The hottest Food & Drink Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter β€’ 474 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 25
  1. A food writer created a unique way to fund his newsletter by partnering with a limited number of local restaurants as sponsors. This allows him to focus on writing instead of chasing advertisers.
  2. He offers these sponsors exclusive benefits, like guaranteed features in his newsletter and opportunities to promote events. This makes them feel special and helps build a strong community around local food.
  3. His success shows that other local news startups can follow this model. By catering to a niche audience and offering personalized advertising, they can thrive despite limited resources.
Vittles β€’ 174 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 25
  1. Many kids' foods, like Fruit Shoots, are overpriced and packaged in ways that appeal to kids, but they serve a fun purpose and can make drinking enjoyable for them.
  2. Food products with cartoon characters, like bears, can be misleading. Sometimes they aren't as healthy as they seem, which means parents should pay attention to what's in them.
  3. Home-cooked meals can be great, but the pressure to make them perfect can be overwhelming for parents. The expectations around cooking can sometimes add stress instead of joy.
Eat Shit and Prosper β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. Washing chicken is debated, but many Americans still do it. It's thought that rinsing meat can lower bacteria, even if cooking also helps.
  2. Some bacteria, like C. perfringens, produce spores that can survive cooking, so rinsing can help remove them. This means washing your chicken might actually be safer.
  3. Washing chicken doesn't spread germs as much as people think if done carefully. Using low water pressure and washing hands after can keep things clean.
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Greed β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 23
  1. When dressing for a Christmas event, opt for outfits that are both sexy and family-friendly.
  2. Consider making home-made sausage rolls for festive appetizers, and reserve pies and Christmas pudding for later in the season.
  3. To simplify a lavish Christmas meal, delegate tasks and ask for help to prevent overwhelming yourself with complex dishes.
Vittles β€’ 166 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 25
  1. Cooking and sharing food can connect families to their cultural heritage. For many, food sparks memories and stories that help link generations together.
  2. Mixed-race families may face unique challenges in sharing and preserving their cultural identity. Food becomes a way to celebrate and explore these diverse backgrounds.
  3. Children might have different tastes and preferences, but encouraging them to try a variety of foods can help them embrace their heritage. It's about making meals fun and involving them in the process.
Vittles β€’ 166 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 25
  1. Cooking for kids can be really challenging. Even when you make delicious meals, kids may only want snacks or familiar foods instead.
  2. Introducing children to new foods can sometimes backfire. Their tastes can change quickly, and they might suddenly refuse foods they used to love.
  3. Family meals can be complicated when kids have different preferences. It can feel like you're cooking separate meals for everyone, which can be exhausting for parents.
Vittles β€’ 200 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 25
  1. Cooking cannot solve deep mental health issues. Trying to bake a fancy cake while struggling can just add more stress and disappointment.
  2. Having support from friends and community is crucial during tough times. They can help you focus on healing rather than proving you're okay.
  3. It's okay to not be okay sometimes. Giving yourself time to heal and asking for help is more important than trying to appear strong.
Snaxshot β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
  1. Snaxshot created a matchmaking tool, SnaxMatch, connecting people, brands, and shops in the snack industry.
  2. GrocerGram offers resources to connect with independent shops, cafes, and hotels, enabling sales team support and travel guidance.
  3. The State of Snax 2024 by Snaxshot presents detailed trends and deep dives for paid subscribers on snack industry themes.
Overthinking Everything β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 16 May 25
  1. Cleaning the kitchen will usually take about an hour, so it's good to start early and accept that time. It can be a chance to think or enjoy some music while you work.
  2. You don't need to aim for perfect cleanliness, just make it 'clean enough' for the next day. Focus on a standard that allows the kitchen to be usable.
  3. Have a clear process for cleaning, like tackling the trash first and then washing dishes. This helps you stay on track and makes the task feel more manageable.
The Crucial Years β€’ 587 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
  1. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and appreciate what we have, even if the circumstances are challenging. It’s important to stay grateful during tough times.
  2. Sharing moments with loved ones during the holidays can bring joy and comfort. These gatherings help strengthen our connections.
  3. Finding sweetness in hard situations can be uplifting. It reminds us that there is hope and positivity, even when things seem tough.
Sake Industry News β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
  1. An earthquake in Ishikawa impacted sake breweries, but efficient response minimized damage.
  2. Craft sake brewery, Adachi Nōujō, launched in Osaka with a small brewing setup.
  3. Tanabe Takeshita Shuzō introduces new label Rihachi, continuing legacy under new ownership.
let them eat cake β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 21 Oct 23
  1. The author did not make it to the final in Lyon for a food competition, but the experience was still remarkable and enjoyable.
