Food Science

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What's the Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder?

Baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents, but they work differently in batters and doughs. So, in a pinch, can you substitute one for the other?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Dec 26, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

The Art and Science of Aging Beer

We know wine collectors age their wine. But what about beer? There's a movement of beer enthusiasts dabbling in aging beer, too. Do the same rules apply?

By Stephanie Vermillion Dec 11, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

How Does String Cheese Get Stringy?

String cheese is a super popular snack with kids and adults. And it's stringiness can be a bit baffling, too.

By Meg Sparwath Aug 12, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

What Is Sassafras and Is it Safe?

Sassafras has a long history of culinary, medicinal and aromatic use, but safrole, a toxic compound found in its essential oils, has been banned by the FDA because of its potential carcinogenic properties.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Jul 25, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

What Is Citric Acid, and Is It Safe?

Citric acid is added to everything from food to medicines to cleaning supplies. Although it occurs naturally, it's mostly manufactured from black mold. But does that mean we need to be worried?

By Alia Hoyt Jul 24, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Insect Ice Cream Could Be Coming to Your Grocery Store

Ice cream made with insect milk? A start-up in South Africa hopes you'll say, "Yes please!"

By Nathan Chandler Jun 5, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

The Quest to Fix the Grocery Store Tomato

Grocery store tomatoes are all but flavorless anymore. A group of scientists is out to bring the ripe, red taste of summer back.

By Shaun Chavis Apr 23, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

How Can You Tell if a Chicken Egg Is Fertilized?

Female chickens lay eggs whether they've mated with a rooster or not.

By Jesslyn Shields Dec 7, 2018 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

What's the Difference Between White and Dark Meat Turkey?

Which do you prefer?

By Loraine Fick Nov 19, 2018 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

These Grapes Really Do Taste Like Cotton Candy

Craving some sugary sweet cotton candy? Then reach for these grapes instead. You'll be shocked at how much they taste just like the spun stuff.

By Shaun Chavis Oct 23, 2018 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Does Caffeine Increase — or Decrease — Appetite?

Nothing goes better with a cup of coffee than a sweet cupcake. But do you crave the two together or does that cup of joe actually make you hungry?

By Shaun Chavis Sep 19, 2018 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Can Science Explain Why Microwaved Coffee Tastes So Terrible?

People are passionate about coffee, and every connoisseur has an opinion about what to do when hot coffee goes cold. Reheating coffee's complicated.

By Jesslyn Shields Apr 14, 2017 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Can Spicy Food Really Burn Out Taste Buds?

You may love the burn of food that's triple Thai hot, but do your poor taste buds?

By John Donovan Nov 20, 2016 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

New Aerosol Tea = #TeaHeresy

Yes, folks, tea has now joined the dubious list of products available in a spray can. Who's clamoring for this?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Sep 26, 2016 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Mad Scientists Improve Chocolate With Electricity, Defy Nature

What if chocolate could be more delicious and healthier? Sound impossible? Researchers have managed to make the stuff of chocolate dreams a reality.

By Jonathan Strickland Jun 23, 2016 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Diagnosing Chocolate's Quality with Ultrasound

Scientists have discovered a delicious way to use ultrasound to determine the best chocolate.

By Dave Roos Jun 13, 2016 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science

Some Chinese Restaurants Laced Food With Opium—What Would Happen if You Ate It?

Were dozens of restaurant owners in China wasting time trying to get diners to ride General Tso's white horse ? What would really happen if you ate opium-laced food?

By Chris Opfer Feb 18, 2016 Food Facts & Fun / Food Science