My TikTok FYP has been inundated with young Germans consuming pudding with a fork in public areas. This emerging trend, known as “pudding mit gabel,” means “pudding with a fork.” Even though I’m neither German nor a fan of pudding, my feed is filled with German speakers relishing pudding. I liked one video, which probably changed my algorithm.

This isn’t obscure content. Many videos from these events boast millions of likes on TikTok, drawing in large audiences. It’s peculiar yet delightful to witness people joyfully gathering in 2025. However, the origins of this phenomenon are still a mystery.

What exactly is the “pudding mit gabel” trend? It’s simply enjoying pudding with a fork collectively. Videos depict sizable assemblies of individuals holding individual servings of pudding and a fork, often featuring a countdown and celebratory tapping of forks prior to indulging. This whimsical trend predominantly thrives on the German internet, with coverage in German-language media. It has spread to cities such as Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart, and Vienna.

Who initiated it? It’s uncertain. It appears to be more of a collective movement than the brainchild of one person. AI translations indicate it may have started in Karlsruher, driven by local meme pages. Trends frequently arise spontaneously and gather momentum.

Why has this become a trend? Absurd times lead to absurd trends. We exist in a disconnected age, and German meme pages ignited this quirky trend as people yearn for connection. It’s difficult to rally people in a park, but if it becomes a trend, they’ll come. Recall the viral Philadelphia man eating a rotisserie chicken or the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest? The internet enjoys transforming online oddities into real-life experiences.

Young Germans opted for pudding with a fork, and it could potentially make its way to the U.S. An NYC gathering in Central Park attracted hundreds of thousands of views, and there’s enthusiasm for organizing U.S. meetups on Reddit. Thus, “pudding mit gabel” is a German trend, yet it could be on the verge of becoming international. Why not?