Skittles and Artificial Food Dyes Skittles and Artificial Food Dyes (image credits: unsplash) Walking down the candy aisle at any American grocery store, you’ll spot the rainbow-colored Skittles package without a second thought. But these tiny candies that promise to let you “taste the rainbow” contain something that makes European regulators see red flags instead. …
Megan Fairchild
Falstaff Beer: The Rise and Fall of America’s Third-Largest Brewery Falstaff Beer: The Rise and Fall of America’s Third-Largest Brewery (image credits: unsplash) Founded in 1903 but with roots back to St. Louis’ Lemp Brewery of the mid-1800s, Falstaff became one of this country’s best selling beer brands, often buying or building additional breweries throughout …
From Desperate Times to Sweet Solutions From Desperate Times to Sweet Solutions (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: you’re craving something sweet at midnight, but you don’t have the time, energy, or ingredients to bake an entire cake. This is exactly the scenario that sparked one of the most brilliant culinary shortcuts ever created. A mug …
Election Cake: Democracy’s Sweet Companion Election Cake: Democracy’s Sweet Companion (image credits: unsplash) Picture this – women in 1796 New England, unable to vote but wielding rolling pins like weapons of political influence. Election cake emerged during this era when women in New England baked these massive treats to encourage voter turnout and campaign for …
The Science Behind Fermentation’s Gut-Healing Power The Science Behind Fermentation’s Gut-Healing Power (image credits: unsplash) Fermented foods and drinks contain beneficial probiotics that can help improve digestion, immunity, and even weight loss. But what exactly happens during the fermentation process that makes these foods so powerful for our gut health? Fermentation is a process in …
Revolutionary Cardiovascular Findings Challenge Popular Assumptions Revolutionary Cardiovascular Findings Challenge Popular Assumptions (image credits: unsplash) A shocking study released in 2024 has turned the intermittent fasting world upside down. An analysis of over 20,000 U.S. adults found that people who limited their eating across less than 8 hours per day, a time-restricted eating plan, were …
Fondue: The Social Dining Experience That’s Back in Style Fondue: The Social Dining Experience That’s Back in Style (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: you’re gathered around a bubbling pot of melted cheese with long forks, dipping bread and vegetables while laughing with friends. This wasn’t just dinner in the 1970s – it was an event. …
The Incredible Chocolate Mug Cake Revolution The Incredible Chocolate Mug Cake Revolution (image credits: unsplash) Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too in under two minutes? This microwave Chocolate Mug Cake actually tastes like cake, and since I first posted this recipe in 2012, I’ve made it more times than I …
Boosting Athletic Performance and Endurance Boosting Athletic Performance and Endurance (image credits: stocksnap) When it comes to athletic performance, proper hydration isn’t just recommended – it’s absolutely critical. Research examining differences between euhydrated and dehydrated conditions shows a direct connection between body water deficits (2.9% of body mass) and an athlete’s ability to generate upper …
The Science Behind Protein’s Role in Muscle Building The Science Behind Protein’s Role in Muscle Building (image credits: unsplash) Amino acids are major nutrient regulators of muscle protein turnover. After protein ingestion, hyperaminoacidemia stimulates increased rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis, suppresses muscle protein breakdown, and promotes net muscle protein accretion for several hours. What’s …
Barley’s Dramatic Market Resurgence Shows Strong Financial Growth Barley’s Dramatic Market Resurgence Shows Strong Financial Growth (image credits: unsplash) The global barley market has reached impressive heights, with a size valued at approximately USD 21-26 billion in recent estimates and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.35% to reach USD 32.5 …
The Nutritional Powerhouse Hidden in Plain Sight The Nutritional Powerhouse Hidden in Plain Sight (image credits: unsplash) Most people think banana peanut butter smoothies are just another breakfast trend, but they’re actually stumbling onto something incredible without even realizing it. These smoothies pack approximately 295-400+ calories, 27-35g of carbohydrates, and 9-15g of protein per serving, …
Eggs – The Protein Powerhouse That Silences Morning Hunger Eggs – The Protein Powerhouse That Silences Morning Hunger (image credits: unsplash) Let’s start with something surprising that might change how you think about breakfast entirely. Research has shown that participants experienced increased satiety, less hunger and a lower desire to eat after eating eggs for …
The Artificial Heart Attack Connection The Artificial Heart Attack Connection (image credits: unsplash) Think your diet soda is protecting your heart? New Cleveland Clinic research shows that consuming foods with erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, increases risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The troubling part isn’t just the risk – it’s …
The Great Revival of Grandma’s Kitchen Wisdom The Great Revival of Grandma’s Kitchen Wisdom (image credits: pixabay) There’s something extraordinary happening in kitchens across America right now. Something that would make your grandmother smile with pride. While everyone’s chasing the latest food fads and molecular gastronomy, home cooks can say they’re following the 2025 food …
Leafy Greens: The Powerhouse of Micronutrients Leafy Greens: The Powerhouse of Micronutrients (image credits: unsplash) Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard deserve a spot on every plate, yet many of us barely get enough of these nutritional champions. These vegetables are among the best vegetable sources of antioxidants, containing powerful compounds like kaempferol, …
The Rise of Quick Cooking in Today’s Fast-Paced World The Rise of Quick Cooking in Today’s Fast-Paced World (image credits: unsplash) Life’s moving at breakneck speed, and our kitchens need to keep up. Many home cooks consider a “quick and easy” recipe to be one that takes 30 minutes or less. This isn’t just about …
Forgotten Treasures Hidden in Plain Sight Ever noticed how we rush past our own pantries like tourists ignoring a hidden gem? Your cupboards might be harboring the solution to tonight’s dinner dilemma without you even realizing it. The United States discards more food than any other country in the world: nearly 60 million tons – …
Monthly Food Inflation Shows Mixed Recovery Patterns Monthly Food Inflation Shows Mixed Recovery Patterns (image credits: flickr) Food prices across America painted a complex picture in July 2025, with costs rising steadily but at different paces than many economists predicted. According to the latest inflation data published August 12, 2025, by the U.S. Labor Department’s …
The Viral Chocolate Mug Cake That Everyone’s Talking About The Viral Chocolate Mug Cake That Everyone’s Talking About (image credits: wikimedia) There’s a reason why this simple, 5 minute chocolate mug cake is moist, rich, indulgent and foolproof – and SO good that it has amassed over 6M views on TikTok and Instagram! Picture this: …
The Rise of Single-Serve Desserts The Rise of Single-Serve Desserts (image credits: By Mimschka, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48165310) Picture this: it’s 9 PM and you’re hit with that undeniable craving for cake. Instead of facing the disappointment of an empty kitchen or the temptation of baking an entire cake, you can have warm, gooey dessert …
Lab-Grown Meat Enters the Mainstream Market Lab-Grown Meat Enters the Mainstream Market (image credits: wikimedia) In June 2023, the United States approved the sale of cultivated chicken by companies such as Upside Foods and Good Meat, marking a significant milestone for alternative protein sources. This revolutionary food production method creates real meat from animal cells …
Here’s a low-carb apple mug cake recipe so you don’t feel left out once all those fall apple goodies start popping up everywhere. Similar to pumpkin, apple baked goods are another autumn staple that don’t have to be completely taboo if you’re watching your carbs. Although apples are far from keto friendly, there are only …
Keto chocolate whipped cream is another delicious topping option for mug cakes and other desserts. It’s easy to add variety to your low-carb treats by simply changing up the topping. This cocoa whipped topping is so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. You can dip berries in it, use it as a …