Top 20 Food & Drink from Raleigh on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Total Food & Drink Influencers in Raleigh, United States of America

204

Expected Reach

1.5M

Total Followers

6.6M

Avg Engagement

2.74%

Top 20 Creators

RankInfluencerLocationFollowersEngagementMonthly GrowthScore
1
yohnalex piñeros
@soyalexanderpineros
Empresario | 🎤 Speaker en liderazgo, disciplina y mentalidad emprendedora | 👨‍🍳 Pastry Chef Inspirando a construir sueños con propósito y constancia
Raleigh, United States of America
244.2K
Followers
1.47%
Engagement
+15.8%(+33.2K)
7.2
2
From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes
@frommaskitchen
Classic Indian dishes from my master chef grandma Raleigh, NC frommaskitchen@gmail.com
Raleigh, United States of America
173.9K
Followers
1.38%
Engagement
+5.8%(+9.6K)
8.1
3
Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea
@southerntoatea
Creating a European inspired home ✨ Elevating the everyday Daily tips in stories Garden to Table · Recipes · Home & Hosting 🌷 Raleigh, NC • Zone 8A
Raleigh, United States of America
54.2K
Followers
6.59%
Engagement
+11.5%(+5.6K)
8.5
4
Caitlin Buckler
@caitlins_table
✿ Easy dessert recipes for the home baker ✰ Cookies • brownies • cozy treats 🍪 ↯ Recipes + favorites
Raleigh, United States of America
163.0K
Followers
0.12%
Engagement
+2.1%(+3.3K)
6.4
5
Megan Nichols | NC Eat & Play
@nceatandplay
Local wanderlust in NC & beyond ✨Introducing you to new places & romanticizing the one you’re already in 💐food, travel, life 👇Full guides on the site
Raleigh, United States of America
386.0K
Followers
0.17%
Engagement
+0.8%(+2.9K)
6.3
6
Allison Reynolds | NC Lifestyle + Travel
@raleighwanderlust
🏙 The best of Raleigh & bucket list trips✈️ ‼️ This page may cause extreme drooling 🤤 and excitement!! 🤩 💌allisoncollaborations@gmail.com
Raleigh, United States of America
336.1K
Followers
N/A
Engagement
+0.6%(+2.0K)
8.4
7
Nykeema scott
@cookingwithkeema__
Foodie content creator 👩‍🍳 Catering for all events | Raleigh NC📍 Personal pg: @nykeema__
Raleigh, United States of America
110.3K
Followers
20.42%
Engagement
+1.6%(+1.8K)
5.9
8
Aarti Sequeira
@aartipaartipics
Jesus Geek | Wife + Mum | TCK | @FoodNetwork Host | Cookbook Author | Former News + Doc Producer 📩 Bookings: info@redrockentertainment.com
Raleigh, United States of America
367.3K
Followers
0.74%
Engagement
+0.2%(+672)
6.4
9
Chapel of Bones - Raleigh, NC
@chapelofbonesraleigh
Raleigh’s own metal & horror themed coffee shop by day, music venue & bar by night. Coffee shop ☕️ @chapelofbonescoffee Check out our website! ⬇️
Raleigh, United States of America
33.2K
Followers
0.19%
Engagement
+1.8%(+601)
5.4
10
ShayShay
@fat_fashionista
Canvas of Imperfections 🦄👑🎨 Im never Gonna Clear Up no Story 👐🏾 BELIEVE it 💋 #fashionista -ONLY page.
Raleigh, United States of America
24.9K
Followers
3.46%
Engagement
+2.5%(+600)
5.4
11
Aarik Duncan
@aarikduncan
#teambuble The Voice season 28🌻 a soul-driven singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist blending genres with ❤️ Mngmnt: @im_jessica_vann
Raleigh, United States of America
28.5K
Followers
0.53%
Engagement
+1.9%(+519)
7.3
12
Jess Owens
@jessowensdaily
Millennial Mom 🌴 Funny mom life & good finds Raleigh → Charleston soon ↓ Shop my cart
Raleigh, United States of America
27.6K
Followers
0.74%
Engagement
+1.7%(+457)
7.5
13
Joy Wilkerson
@joyeatsworld22
📸 Your favorite foodie friend with all the deets on the good eats in NC & beyond! 📍Raleigh-Durham area
Raleigh, United States of America
50.9K
Followers
5.37%
Engagement
+0.8%(+413)
7.3
14
555
@janet.arianna
🎀 Girl mama 🦬 Howard University Alumna 👩🏽‍🏫 Middle School math teacher | Tutor 🏋🏽‍♀️ @mombodied
Raleigh, United States of America
11.7K
Followers
32.69%
Engagement
+3.5%(+397)
9.3
15
JamaRR Royster | Recipe Developer
@pancakegawd
One of the World’s Best Squatter 93kg Powerlifter ΑΦΑ @thegawdeats @sbdapparel code PANCAKEGAWD ↓ @macrofactorapp
Raleigh, United States of America
34.7K
Followers
2.14%
Engagement
+1.1%(+387)
5.5
16
Ericka | Food + Lifestyle + Travel + Experiences
@curated_taste
Digital Storyteller & Coach |📍NC & Beyond | 43k on Facebook | DDI Ambassador | Believer | NCSU Alum🤘🏼 PR/Collabs/Consults: curatedtastenc@gmail.com
Raleigh, United States of America
15.6K
Followers
0.43%
Engagement
+2.4%(+373)
7.6
17
Rachel Vecchio
@rachelvecchio
Teaching you to live a gluten free life without giving up the foods you love 🌾⁣ ➕GF 12+ years ⁣ CEO at Rachel Vecchio Fitness LLC⁣ GF recipes in reels
Raleigh, United States of America
135.5K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+0.2%(+310)
7.0
18
K38 Baja Grill
@k38bajagrill
🌮K38 Raleigh-NOW OPEN 🌮K38 Porters Neck 🌮K38 The Forum 🌮K38 Independence 🌮K38 Carolina Beach- NOW OPEN 🌮K38 Oleander
Raleigh, United States of America
16.5K
Followers
3.87%
Engagement
+1.7%(+270)
8.0
19
benchwarmers
@benchwarmersbagels
🥉Raleigh NC
Raleigh, United States of America
23.5K
Followers
1.71%
Engagement
+1.0%(+225)
7.1
20
Wildflower Hemp Co.
@wildflowerhempco
The craft hemp experience. Raleigh | NC | Living Soil
Raleigh, United States of America
16.1K
Followers
0.29%
Engagement
+1.2%(+198)
6.0

