What the Food?

It's time to unwrap the foiled sugary saga of Pop-Tarts! The iconic breakfast pastries that have toasted their way into the hearts of millions. From their crispy, frosted beginnings in the 1960s to their status as a pop culture phenomenon, we're exploring how Pop-Tarts became a toasted favourite. 

We head back in time to the post-war drive for convenience that led to their invention, touching on the fierce rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post that sparked the Pop-Tart revolution. We also talk about the ridiculous amount of ridiculous sounding ridiculous flavours.

But it’s not all sprinkles and frosting—this episode also covers the dark side of Pop-Tarts, from their questionable nutritional value to lawsuits involving flaming toasters and misleading labels. It's a treat you won’t want to miss!

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Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, we're uncorking the story of the Austrian Wine Scandal of 1985—a vintage tale of deceit, drama, and diethylene glycol. Imagine the picturesque vineyards of Austria, where a few unscrupulous winemakers decided to give their wines an illicit boost with a sweet but toxic twist.

Join us as we swirl through the details of this scandal that rocked the wine world. We'll explore how a handful of producers tainted their wines with antifreeze to enhance sweetness, sparking international outrage and a massive recall. This wasn’t just a small spill; it was a flood that threatened to drown Austria’s wine reputation.

We'll delve into the aftermath, including how the scandal led to stricter regulations and ultimately a renaissance in Austrian winemaking. This episode is a blend of scandal and redemption, showing how an industry can rise from the dregs to produce some of the world’s finest wines.

Ready to raise a glass to one of the most shocking chapters in wine history? Tune in and sip on the juicy details!

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Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We’re unwrapping the story of a beloved culinary staple—the sandwich! This versatile delight has traveled through time, evolving from ancient creations to a global favorite. We’ll dive into its rich history, starting with Hillel the Elder’s Passover creation, then moving to medieval Europe’s trencher plates, and finally, the 18th-century gaming tables of the Earl of Sandwich.

Discover how the Industrial Revolution cemented the sandwich as the ultimate convenience food for workers, and how it landed in America, sparking a multitude of regional variations from the classic PB&J to the mighty Reuben. We’ll also explore some of history’s oddest sandwiches—popcorn and sardines, anyone?

Join us as we celebrate this humble yet ingenious invention that continues to delight and surprise. Ready to take a bite out of history? Tune in and savor the journey!

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Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode we’re stirring up the rich, aromatic history of Plov, Uzbekistan's national dish! Plov isn’t just food; it’s a celebration, a symbol of community and hospitality that has been feeding hearts and souls for centuries. For Miles, he thinks it's all fake and this is one big April fools joke...

We travel back in time to uncover Plov’s Persian origins, explore its evolution along the Silk Road, and celebrate its role in the lavish feasts of Tamerlane’s empire. Join us, as we ladle out stories of it's cultural significance, and the timeless traditions that make Plov an enduring favorite.  Let’s dig into the delicious world of Plov together!

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Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, we're diving knife-first into the polarizing pot of Marmite, the yeasty spread that splits opinions as sharply as Brexit, blue steak or having a poo at work. Love it or hate it, Marmite’s rich history and distinctive flavor make it a British icon worth exploring.

From its inception in the breweries of Burton-upon-Trent to becoming a staple in wartime rations, Marmite's journey is as sticky as its texture. We’ll try our best to uncover how a German scientist’s discovery led to this nutrient-packed spread, and how Marmite became a crucial morale booster in the trenches of World War I.

We also explore Marmite's clever marketing which embraces its divisive nature with the legendary "Love it or hate it" campaign, turning this quirky spread into a cultural phenomenon. Grab your toast, because we're spreading the love (or hate) for Marmite!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe in your favourite app, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Welcome back! In this episode we're diving into the deliciously intriguing salad bowl of history, and talking Caesar Salad. Was it really invented by a Roman emperor, or is there a more tangy and surprising story behind it? Join us as we try and piece it all together. Prepare for the usual concoction of fun facts, history and three idiots. Bon appétit!

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Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Join us and sink your teeth into the sweet, pillowy goodness of doughnuts! From ancient fried doughballs to modern-day gourmet wonders, we look at how a wartime comfort has evolved into a symbol of culinary creativity worldwide.

This episodes takes some strange turns as we discuss the trenches of the First World War, the inventive hands of Captain Hanson Gregory, and a secret doughnut society shrouded in mystery... Oh wait! That's not creepy fog, it's just powdered sugar! Grab a coffee and let's dunk into history. Just whatever you do, don't get your fingers wet!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe in your favourite app, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Join us this week at a bubbling smokey cauldron because we're stewing over the rich and hearty history of Goulash, Hungary's beloved dish that's more than just a stew—it's a story of resilience, culture, and culinary evolution.

Originating from the rugged plains of Hungary, where cowherds concocted a simple yet satisfying meal, Goulash has transformed into a national treasure and a global comfort food. Infused with the warmth of paprika, this dish has journeyed from humble beginnings to aristocratic tables all around the world. It's a flavorful, beefy episode that we reckon will give you a newfound appreciation for drying red peppers and making a powder from it.

Pull up a chair, grab a spoon, and let's all warm our souls together.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe in your favourite app, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We're unwrapping the delightful world of Dim Sum, the heart-touching tradition that's as much about togetherness as it is about taste. Journey with us from its beginnings along the ancient Silk Road, all the way to the bustling teahouses of modern-day Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

In this episode we steam through the rich tapestry of Dim Sum, exploring how these little bites pack big flavors and stories! Whether you're a seasoned Dim Sum diner or just a curious foodie, join us as we dip into the history, heritage, and sheer joy of this exquisite Cantonese tradition. Get ready to have your heart touched, one dumpling at a time.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe in your favourite app, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, we're heading into the compressed, greasy world of SPAM - the iconic canned meat that's polarized dining tables since 1937. From its humble beginnings as a wartime staple to its status as a global culinary phenomenon, SPAM's journey is nothing short of astonishing. We'll slice into its curious rise to fame, exploring how it went from the battlefields of WWII, to household kitchens all around the world. Join us as we try and figure out the origin of this curious, salty treat!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe in your favourite app, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Follow our socials at: https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or if you fancy treating us to a one-off cuppa: www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)