Food Stories - Posts

Po-Boy Power: The Sandwich That Fed a Movement and Won Over a Nation

Posted by Emily on 21st Mar 2025 Reading Time:

When most people think of Louisiana, especially New Orleans, their minds conjure jazz, Mardi Gras, and that glorious, overstuffed sandwich known as the po-boy. Crunchy on the outside, soft in the midd … read more

The Secret Behind McDonald’s McNugget Shapes – And Why It Matters

Posted by Emma on 2nd Mar 2025 Reading Time:

McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are a fast-food favourite worldwide, loved for their crispy coating and juicy interior. But have you ever noticed that they always come in the same four shapes? Ever … read more

Beyond the Whopper: The Story of America’s Other Burger King

Posted by Emma on 1st Mar 2025 Reading Time:

In the heart of Mattoon, Illinois, a small-town eatery is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and legal intrigue. This is not your typical fast-food joint; this is the original Burger King, a family … read more

From Fractions to Flops: The A&W Third-Pound Burger Story

Posted by Emma on 5th May 2024 Reading Time:

One food story that stands out in the history of fast food is A&W Restaurants' attempt to revolutionise their burger offering with their third-pound offering. This story, marked by mathematical cal … read more

Chorleywood: The Bread That Changed Britain – For Better or Worse?

Posted by Emma on 29th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

Over the last fifty years, a British innovation has made its way around the globe - from Australia to South America and even the supermarket shelves of France. Known as the Chorleywood Bread Proces … read more

From Truffle Mayo to McChoco: The Wide World of McDonald's Fries

Posted by Emma on 28th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

Despite the consistent offerings of fast food across the United States, McDonald's proves far more eclectic and adventurous in its global locations. As a worldwide fast food titan, McDonald's has a … read more

The Story of Starbucks' Rise from Local Café to Global Phenomenon

Posted by Emily on 23rd Apr 2024 Reading Time:

In the heart of Seattle's bustling Pike Place Market, amidst the eclectic mix of vendors and artisans, a small café opened its doors on March 30, 1971. This modest establishment, founded by three f … read more

Berni Brothers: Innovators of the Great British Steakhouse

Posted by Emily on 21st Apr 2024 Reading Time:

The Berni Inn story is a quintessential tale of post-war British innovation and cultural evolution. Founded in 1955 by Italian brothers Frank and Aldo Berni, alongside their partner Paul Rosse, the … read more

A Cup of History: The J. Lyons & Co. Story

Posted by Emily on 21st Apr 2024 Reading Time:

J. Lyons & Co., founded in 1884 by Joseph Lyons and his brothers-in-law, Isidore and Montague Gluckstein, emerged from a tobacco business background. They made their first foray into the catering i … read more

The Rise and Fall of Little Chef

Posted by Emma on 14th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

In 1958, the British roadside witnessed the birth of a beloved institution: Little Chef. The brainchild of catering mogul Peter Merchant and caravan manufacturer Sam Alper, this chain was inspired … read more

The Last Squirt: How McDonald's and Heinz's Partnership Came to a Sticky End

Posted by Emma on 6th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

In 2013, the fast-food industry witnessed a significant corporate strategy shift when McDonald's announced the end of its long-standing partnership with Heinz. This decision, marking the ending of … read more

Walkers' Sensations Poppadoms: A Crisp Debate in VAT Classification

Posted by Emily on 20th Jan 2024 Reading Time:

In a recent high-profile VAT case, Walkers, a prominent crisp manufacturer owned by PepsiCo, found itself at the centre of a tax classification debate over its product, Sensations Poppadoms. The co … read more

The Irresistible Appeal of Melted Cheese

Posted by Emma on 21st Dec 2023 Reading Time:

Melted cheese captivates the palate with a rich tapestry of flavours and textures, a phenomenon deeply rooted in both science and sensory experience. This exploration, enriched with personal testim … read more

From Royal Tables to Our Homes: The Journey of the Victoria Sponge Cake

Posted by Emily on 4th Dec 2023 Reading Time:

Ah, the sweet tale of the Victoria Sponge Cake – a classic that never goes out of style, much like a beloved old song that brings back warm memories. Let's cosy up and reminisce about this sponge c … read more

The Iconic Partnership: McDonald's and Coca-Cola's Journey to Global Dominance

Posted by Emma on 3rd Dec 2023 Reading Time:

The year was 1955, a time marked by ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, especially for Ray Kroc, a driven milkshake machine salesman. His vision to nationally expand McDonald's set the stage for a … read more

Bread of Desperation: The Unbelievable Tale of Paris's Bone Bread

Posted by Emily on 28th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

Have you ever heard the phrase 'grind his bones to make my bread' from Jack and the Beanstalk? It's not just a line from a fairy tale. This bizarre tale actually mirrors a grim reality from the 16t … read more