  2. The winning entries at the competition were impressive, and the winners were described as very kind individuals.
  3. Reading more of the author's posts requires a subscription, but a 7-day free trial is available for access to the full post archives.
Snaxshot β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. The post discusses predictions, upcoming events, and new products in the food industry.
  2. There's a special offer of 20% off for annual subscriptions that expires soon.
  3. A company special offer for group discounts is also available.
Julia Belluz β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 25 Nov 25
  1. Cooking at home is important for health. It allows you to control what you eat and use fresh ingredients. Preparing meals in advance can make it easier to eat healthy during busy times.
  2. Choosing high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh, well-sourced foods not only taste better but are also better for your health.
  3. Understanding food environments matters. How and what we eat is influenced by where we live and the choices available to us, which is why supporting better food options in schools and communities is crucial.
Susanality β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 23
  1. Recipe for Baked Turkey-Spinach Meatballs can be made ahead of time, perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.
  2. The recipe provides flexibility in the choice of ground meat and includes detailed instructions for making the meatballs and sauce.
  3. Additional tips are provided for preparing the dish in advance, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Vittles β€’ 184 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 25
  1. Many restaurants are using nostalgic styles to make Southeast Asian food more appealing. This makes cultural cuisine feel more like a trendy product than a genuine experience.
  2. The design choices in these restaurants often ignore the true essence of the food culture, turning lived experiences into a flashy aesthetic for mostly Western diners.
  3. As Southeast Asian food gets commercialized, authentic voices and stories behind the dishes are often left out. This can lead to a misunderstanding of the rich history and reality of these cuisines.
Chartbook β€’ 500 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 24
  1. US grocery shopping is facing major challenges and changes. Many people are feeling uncertain about what to buy and where to shop.
  2. There is a growing interest in weight loss and related products. This trend reflects a wider cultural focus on health and body image.
  3. The history of meat extract and themes of anti-humanism are becoming more relevant. These ideas encourage us to think about our relationships with food and society.
Cocktails With Suderman β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 23
  1. The Kingston Negroni is a popular variation known for its funky and wild flavor profile.
  2. It is made by swapping gin with rum in the classic Negroni recipe, resulting in a unique taste with notes of banana, ripe berries, and more.
  3. The Kingston Negroni is simple to make but requires specific ingredients to achieve its delicious taste.
Cocktails With Suderman β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 08 Sep 23
  1. September is the perfect month for a versatile, all-purpose drink like the Negroni.
  2. The Negroni Sbagliato can be a great drink idea, but common versions often have issues.
  3. Common issues with the Negroni Sbagliato include too much or too little fizz, sweetness, and poor integration of ingredients.
Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 24
  1. Seven top restaurants in Bangkok have secured spots on the prestigious Asia's Best Restaurants 51-100 list, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences.
  2. Explore innovative dishes and culinary delights at restaurants like Restaurant Gaa, CΓ΄te by Mauro Colagreco, and Haoma that showcase a blend of traditional techniques and modern twists.
  3. Immerse yourself in a gastronomic journey through Bangkok's diverse flavors, from street food sophistication at Raan Jay Fai to the sustainable dining experience at Haoma.
Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter β€’ 559 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 23
  1. Plant-based meat saw a surge in popularity, but now faces stagnation and challenges, being labeled as a 'fad.'
  2. Consumer reception of plant-based meat is influenced by factors like price, taste, and health perceptions.
  3. To revive growth in the plant-based meat industry, innovation, patient investors, and positive media attention emphasizing benefits are crucial.
let them eat cake β€’ 399 implied HN points β€’ 21 Apr 23
  1. French tops in restaurant kitchens are unique pieces of equipment that serve a specific purpose in cooking efficiently
  2. French tops provide precise heat control by requiring movement of saucepans instead of adjusting the flame, making chefs more conscious of heat distribution and time
  3. Using a French top in a home kitchen may not be practical due to the intense heat generated and the effort required to maintain it compared to its benefits
Viruses Must Die β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 24 Dec 25
  1. Whether something is a food or a drug depends on how it’s marketed and labeled, not just the ingredient itself, so calling an item a "vaccine" by itself doesn’t automatically make it a drug. Food products can contain bioactive ingredients and still be regulated as foods if no disease-treatment claims are made.
  2. You can legally sell organisms that can produce vaccine antigens as foods (for example, yeast that only makes the antigen when brewed with maltose) to establish prior food marketing and preserve the option to later pursue clinical IND studies. This "vac foods" approach aims to democratize vaccine development while keeping production transparent to consumers.
  3. Safety and regulatory rules matter: GRAS status, IND timing, and ingredient safety (e.g., viral VP1, GFP, residual formaldehyde, yeast strains) are central concerns, and this strategy is legally novel and should be pursued with caution and clear disclosure.