Viral cucumber trend blamed for major problem after it becomes huge obsession with Gen Z

A viral TikTok trend involving cucumbers has gripped food lovers across the world, but it's had unexpected reprecussions.

This summer, cucumbers have grown exponentially in popularity thanks to viral social media star Logan Moffitt, 23.

Dubbed the ‘cucumber guy’, the Canadian content creator has been using his platform to highlight the weird and wonderful ways you can eat these widely-cultivated creeping vine plants.

The formula for Moffitt’s recipes are simple: simply place a mandolin on top of a container and dice your cucumber.

Then, add whatever salad toppings your heart desires before giving it a big shake and tucking in.

Iceland’s obsession with the cucumber craze explained

While Moffitt’s popularity rises, so does the demand for cucumbers in Iceland apparently.

One particular recipe that reportedly has the Nordic country in a chokehold is grated cucumber, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar and chilli oil.

According to the BBC, the viral recipe has been such a hit that Iceland's farmers association - the Horticulturists’ Sales Company (SFG) - has been unable to keep up with the demand.

However, an expert has also claimed cucumber shortages usually take place at this time of year and may not be totally connected to the TikTok trend.

Kristín Linda Sveinsdóttir, from SFG, said the lack of cucumbers in the country comes from farmers replacing their plants at this time of year as well as children returning for a fresh school year.

Iceland is reportedly suffering from a cucumber shortage (Tyla)

"Everything is happening at the same time," she said while acknowledging Moffitt’s videos have probably driven demand higher than expected.

She added that if the clips had gone viral earlier in the year when ‘the [cucumber] production was in full blast’, the Icelandic shortage probably wouldn’t have been as noticeable.

What does Logan Moffitt say about the reported shortage?

Following the reported Icelandic cucumber shortage, Moffitt has had his say on the situation.

In a statement, the food and drink fanatic wrote: “It’s super exciting to be part of this whole cucumber trend!

“I’ve seen so many food trends come and go online and it’s so awesome that I was able to be so involved in everyone’s love for cucumber.

“The shortage in Iceland is so crazy and hard to comprehend however,” he added, as per the Prince George Post.

An expert has warned what can happen if you eat a full cucumber every day (Tyla)

Is it healthy to eat a cucumber every day?

"Sometimes, you just need to eat a whole cucumber," is the influencer's catchphrase, uttered at the beginning of his videos.

But how healthy is it to actually chow down on a single cucumber every day?

According to Daily Harvest nutrition adviser Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, the popular food item contains antioxidants essential for dighting oxidative stress in the body.

"Diets rich in vegetables are associated with better health markers, lower disease risk and overall improved health and well-being,” she told Delish.

However, she also warned that high water and fibre content could cause ‘digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities’.

“That’s because fibre stimulates bowel movement, and for some individuals, especially those not accustomed to a high-fibre diet, this can lead to bloating, gas, or even diarrhoea,” she added.