Spotted Dick: A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane

Posted by Emma on 27th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

Have you ever wondered about the story behind Spotted Dick? Grab a cuppa and a slice of spotted dick, and let's find out how it came to be. Remember when life was simpler, and dessert was the … read more

A Journey Through Christmas Dinners in British History

Posted by Emma on 22nd Nov 2023 Reading Time:

Families all over the UK eagerly anticipate their Christmas lunch or dinner on Christmas morning. Everyone has their cherished favourites, be it the crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings … read more

Haggis Unveiled: A Whimsical Journey into Scotland's Heart

Posted by Emma on 19th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

Scotland's national drink, whisky, is celebrated worldwide, yet its national dish, haggis, often finds itself at the heart of good-natured amusement within the nation. Enquire of any Scot, "What is … read more

From Poultry Farms to Wall Street: The Untold Story of the Mcdonalds Chicken McNugget

Posted by Emily on 13th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

In the intricate tapestry of foodservice, where mastery meets strategic business foresight, the story of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets stands as an emblem of evolution and innovation. This narr … read more

A Crispy Christmas Chronicle: Japan's Fascination with KFC for the Festive Season

Posted by Emily on 12th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

Imagine a Japanese Christmas, where instead of the traditional roast turkey, families across the nation eagerly queue up for something entirely different – a hearty meal of KFC's fried chicken. Thi … read more

The Festive Tale of Panettone's Charming Journey to Britain

Posted by Emma on 12th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

Once upon a time, in the bustling Christmas markets of London, nestled among the twinkling lights and festive cheer, a delightful Italian treat began to make its mark. Panettone, a sweet and airy b … read more

The Ingenious Geometry Behind Pringles' Unique Crunch

Posted by Emma on 10th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

The iconic Pringles crisp, renowned for its addictive crunch and flavour, holds a secret in its form – a marvel of engineering: the hyperbolic paraboloid shape. "Once you pop, the fun don't stop, … read more

A Chronicle of Fish & Chips

Posted by Emily on 7th Nov 2023 Reading Time:

To say Mike Pili knows a story or two about fish and chips would be a vast understatement. As he shares a host of anecdotes from more than 60 years of experience in the trade, we can’t help bu … read more

Unravelling the Mystery of Nitrates in Your Food

Posted by Emily on 29th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

Nitrates often conjure images of chemistry experiments or agricultural fertilisers rather than something you'd find on your dinner plate. However, these compounds are more than scientific curiositi … read more

Ronald McDonald: The Making of a Marketing Phenomenon

Posted by Emily on 25th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

Dive into the captivating history of how Ronald McDonald, a mere mascot, climbed the ranks to become a legend in marketing and branding. Few figures have imprinted themselves into cultural consciou … read more

A Slice of History: The Saga of McDonald's Ill-Fated McPizza

Posted by Emily on 24th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

Do you remember when McDonald's tried to tantalise our taste buds with slices of cheesy goodness? Yes, we're talking about the legendary McDonald's pizza, albeit not so successful. The McPizza saga … read more

Are There Really Dead Wasps in Your Figs?

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

Have you ever pondered the crunch in your fig? The answer may be more surprising than you think. Figs, curiously, are actually inverted flowers. Within each fig lies hundreds of tiny buds that … read more

UK's View on Ultra-Processed Foods: Not Always Harmful

Posted by Emily on 7th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

Despite growing apprehensions, UK food officials believe that not all ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are automatically unhealthy due to their manufacturing processes or artificial ingredients. Robi … read more

Croatia and Italy's Ongoing Dispute Over Prošek and Prosecco Wines

Posted by Emily on 5th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

Croatia's renewed bid to obtain special EU recognition for its historic dessert wine, 'prošek', has reignited tensions with Italy, which perceives the name too close to its famed wine, Prosecco. … read more

Honey Authenticity: A Closer Look at the Bitter Truth

Posted by Stelios on 30th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

The British palate has a longstanding relationship with honey, consuming over 50,000 tons annually. But as we relish this sweet treat, a nagging question remains: "Do you truly know what's inside t … read more

Stichelton Cheese vs. Stilton Cheese

Posted by Stelios on 30th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

Britain boasts over 700 cheeses. While many are churned out in mass and lack character, a treasure trove of exquisite artisanal cheeses awaits those willing to seek them out. Enter Stichelton chees … read more

The True Story Behind Spam

Posted by Stelios on 24th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

Spam celebrated its 80th birthday on 5th July 2017. As documented by the Smithsonian, the product's journey began with a naming contest. Hormel, the company behind Spam, was looking for a suitable … read more

The Subway Tuna Tale: Unravelling the Controversy

Posted by Stelios on 24th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

The international fast-food chain Subway recently found itself at the epicentre of a culinary conundrum. The authenticity of the tuna in its sandwiches became a topic of debate, prompting legal, sc … read more

Jaffa Debates: When VAT Takes the Cake!

