The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
TikTok is in its throwback era, and it is throwing it way back this week. The newest trend is reclaiming a kitchen essential before technology, before the convenience of driving to the market. People are rediscovering how to churn butter, but they are adding their own spin to it.
How are people churning butter on TikTok?
If you search “making butter while running,” you’ll find dozens of videos of people doing just that. As odd as it sounds, people are experimenting with making homemade butter by putting heavy cream into a sealed plastic bag, storing it into a backpack, and bringing it on their runs. The erratic up and down motion when running is a strong enough force that it slowly transforms the cream into butter. However, running isn’t the only step in this process. After the run, the butter-maker then strains the liquid from the solid and rinses the butter bits in ice water, massaging the separate parts into one solid ball.
While making butter isn’t a new concept, creating it via running is most certainly an unexpected method. Credit for this viral TikTok trend goes to Libby Cope, who first attempted this experiment alongside her boyfriend, Jacob Arnold, on a trail run. Currently, the video has more than two million views on TikTok and has amassed more than 11 million views on Instagram. Most of the runners are citing approximately six miles as the distance they need to run to properly churn the butter.
What are the different ‘churn and burn’ butter variations?
Different variations are unique to each runner. Some opt for traditional butter, others add a pinch of salt to maximize the flavors, and some butter-makers are more experimental. Irene K Choi, a TikToker, posted a video of her first experience making butter through running. Within her vlog, she chose to make a corn juice honey butter, using it as her “post-run snack.” This distinct variation has gained over 2.9 million views.
Additionally, Cope added a garlic seasoning to her butter during her “churn and burn” run, using it specifically as an addition to a dinner-time pasta dish. With the privilege of making their own butter, people can add ingredients into the mix as they desire. Rather than using butter as a multipurpose ingredient, as it is normally sold, it has become a homemade product that can be unique and specifically crafted for individual dishes.
The ”churn and burn” trend is sparking lighthearted banter across the internet. Most are admitting that it’s a fun way to engage with cooking and experimentation. Some even credit it as a genuine incentive to start exercising.
“I’m scared to admit that this actually might get me to run…” one person commented on Choi’s previously mentioned video. Jennifer Sanford corroborated this opinion on the same video, commenting “Am I a runner? No. Do I make my own butter? Also, no. But for some reason doing the two activities simultaneously seems motivating.”