Tommy Winkler: The food guy who ate his way to millions

Tommy Winkler’s rise to social media stardom didn’t begin with a perfectly plated meal or a viral food hack. Instead, it started with a simple idea: film the first bite of everything he ate in a day. “People were just like, I weirdly just like watching this guy eat,” Tommy laughs, recalling the moment his TikTok views soared from thousands to millions almost overnight. Now, with tens of millions of followers and a reputation as ‘the food guy’, Tommy has turned eating – sometimes outrageously – into a global career.

Listen to the full episode of the Good Food podcast, then delve into the podcast archive for more culinary adventures.

The accidental influencer

Before TikTok fame, Tommy was just another creative student, dabbling in YouTube vlogs and comedy sketches with his older brother. But as the world slowed during the pandemic, he found himself searching for a niche. “I eventually lost that passion after creating a thousand TikToks,” he admits. Inspiration struck when he decided to simply document his daily meals. The response was instant and explosive.

“[I] posted another one the next day. A million views. Another one the next day. Two million views,” Tommy recalls, still sounding slightly in awe. His approach was refreshingly straightforward: honest, unfiltered, and always with a sense of fun. Viewers found comfort, curiosity, and a little vicarious thrill in watching Tommy indulge in everything from towering sandwiches to international sweets.

Balancing indulgence and discipline

It’s easy to assume that a man who spends his days eating for the camera might struggle with balance, but Tommy is quick to dispel that myth. “I prioritise fitness so much,” he explains. Behind the scenes, he tracks what he eats, balances calorie intake with exercise, and practises portion control. “It’s truly balance, portion control and discipline doing it day in, day out.”

There’s a method to the madness—even the most decadent challenges are followed by days of moderation and a focus on hitting his protein goals. “You can’t out-eat, you can’t eat and burn off all those calories. It’s going to catch up to you eventually,” he says.

Snack hacks and culinary pranks

Tommy’s content isn’t just about eating – it’s about play. His snack hacks range from the genuinely useful (toaster quesadillas, anyone?) to the downright mischievous. “My top hacks are more like pranks on my audience,” he confesses, grinning about the time he baited viewers with a grape wrapped in a fruit roll-up, doused in sugar, and frozen. “It was really good. I mean, it’d be like sugar.”

He’s also not above a little ‘rage baiting’, deliberately biting down on a fork or eating an orange with the peel to provoke a reaction. “I love the engagement… I’m able to get someone to comment on a video or, you know, people watch content to get away.”

British snacks, brutal honesty

On a recent visit to the UK, Tommy put his palate to the test with classic British snacks. Quavers? “I like how it’s light and airy… a slight hint of cheese at the end.” Pork scratchings, however, didn’t win him over. “They’re terrible. It’s got this like soft, little bit chewier piece to it… two textures that should not be in a bag.” But Percy Pigs? “That’s a 10 out of 10 on design. It’s a chewy, sweet sugar.”

Tommy’s willingness to be candid – sometimes brutally so – has endeared him to fans worldwide. “British food is not… no good,” he admits, before quickly adding, “I am open-minded. I love London, I love the UK. People are great. But the food has never been like a standout for me while I’m here.”

Global tastes, home comforts

Despite his international fame, Tommy’s food memories are rooted in home and comfort. Asked about his favourite dish, he doesn’t hesitate: “Pot stickers. I don’t know what it’s about… the juicy filling and steamed.” Steak is another staple, especially after a trip to Japan introduced him to melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu.

His guilty pleasures are reassuringly relatable – ice cream and Flaming Hot Cheetos top the list. “You can eat so much of it too,” he says of ice cream, eyes lighting up at the thought.

The future: More than just social

What’s next for the food guy? Tommy is keeping it open. “I love to take things day by day… there’s endless things I can do with food.” While his heart remains online, he’s eager for opportunities beyond the screen – podcasts, TV shows, and anything that lets him share his love of food with a wider audience.

The meaning of good food

For Tommy, good food is about more than flavour. “Good food means the five senses: happiness from hearing food sizzling, the smell, what you see, the feel, textures and taste most important.” Every meal is a chance to connect, to experience joy, and to share that spark with millions.

As Tommy Winkler proves, sometimes the simplest ideas – like filming a first bite – can lead to the most delicious adventures. And for the foodie faithful, there’s always another snack, another hack, and another story just waiting to be devoured.

source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/tommy-winkler-the-food-guy-who-ate-his-way-to-millions