Which one are you?
Did you grow up with a mom who was all about strict health rules, swapping regular snacks for almonds, and keeping the pantry stocked with “clean” options? Or maybe you had a mom who swore by simple comfort foods and didn’t mind indulging in a little extra fat? If so, you might recognize the viral TikTok terms “almond mom” and “butter mom.”
TikTok has been buzzing with these contrasting labels, describing two very different parenting styles when it comes to food. Keep reading to learn more about the trend and find out which one you relate to.
What is an almond mom?
Dr. Karla Lester, a pediatrician and expert on childhood obesity, told Today that an almond mom is someone who is often “stuck in diet culture” and likely grew up hearing phrases like “a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips” and “you’re not hungry, you’re bored.”
In simple words, it’s basically a mom who focuses too much on dieting, encourages her kids to eat very little, and may link food to guilt or control.
But for registered dietitian and TikTok creator Lauren, an almond mom is “not just a female,” but anyone who struggles with their own relationship with food and projects those struggles onto others.
The term “almond mom” originated from a viral moment in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where Yolanda Hadid is seen speaking with her then-teenage daughter, Gigi Hadid, in a clip that was shared widely on social media. In the video, Gigi says she’s feeling weak and has only eaten “half an almond.” Yolanda responds with the advice, “Have a couple of almonds, and chew them really well.”
TikTok user Grace posted a video about her experience with her “almond mom,” captioned “Almond mom strikes again.” In the video, she said her mom is using an app to scan food barcodes and check if they’re unhealthy, and is now scanning everything in her fridge.
@greyzindacity almond mom strikes again #almondmom #momsoftiktok #yukaapp #momsbelike #healthymom #relatable #fyp ♬ Cena Engraçada e Inusitada de 3 minutos – HarmonicoHCO
What is a butter mom?
On the other hand, “butter mom” has recently gained attention in 2023 as a contrasting term to “almond mom.” While not as clearly defined, it seems to refer to a more relaxed approach to parenting and food.
A Reddit user once described a “butter mom” in a thread as someone who “encourages you to eat full meals while also promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle.”
Meanwhile, TikTok creators have their own definition of “butter mom.” @alannahhickry shared that she grew up with a “butter mom” who “will basically feed you” and always made sure there were snacks available, like chips, biscuits, and chocolates.
TikTok influencer Jazmin Tyler shared her daily life of being raised by a “butter mom,” saying, “Luckily, I was raised by a butter mom…this is what we make for a healthy lunch: a caramelized, crispy cheese egg frittata.” In the clip, she proudly says the veggies in the recipe “fry up in lots of butter.”
@jaztyler she’s a butter mom, not an almond mom 💗
♬ Autumn Leaves – Timothy Cole