Topic

Food & Lifestyle

A collection of 44 issues

The Sandwich Scandal: Why Ireland's Supreme Court Ruled Subway's Bread is Legally Cake

In 2020, Ireland's Supreme Court ruled that Subway's sandwich rolls are not legally 'bread' due to a sugar content five times the legal limit. This tax-related decision classified the rolls as confectionery, sparking a global conversation about food definitions and hidden sugars.

The Hidden Danger in Your Shaker: What a Major Study Found in Plant-Based Protein Powders

You reach for protein powder to boost your health, but is it safe? A shocking study found 77% of plant-based proteins contain high levels of lead, compared to just 28% of whey. Discover why this happens, the risks involved, and how to choose a cleaner, safer supplement for your pantry.

Milt: The Controversial Seafood Delicacy You've Probably Never Heard Of

In the world of culinary oddities, milt, the seminal fluid of male fish, holds a special place. Considered a delicacy in cultures from Japan to Sicily, this creamy, rich ingredient challenges palates and proves that one person's taboo is another's treasured dish.

Forbidden Feast: President Taft's Old-School Soup Is Now Illegal

President Taft's favorite dish was green sea turtle soup, a Gilded Age delicacy. Today, this specific soup is illegal in the U.S. because the turtle is protected under the Endangered Species Act, turning a presidential feast into a powerful lesson in conservation.

The Explosive Science of Popcorn: How 135 PSI Turns a Tiny Kernel into a Fluffy Treat

Inside every popcorn kernel is a drop of water. When heated, this water turns to steam, building pressure to an explosive 135 PSI—nine times that of a car tire! This forces the kernel to rupture, instantly expanding the starchy interior up to 50 times its original size.

Swiss Cheese Gets Its Holes Back: A 2025 Court Ruling Reverses a Decade of Purity

Increased hygiene caused Swiss cheese holes to disappear. A 2015 study revealed microscopic hay particles were the secret ingredient. Now, in a landmark 2025 ruling, the Swiss court has approved adding hay powder to milk, scientifically restoring the iconic eyes to traditional cheese.

The Great Midwestern Pepper-Mango Mystery: Why Some People Call Bell Peppers "Mangoes"

In parts of the Midwest, some call green bell peppers "mangoes." This isn't a mistake, but a linguistic fossil from the 18th century when "mango" referred to pickled items. Stuffed, pickled peppers were called "mangoes," and the name eventually stuck to the raw pepper itself.

Malört: The Vile Liqueur Chicagoans Love to Hate (and Force on Their Friends)

Malört, Chicago's infamous wormwood liqueur, is a true test of grit. Known for its shockingly bitter taste, this Prohibition-era spirit has become a cultural staple and a bizarre rite of passage, bonding friends and newcomers through the shared trauma of the notorious 'Malört Face'.

Kiviak: Unpacking the Fermented, Bird-Stuffed Seal Delicacy of the Arctic

Kiviak is a traditional Greenlandic Inuit delicacy made by fermenting hundreds of seabirds inside a hollowed-out seal skin for months. This unique preservation method creates a pungent, cheese-like dish rich in nutrients, essential for survival and celebration in the harsh Arctic winter.