Woman says she can tell whether her date is a red flag by how they share nachos. She might be onto something

A Toronto woman says people should order nachos with their dates as early as possible. She believes the appetizer can reveal whether a date has the potential to be a good partner.

On Oct. 21, Miriam Macdiarmid (@macdiarmidmiriam) posted a TikTok about an idea called “nacho theory,” which has amassed over 313,000 views as of Thursday. “Have nachos with someone you're dating as early on as possible,” she said.

What is the ‘Nacho Theory?'

She argued that respecting someone's portion could offer an early glimpse into their personality.

“If you order nachos with someone, there are sort of unspoken terms of engagement when you're sharing nachos,” she explained. “There are clear borders and boundaries.”

The woman said everyone has their own designated portion. Someone who respects those boundaries passes her initial test. “That's the bare minimum,” she said.

However, she warned that dates who approach someone else's portion might reveal their selfish tendencies.

“If that person is encroaching on your side and they're turning the plate around and they're being kind of sneaky and slimy about it, that person is self-interested,” she explained. “That person is only looking out for them, and I would say red flag.”

Meanwhile, someone who offers their date a particularly good chip earns a much more favorable assessment.

“The ideal scenario is you're sharing nachos with someone who identifies a good chip on their side or on the border, and they say, ‘That's a really good chip. You should have it,'” she said. “That is husband material. That is the type of person you want to marry.”

“So nacho theory is political,” she said. “It's serious. It's real. And it should be treated as such.”

The comments generally agreed with Macdiarmid's sentiment, arguing that tests like these are helpful in a time where dating is viewed as increasingly difficult.

“Yess! appetizers in general, have always been a test when I'm out with anyone, friends, family, or a date, it can honestly tell you a lot about a person lol,” wrote one individual.

“Turning the plate is diabolical, I could not imagine,” added another. “I agree with nacho theory.”

Why might ‘Nacho Theory' be resonating with Gen Z?

Dating has become a source of growing frustration for younger adults navigating relationships amid financial pressures and changing social expectations. For many, the “nacho theory” offers a low-stakes way to assess whether a potential partner respects their boundaries.

A 2026 report from the Institute for Family Studies found that young adults face several barriers to dating. More than half cited insufficient money, while nearly half pointed to low confidence or negative past dating experiences. The report⁠ suggests that financial and emotional hurdles can make pursuing relationships difficult.

Dating costs have also become a growing concern. A September 2026 Zelle survey found that 84% of Gen Z and millennial daters said rising costs affected their dating lives. Nearly one-third said they were going on fewer dates, while 11% had stopped dating because they couldn't afford it.

These pressures may help explain why some young adults are rethinking traditional dating. Expensive dinners and drinks can make meeting potential partners feel like a financial commitment rather than a casual outing. The “nacho theory” could very well prove useful to those hoping to screen out future dates with people who they might not be compatible with.

@macdiarmidmiriam

Subplot reached out to Macdiarmid for comment via TikTok direct message and the TikTok comment section.

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