“Natural flavors” show up on ingredient lists for all kinds of foods. But what does that mean exactly? We get a peek into the secretive science of flavoring when we talk with Marie Wright of ADM, who’s created more than 1,000 flavors in her 30+ years as a flavor chemist.
Feb 6
How Prison Ramen Saved My Life (Reheat)
When Gustavo “Goose” Alvarez was 18, he was sent to prison for the first time. When he arrived, the other incarcerated men wanted to know if they could trust him — so they handed him a plate of cheesy tacos, and got to know him over that shared meal. From there, Goose learned all ... Show More
26m 59s
Apr 2025
Katarina Cermelj: Cookbook Author, Food Writer and Creator of The Loopy Whisk, an Allergy-Free Baking Blog
Katarina Cermelj (Kat for short) is an award-winning cookbook author, food writer, photographer and creator of the popular 'free-from' baking blog, The Loopy Whisk. She has a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Oxford, having previously completed her undergraduate C ... Show More
33m 26s
Jun 2025
The Chemistry of Food & Taste | Dr. Harold McGee
Dr. Harold McGee, PhD, is a renowned author on the topics of food chemistry and culinary science. He explains how cooking methods, types of cookware and temperature can be used to transform food and drink flavors and presents simple but powerful ways to improve nutrient availabil ... Show More
2h 13m
Feb 2025
797: Melissa Clark’s Deep Dive into Salt & Crystal Wilkinson on her Kitchen Ghosts
<p>This week, we talk to two award-winning authors about their latest work. First, The New York Times cooking columnist Melissa Clark talks to us about her deep dive into the world of salt. From exploring salt harvesting in France to the history and revival of artisanal salts, sh ... Show More
50m 19s
Aug 2023
How to be a Supertaster: The Wild Science of Flavor
<p>Is it possible to become better at tasting—to enjoy dinner, wine and your favorite bourbon even more? This week, Mandy Naglich, author of "How to Taste," shares secrets from competitive tasters and food scientists. Plus, Meathead tells us his favorite tips, tools and technique ... Show More
51m 17s
Sep 2025
What Exactly Is Bubblegum Flavor — and Why Pink?
On this episode of Our American Stories, we all know the look and taste of bubblegum, but few people know where it came from. The first bubblegum was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer, who used the only food dye available: pink. That color stuck, and so did the flavor — a blend o ... Show More
9m 59s