Famous Flavors

Craft Beer Craft Beer (image credits: unsplash) Craft beer has become a beloved staple in American culture, especially as tariffs on imported beers have risen. In 2022, the Brewers Association reported that the craft beer market in the U.S. reached a staggering $26 billion in sales, showcasing an impressive 21% growth over five years. This surge is not just about numbers; it reflects a deeper connection to local flavors and regional pride, with more than 8,000 craft breweries peppered across the nation. People are not just drinking beer; they are savoring stories of local ingredients and sustainable practices. As tariffs … Read more

The Theory Behind Negative-Calorie Foods The Theory Behind Negative-Calorie Foods (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: you’re munching on celery while burning more calories than you’re actually eating. Sounds like a dieter’s dream, right? The concept of “negative-calorie” foods suggests that certain foods require more energy to chew, digest, and process than they actually provide. Think of it like having a magic metabolism booster hiding in your refrigerator. Foods that commonly get this label include celery, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, grapefruit, broccoli, and cabbage. The idea is that your body works so hard to break down these foods that you end up … Read more

Failures: Iconic Brands That Flopped (New Coke, Anyone?) When Coca-Cola Forgot Who They Were When Coca-Cola Forgot Who They Were (image credits: pixabay) Picture this: you’re sipping your favorite Coke on a warm summer day in 1985 when suddenly, your beloved brand announces they’re changing their century-old formula. By 1985, Coca-Cola had been losing market share to diet soft drinks and non-cola beverages for several years. Blind taste tests suggested that consumers preferred the sweeter taste of the competing product Pepsi-Cola, and so the Coca-Cola recipe was reformulated. The American public reacted negatively, and New Coke was considered a major … Read more

The Pumpkin Spice Dynasty is Cracking The Pumpkin Spice Dynasty is Cracking (image credits: unsplash) Let me tell you something shocking – pumpkin spice might finally be losing its crown. After 20 years of absolute autumn domination, the flavor that launched a thousand lattes is facing serious competition. The same Millennials who were largely responsible for its meteoric rise after Starbucks debuted the first Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) in 2003 are now ready for a change after two decades of pumpkin spice dominance. Tania Cienfuegos Harris, pastry chef at Hotel Hartness and Patterson Kitchen + Bar in Greenville, South Carolina … Read more

The Science Behind What We Taste The Science Behind What We Taste (image credits: unsplash) Most of us grew up believing there were just four basic tastes – sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. But then came umami in the early 2000s, that savory fifth taste that makes your mouth water when you bite into a piece of cheese or a perfectly grilled steak. Now scientists are throwing another curveball: they’re saying fat might actually be the sixth basic taste, not just a texture we feel in our mouths. Think about it – when you bite into a piece of bacon … Read more

The Surprising Power of Food Sayings The Surprising Power of Food Sayings (image credits: unsplash) Food proverbs like “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” aren’t just catchy—they actually shape how people think about health. In a 2024 survey by the American Folklore Society, 78% of respondents said they remember and use food sayings in daily life, often passing them down to children. These proverbs are sticky because they’re short, memorable, and seem to contain practical wisdom. According to linguist Dr. Emily Harper, food sayings have a psychological impact, nudging people toward healthier habits in a way that plain … Read more

Pineapple Pizza: The Ultimate Food Debate Pineapple Pizza: The Ultimate Food Debate (image credits: unsplash) You can’t mention controversial food combos without starting with the big one – pineapple on pizza. The origins of using pineapple as a pizza topping began in 1962 Canada when Sam Panopolous, a Greek chef started experimenting with new toppings due to a lack options at the time. What’s wild is that people still argue about this like it’s the most important political issue of our time. A 2021 YouGov survey indicated that 54% of Americans believe pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza. But here’s the … Read more

Unprecedented Heat Waves in Vineyards and Cocoa Farms Unprecedented Heat Waves in Vineyards and Cocoa Farms (image credits: unsplash) Record-breaking heat waves have swept across France, Spain, and Italy in 2023 and 2024, with temperatures consistently topping 40°C during key grape-growing months. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine reported a 14% drop in European wine production in 2023, the lowest in 60 years, citing heat and drought as the main culprits. In Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where over 60% of the world’s cocoa is grown, similar heat extremes have slashed yields by up to 20% according to recent data … Read more

Your Plate Size Tricks You Into Eating More or Less Your Eyes Are Lying to Your Stomach Your Eyes Are Lying to Your Stomach (image credits: unsplash) Have you ever wondered why that generous portion at your favorite restaurant suddenly looks tiny when you transfer it to your dinner plate at home? Your brain is playing a fascinating trick on you, one that’s been fooling humans for over 150 years. People tend to underestimate the quantity of food when it is presented on a large plate, or conversely overestimate the quantity when it is presented on a small plate. This … Read more

The Wild West of Digital Dining Decisions The Wild West of Digital Dining Decisions (image credits: flickr) Picture this: you’re standing outside a restaurant, stomach rumbling, scrolling through Yelp reviews to decide if you should go in. More than 90% of consumers consult online reviews before making a purchase or visiting a business for the first time. You’re not alone in this ritual – millions of people worldwide make dining decisions based on star ratings and stranger’s opinions. But here’s the million-dollar question: can you actually trust what you’re reading? The answer might surprise you more than that mysterious “special … Read more