Food Culture
LATEST STORIES
How Soil Health Is Connected to Human Health — and So Much More
You may not be able to see them, but the microorganisms in the soil have a major impact on human nutrition and health.
PUMPING IRONY: Junk Food Jeopardy
Ultraprocessed foods, which first took hold among my baby boomer compatriots, now make up nearly 60 percent of the average American diet. Some experts say our addiction to this fare is lowering our life expectancy.
How to Find Real Maple Syrup
Fake maple syrup is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavors. Here’s how to ensure your pancakes are drizzled with the real deal.
How to Find Real Parmesan Cheese
Look for real “Parmigiano-Reggiano” cheese instead of products labeled as “Parmesan cheese.” Here’s why.
How to Find Real Olive Oil
Fake extra-virgin olive oil is often diluted with cheaper oils. Here’s how to find the real deal.
How to Spot Fake Honey
One-third of the honey on the market today is adulterated or fake. Here’s how to ensure your honey is the real deal.
How to Find Real Coffee
Watch out for imposters when you’re buying ground coffee, and learn how to be sure you’re buying the real deal.
The Current State of School Lunch
Changes in school cafeterias are afoot. Experts offer an update on the progress being made — and the obstacles that remain.
Are THC-Infused Drinks Safe?
It may be a bit too soon to know if so-called weed drinks are safe to consume. Learn more.
Food, People, Community: A Q&A With Chef Yia Vang
Union Hmong Kitchen chef Yia Vang has been featured in Bon Appetit and competed on The Iron Chef, but his passion lies in using food to foster relationships and community.
Why We Still Need Cookbooks
Our food editor makes the case for setting our devices to the side and going analog in the kitchen — plus, four cookbooks she is loving right now.
Expert Advice: How Can I Cut Back on Alcohol?
Whether for dry January or at any other time of the year.
5 Heritage Diets and Their Health Benefits
Our ancestors have a lot to teach us about eating well. These heritage diets provide a guide to healthy living.
What Does “Cruelty-Free” Really Mean?
The government does not oversee or regulate this term, but other groups have stepped in. Look for the Animal Welfare Approved label and the Certified Humane Raised & Handled labels.
What Does “Organic” Really Mean?
The term is much more regulated than it used to be. Look for the USDA Organic label, which means that at least 95 percent of the ingredients are mostly free of pesticides and fertilizers.
What Does “Grassfed” Really Mean?
Look for American Grassfed Association certification, which means animals were raised 100 percent on grass and forage — not grain.
How to Read Misleading Food Labels
Healthwashing, greenwashing, and humanewashing are Big Food marketing trickery. This handy glossary of labeling terms explains what they mean — and don’t mean.
New USDA “Bioengineered” Food Label: What You Need to Know
Here are some of the loopholes and exemptions you might know about.
How to Find Sustainable Seafood
Fish offers a host of health benefits, but pollution, overfishing, and human-rights abuses have muddied the waters. Learn how to make more sustainable choices.
13 Global Condiments to Use
Explore an array of international condiments and sauces — and get ideas for experimenting with them in your next meal.
5 Reasons to Opt for a CSA This Summer
Buying a share of a local farm’s harvest offers more than fresh, seasonal produce. It supports your community.