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‘Bro invented soup’: TikTok’s water-based cooking trend draws eye-rolls

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Washington, D.C., USA

May 26, 2025 1 Neutral General

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TikTok: A fitness influencer’s “water-based cooking hack” has the internet joking that he’s basically reinvented soup. He touted boiling chicken and veggies in water with spices for a low-fat, healthy meal, only for thousands of viewers to respond, “That’s soup, bro.” Memes exploded across social media, mocking TikTok’s tendency to rebrand age-old methods as new. Dietitians say boiling can be healthy, but it’s hardly revolutionary—it’s been done forever in countless cuisines. Still, some viewers appreciate the nudge toward simpler, low-oil cooking. Brands are even cashing in, offering “gourmet water-cooking” spice kits.

What this means for you:

•	Within 2 weeks, if you’re looking to reduce fried foods, boiling ingredients in water or broth is a simple, healthier option.
•	In the next 1–2 months, explore global soup recipes—like minestrone, pho, or miso soup—to get creative and nutrient-dense meals.
•	If bored with plain boiled fare, try a quick homemade stock—it adds flavor without extra fats or salt.
•	Over time, keep in mind that “viral hacks” often repackage old techniques—seek genuine cooking knowledge to expand your culinary skills.

Key Entities

• TikTok users – Sparked viral jokes about “reinventing soup.”
• Fitness influencer – Claimed water-based cooking was a healthy innovation.
• General online community – Mocking the rebranding of basic culinary techniques.
• Campbell’s Soup / spice companies – Jokingly jumped in with promotions.

Bias Distribution

Left: 50% (1 source)

Center: 50% (1 source)

Right: 0% (0 sources)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

Remarks on cultural appropriation or ignoring global culinary traditions in favor of “new hack” illusions.

Centrist View

Reports the phenomenon neutrally, focusing on comedic internet reaction and practical cooking points.

Right-Leaning View

(No major coverage).

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