If you’ve ever found yourself drooling over a butter chicken burrito at 11pm, or clicking “save” on a TikTok chilli recipe you’ll definitely make one day, you’re not alone. Aussies are increasingly turning influencers – specifically of the the FoodTok and FoodieGram variety – instead of Google when it comes to deciding what to eat next. And, it turns out, some creators are cashing in big time on our hunger scrolls.
A new study by El Jannah – the same legends behind that garlic-sauce-loaded charcoal chicken – has dropped the juiciest details on Australia’s eating-influencer rich list for 2025. These aren’t just foodies, they’re full-blown flavour moguls, earning thousands per post by mixing meals with on-camera magic.
Serving up the stats: Who’s making dough?
In first place is fitness foodie Dez Cerimagic (@_aussiefitness), whose recipe reels are as shredded as his abs. With a following of 7.3 million and a feed full of protein-packed plates, Dez takes home an estimated $18,401 per post. Whether he’s meal-prepping with flair or plating up weight-loss-friendly burritos, his content fuels both bodies and bank accounts. Case in point: his butter chicken burrito video has clocked over 13.8 million views – that’s a whole lot of chicken (and probably a fair bit of leg day).
Coming in hot at number two is Andy Hearnden (@andy_cooks), the kitchen comfort king who’s made a name for himself with soothing recipe videos filmed from his backyard smoker and rustic bench tops. With more than 10 million followers across platforms, Andy’s slow-cooked, one-pot, pub-style feasts make him $26,311.50 a post. His fans aren’t just watching – they’re cooking along, often with only “one pot and one spoon,” just like in his viral 1.3M-viewed chilli clip. It’s the kind of content that makes you want to throw on an apron and pretend you know your way around a brisket.
Third on the list is TikTok’s mysterious @tom, a Gen Z creator who thrives on fast food taste-tests, chaotic snack reviews and an unapologetically loud aesthetic. You’ll probably know him from his viral deep dives into Aussie Macca’s hacks or limited-edition sauces, like his 4.6-million-view Hot Honey Sauce review. Despite keeping his identity mostly private, @tom has cultivated a whopping 10 million followers and earns around $7,893.50 per post. Clearly, chaos equals coin.
And that’s just the top three. Other notable names on El Jannah’s list include Adrian Widjy (@foodbloggeradrian), known for his decadent fine-dining adventures, who earns approximately $3.9K per post. Whether it’s a secret sushi spot or a luxe lobster roll, Adrian’s posts ooze luxury. And likes.
Beyond bites
According to El Jannah’s Head of Marketing, Adam Issa, the trend isn’t just about food porn. It’s about connection.
“It’s wild how many of us now find our next meal while scrolling, but it makes sense. Great food is as much about storytelling as it is flavour. These creators are shaping the way Aussies discover what’s worth eating,” he said.
So, next time you’re tempted to laugh at someone filming their lunch from five angles, remember, those overhead shots and sizzling soundbites are probably paying their rent (and funding their air fryer addiction). With creators blending creativity and culinary chops, the line between influencer and chef has never been more deliciously blurred.
