Australia’s top food influencers earn up to AUD $18,401 per post

A new study has highlighted the top-earning Australian online food influencers as consumers increasingly turn to social media when deciding what to eat and where to dine.

The research, conducted by El Jannah, sheds light on the most prominent figures in Australia's social-driven food scene, revealing how platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are taking a central role in shaping food choices and trends.

Influencer earnings

Dez Cerimagic, known on social media as @_aussiefitness, leads the list with an estimated income of AUD $18,401 per post. Cerimagic, who focuses on health and fitness meals, has a combined following of 7.3 million across various social platforms. His highest-performing content includes short recipe videos featuring protein-rich meals and gym-friendly snacks, such as a TikTok video about weight-loss butter chicken burritos, which has attracted 13.8 million views.

Following closely is Andy Hearnden, operating under the handle @andy_cooks, with a reported earning of AUD $16,400 per post. Hearnden has developed a strong online following with his no-fuss, comfort food-oriented videos often shot from his rustic home kitchen or backyard smoker. With an audience of over 10 million followers, videos like his one-pot one-spoon beef chilli recipe, which has surpassed 1.3 million views, have helped him secure a place as one of the country's highest-paid recipe creators.

Adrian Widjy, or @foodbloggeradrian, is also featured prominently, reportedly earning around AUD $3,900 per post. Widjy's content leans into vibrant food reviews and taste-tests, appealing to viewers keen on discovering both new and classic dining experiences.

The third spot on the overall list goes to the anonymous TikTok creator @tom, who focuses on fast food reviews and snack tastings attractive to a Gen Z audience. With a following of approximately 10 million and an estimated AUD $7,893 per post, Tom's viral content - such as reviews of Macca's Hot Honey Sauce, which drew 4.6 million views - regularly receives wide attention both locally and internationally.

Impact on food culture

The rise of FoodTok - shorthand for food content on TikTok - and visual food blogging on Instagram reflects Australians' changing approach to food choices. Rather than relying on traditional search engines, many now look to influencers for inspiration and recommendations, with visually-driven content shaping tastes and sparking dining trends.

El Jannah's analysis was conducted with the help of influencer marketing platforms, providing a clear picture of the estimated earnings and reach of these popular content creators. The organisation observes that the changing habits of Australians are part of a broader shift towards social-first food culture.

Adam Issa, Head of Marketing at El Jannah said, "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. We'd love to see them wrap their hands around some El Jannah, there's definitely content (and garlic sauce) waiting for them."

According to the study, as audiences grow and platforms evolve, these content creators stand to continue benefiting from strong engagement and growing commercial opportunities. Brands and restaurants increasingly see social influence as a key driver of their marketing strategies, leveraging the trust and reach established by popular online personalities to connect with younger, digitally-engaged consumers.

Changing discovery habits

The report suggests that traditional restaurant discovery methods such as online review sites and search engines are being supplemented, and in many cases, replaced by influencer-driven content. Short-form video, attractive photography, and personal recommendations resonate with viewers and inspire immediate action - whether that means ordering takeaway, trying a new recipe, or dining out at a newly-discovered local spot.

El Jannah compiles and releases the earnings data to provide insights into how Australia's online food landscape is being shaped by a growing community of influential content creators.