About This Instagram Influencer Ranking

Discover the most influential creators in Raleigh with our comprehensive ranking of the top 20 influencers on Instagram who post Food & Drink content. This data‑driven analysis identifies the content creators who are shaping conversations, driving trends, and commanding the highest engagement rates in 2026.

Key Insights & Metrics

  • Combined Reach: 1.5M potential impressions across all ranked influencers
  • Total Audience: 6.6M followers collectively following these creators
  • Average Engagement Rate: 2.74% - competitive engagement levels
  • Market Coverage: 204 total influencers analyzed in this category

Audience Demographics & Reach

Audience analysis is currently unavailable.

  • Top Markets: no data
  • Gender Distribution: no data
  • Primary Age Group: no data
  • Languages: no data

Why This Ranking Matters

For brands and marketers, this ranking provides essential intelligence for:

  • Identifying high-performing influencers for partnership opportunities
  • Understanding audience demographics for targeted campaigns
  • Benchmarking engagement rates and growth metrics
  • Discovering emerging talent with strong growth trajectories
  • Analyzing competitive landscape in Food & Drink niche

For content creators, these insights help with:

  • Understanding industry benchmarks and performance standards
  • Identifying successful content strategies from top performers
  • Network building and collaboration opportunities
  • Setting realistic growth targets based on peer performance

Methodology & Data Freshness

Our rankings are generated using advanced algorithms that analyze multiple performance indicators:

  • Profile Score: Proprietary metric combining reach, engagement, and growth
  • Engagement Rate: Average interaction rate across recent content
  • Growth Velocity: Month-over-month follower growth and momentum
  • Content Consistency: Posting frequency and audience retention
  • Audience Quality: Authenticity scores and demographic relevance

Data is refreshed weekly to ensure you're always working with the most current information. Last update includes performance data through May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest‑growing Food & Drink creator in Raleigh on Instagram?

yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) is, as of May 2026, the fastest‑growing Food & Drink creator in Raleigh on Instagram, with +15.8% monthly growth (+33.2K followers).