Posted by Stelios on 23rd Sep 2023 Reading Time:

First introduced in 1973 by the then-Chancellor Lord Barber, VAT has since been adopted by over 130 nations, contributing a staggering £70 billion yearly to the UK's coffers. In essence, VAT is a l … read more

The Chemistry of Loving Spicy Food

Posted by Stelios on 23rd Sep 2023 Reading Time:

Ever wondered why, after indulging in a spicy curry or Taco Bell meal, we can't help but crave it again, even after its fiery aftermath? Simply put, spicy food gives us a thrill. Image Source: … read more

The Taxing Question: When is Bread Not Bread

Posted by Stelios on 22nd Sep 2023 Reading Time:

In October 2020, Ireland's Supreme Court ruled that the rolls used in Subway's hot sandwiches contained excessive sugar to be legally classified as bread. This surprising decision revolved around t … read more

The Loss of the Original McDonald's French Fry

Posted by Stelios on 21st Sep 2023 Reading Time:

By fate, Interstate Foods, a shortening company, sought cost-effective measures and incorporated beef fat into the equation; they unwittingly birthed the oil that would soon bestow fame upon McDonald' … read more

The History of Fish and Chips

Posted by Emily on 18th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

Ah, fish and chips - a delicious love story wrapped in newspaper and seasoned with a sprinkle of British culture. This quintessential dish, with its hot, flaky fish and crispy chips smothered in sa … read more

The McDonald's Monopoly Scam: Unraveling the McMillions Saga

Posted by Stelios on 18th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

For over a decade, the McDonald's Monopoly game, a beloved promotion, was tainted by a staggering $24 million fraud scheme. This captivating tale is at the heart of HBO's documentary series McMilli … read more

The Saga of the 2018 KFC Chicken Shortage

Posted by Stelios on 18th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

The KFC fried chicken shortage, spanning nearly a week, provides a quintessential lesson in logistics management. Why did the chicken refuse to cross the road, you ask? Well, blame it on a single p … read more

Here's Why McDonald's Hamburgers Don't Decompose

Posted by Stelios on 18th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

Every so often, the phenomenon re-emerges - photographs of McDonald's food that seemingly refuses to decompose. In 2008, Karen Hanrahan published a photo on her blog, Best of Mother Earth, featurin … read more

Did Morgan Spurlock's Confession of Alcohol Abuse Unravel the 'Super Size Me' Myth?

Posted by Stelios on 17th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

When Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary "Super Size Me" hit the screens, it sent shockwaves through the fast food industry, turning him into one of his generation's most celebrated documentary filmmak … read more

The Intriguing Tale of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish

Posted by Stelios on 5th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

The Filet-O-Fish may not enjoy the same status as the Big Mac, but it's a McDonald's offering that has withstood the test of time since 1962. This simple fish sandwich, consisting of a fish filet, … read more

A Comprehensive Guide to Pepper: The World's Most Popular Spice

Posted by Emily on 4th Sep 2023 Reading Time:

The crinkled peppercorn, though small, has held a significant role throughout culinary history. Recognised as the globe's most essential spice, its widespread appeal and impact on worldwide trade a … read more

Not as Old as You Think: The True Stories Behind Classic Dishes

Posted by Stelios on 24th Aug 2023 Reading Time:

You might be surprised that some of the world's most iconic dishes are younger than your grandparents, parents, and even you. While we often think these classics have stood the test of centuries, y … read more

Exploring Monosodium Glutamate

Posted by Stelios on 4th Mar 2023 Reading Time:

WHAT IS MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE? Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular seasoning and flavour enhancer. It is the purest form of umami, the fifth taste sensation. Monosodium glutamate is widely used t … read more

Balsamic Battle: Italy Challenging Slovenia Over the Authenticity of Balsamic Vinegar

Posted by Stelios on 22nd Aug 2022 Reading Time:

Last year, tensions arose between Italy and Slovenia over the title and tradition of balsamic vinegar. I recall how Italy's renowned balsamic vinegar, specifically "aceto balsamico di Modena" – a t … read more

The Great Feta Feud: Denmark, Greece, and the EU

Posted by Stelios on 20th Jul 2022 Reading Time:

In a decision that left Copenhagen looking rather sheepish, Denmark faced a setback in the European Union's top court over the feta cheese saga, which dates back decades. The Court of Justice … read more

Grains of Contention: The India-Pakistan EU Basmati Dispute

Posted by Stelios on 4th Nov 2020 Reading Time:

India's move to attain geographical indication (GI) status for its basmati rice in the EU has stoked tensions with Pakistan. This latest development intensifies the already delicate relations be … read more

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