The Amish, commonly referred to as “plain people,” are devout Christians who prioritize tradition over change. They typically dress modestly and avoid technology like cars, computers, and phones. Lovina Hershberger Zook provides an intriguing case of cultural transformation, having left the Amish lifestyle to become a social media influencer.
At 23 years old, Lovina Hershberger Zook has captivated over six million followers with her amassing recipes and Amish lifestyle stories. She hails from a highly conservative Amish subgroup and grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Though no longer Amish—having left the faith five years ago—Zook still holds onto many Amish traditions at home. Her self-made dresses reflect her roots, even as she navigates the online world.
Online, Zook is known for sharing Amish culinary creations. Her dishes range from traditional to unique, such as a coffee soup made with hot milk, instant coffee, sugar, and saltine crackers. Her unique culinary twist includes pairing the soup with cottage cheese and meat.
Her take on an “Amish cheeseburger”—a buttered, cheese-filled homemade bread grilled in a cast-iron pan—is what others might call a grilled cheese sandwich. “I’ve only had an Amish cheeseburger; I have never had a grilled cheese!” Zook shares, shedding light on the cultural differences even in simple food terminology.
Growing up without modern technology, Zook never encountered phones or computers. She reflects on purchasing a laptop years after leaving the Amish, “I didn’t know what a laptop was. And then I bought one and learned it’s called a computer. The word ‘computer’ always struck me as peculiar.”
If someone had told her as a child she would become a social media star, the term would have been meaningless. “I didn’t know what social media was,” she admits. Initially discussing Amish culture, Zook now shares broader content online. Her most-watched video, featuring an Amish hair tutorial, has gained over 50 million views on TikTok.
When asked about her upbringing, Zook explained, “We just live our life. I knew there were people who lived differently. But I thought that was wrong, so I chose to remain Amish.” This lifestyle involved more than avoiding technology; it included no makeup or dancing. Strict prohibitions shaped her upbringing, with “Oh, my gosh” being considered inappropriate language.
Leaving the Amish community carried fears of eternal damnation. Zook, one of 13 children, saw her brother leave before her. Despite her love for teaching, financial pressures forced her to consider a different path, as her father encouraged her to work at a sawmill instead.
The turning point came when Zook’s mother critiqued her church attire. “She said I needed a smaller band around my neck to avoid gossip.” Frustrated by constant judgment, Zook decided it was time to leave.
“Planning my escape felt like planning a prison break.”
Zook meticulously prepared, monitoring her family’s sleep patterns and oiling hinges to leave without detection.
Once she left, Zook had to adapt to the “English” world. With her brother’s help, she settled into a new life. Now, she drives, creates social media content, and sells a self-published cookbook. She is married to Eli, another former Amish member.
Living true to her beliefs, Zook feels she is on the path God intends. “Yes, I believe 100% that I am living the life God wants for me,” she emphasizes.
Zook and Eli expect their first child next month, and future plans include a house, garden, farm, and potentially an Amish restaurant and market. Her outlook is positive: “Our plans for the future seem very busy and bright. My life keeps getting better every day.”
Recipe Highlight: Amish Peanut Butter Pie
For more information, visit Lovina Zook’s official site or explore her cookbook, “Lovina’s Amish Cookbook: 230+ Authentic Amish Recipes,” available in hardcover and eBook formats.
Story produced by Wonbo Woo. Edited by Jennifer Falk.