How many followers did yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) gain last month?

yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) gained about 33.2K followers last month (+15.8%).

Who grew more: yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) or From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen)?

yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) grew more than From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen) (33.2K vs 9.6K).

How is From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen) performing right now?

From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen) is growing at +5.8% (+9.6K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.1 and average engagement of 1.38%.

How is Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea (@southerntoatea) performing right now?

Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea (@southerntoatea) is growing at +11.5% (+5.6K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.5 and average engagement of 6.59%.

How is Caitlin Buckler (@caitlins_table) performing right now?

Caitlin Buckler (@caitlins_table) is growing at +2.1% (+3.3K) per month, with a Profile Score of 6.4 and average engagement of 0.12%.

How is Megan Nichols | NC Eat & Play (@nceatandplay) performing right now?

Megan Nichols | NC Eat & Play (@nceatandplay) is growing at +0.8% (+2.9K) per month, with a Profile Score of 6.3 and average engagement of 0.17%.

Who had the higher percentage growth: From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen) or Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea (@southerntoatea)?

Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea (@southerntoatea) leads (11.5% vs From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen) 5.8%).

What is the absolute follower gain of yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros)?

yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) gained about 33.2K followers last month (+15.8%).

What is the absolute follower gain of From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen)?

From Ma’s Kitchen - Authentic Indian Recipes (@frommaskitchen) gained about 9.6K followers last month (+5.8%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea (@southerntoatea)?

Courtney Mims | SouthernToATea (@southerntoatea) gained about 5.6K followers last month (+11.5%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Caitlin Buckler (@caitlins_table)?

Caitlin Buckler (@caitlins_table) gained about 3.3K followers last month (+2.1%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Megan Nichols | NC Eat & Play (@nceatandplay)?

Megan Nichols | NC Eat & Play (@nceatandplay) gained about 2.9K followers last month (+0.8%).

Is yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) still a relevant creator?

Yes — yohnalex piñeros (@soyalexanderpineros) has a Profile Score of 7.2, average engagement of 1.47%, and +15.8% (+33.2K) monthly follower growth, indicating high relevance.

What is a good engagement rate for Food & Drink in United States of America?

The average engagement rate for this category is 2.74%. Generally, rates above 3.3% are considered excellent, while rates above 2.2% are good. Engagement rates vary by platform, niche, and follower count - micro-influencers often have higher rates than mega-influencers.

How is the Profile Score calculated?

The Profile Score (0-10 scale) is a composite metric that weighs several factors: 40% engagement quality, 25% audience reach, 20% growth momentum, 10% content consistency, and 5% audience authenticity. A score above 7.0 indicates a high-performing influencer, while scores above 8.5 represent elite-tier creators.

Can I use this data for influencer marketing campaigns?

Yes! This ranking is designed to help brands, agencies, and marketers identify potential partnership opportunities. The data provides a starting point for campaign planning, competitor analysis, and market research. For detailed campaign analytics and contact information, consider upgrading to our professional tools.

What does monthly growth percentage mean?

Monthly growth shows the percentage change in followers over the past 30 days. Positive growth (green) indicates gaining followers, while negative growth (red) means losing followers. The number in parentheses shows the absolute follower change. High growth rates often indicate viral content or successful campaigns.

Why should I track influencers in Raleigh?

Location-specific influencer tracking is crucial for targeted marketing campaigns. Local influencers often have higher engagement rates within their geographic area, understand cultural nuances, and can drive better ROI for region-specific products or services. They're particularly valuable for retail, hospitality, and location-based businesses.

How can I improve my ranking as an influencer?

Focus on these key areas: (1) Increase engagement by creating content that encourages comments and shares, (2) Post consistently to maintain audience interest, (3) Use relevant hashtags to expand reach, (4) Collaborate with other creators in your niche, (5) Respond to comments to build community, and (6) Analyze your best-performing content and create similar pieces.

Note: This ranking represents a snapshot of current instagram influence based on publicly available data. Rankings can fluctuate based on content performance, platform algorithm changes, and audience behavior. Use this data as one of several factors in your decision-making process.