem spans education, entertainment, and commerce.
6. Tom Colicchio
Instagram: 366k followers
Best known as the head judge on Top Chef, Tom Colicchio is also a leading voice in food policy. Through his podcast Citizen Chef, he dives into the intersection of food, politics, and social justice bringing on lawmakers, journalists, and farmers to unpack how the food system works (or doesn’t).
Tom brings serious credibility and audience trust. For brands aligned with food education, sustainability, or legislative advocacy, Tom represents an influencer who speaks with authority and purpose.
From self-taught creators to award-winning chefs, the top Instagram food influencers in the U.S. are doing more than just posting pretty plates; they are shaping food culture, setting trends, and driving real business results.
Final Thoughts: Why These Food Influencers Deserve a Spot on Your Radar
Whether you are a brand looking to launch your next product, a marketer seeking authentic storytelling, or a small business ready to scale through strategic partnerships, these creators offer more than just reach; they bring relevance, trust, and connection.
As influencer marketing continues to evolve in 2025, one thing is clear: niche, high-impact creators like the ones featured in this guide will be at the center of it all.
Learn more about Influencer Marketing Stats here.
In other words, you do not need a million followers to make an impact; you just need the right voices sharing the right stories with the right audience.
If that sounds like a lot to tackle on your own, you’re not alone. That’s where we come in.
Read House of Marketers’ Brand Social Media Case Studies:
HelloFresh Influencer Marketing Case Study
Here’s How Little Moons Mochi Conquered TikTok and the Freezer Aisle
Tim Hortons Influencer Marketing Case Study
Want to explore how influencer partnerships can help your brand sell out? At House of Marketers, we connect brands with top-performing creators on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. We can guide you every step of the way. With our expertise, we’ll help you harness the power of influencer marketing to boost engagement and drive real results for your brand.
Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the team at House of Marketers. Let us help you find success in this dynamic space!
House of Marketers (HOM) is a leading TikTok Marketing Agency. Our global agency was built by early TikTok Employees & TikTok Partners, which gives us the insider knowledge to help leading brands, like Redbull, Playtika, Badoo, and HelloFresh win on TikTok. Want us to convert more of Gen Z and Millennials with TikTok? Get in touch with our friendly team, here.