The hottest Food & Drink Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics
Culture Study 2808 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. November is the perfect time for making soups, and the author has already tried at least eight different ones this season. It's great to enjoy winter with warm and comforting meals.
  2. The focus is on exploring new recipes, particularly with Rancho Gordo beans, which have been tasty additions to the soup lineup. Trying new ingredients can lead to enjoyable cooking experiences.
  3. The post encourages readers to share their favorite soup recipes or ask for recommendations, fostering a community around cooking and good food. It's all about exchanging ideas and making cooking fun!
Vittles 333 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Eating in bed is a cozy and intimate experience that can transform a small space into a comforting sanctuary. It feels special to share meals in this setting, where there are fewer formalities than at a dining table.
  2. Messiness isn't just seen as a hassle; it can show how relaxed and comfortable people are with each other. Sharing food in bed allows for a deeper connection and understanding between partners.
  3. Creating a personal 'nest' in bed can make everyday meals feel luxurious and cherished. It's a way to express love and care through small, thoughtful gestures like bringing each other unique treats.
Points And Figures 826 implied HN points 04 Jan 25
  1. Cooking at home can be a fun and creative outlet, especially for those who enjoy trying new recipes and dishes. Using fresh ingredients can enhance the experience, like making homemade pasta or fermented sauces.
  2. Fermented foods like hot sauce and sauerkraut are not only tasty but also good for gut health. They can be simple to make at home and can add unique flavors to your meals.
  3. It's often frustrating when dining out, as homemade meals can sometimes taste better than restaurant dishes. This makes cooking at home even more rewarding and enjoyable.
Read Max 1659 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Beans are very easy to cook, and you can make them tasty with just a few ingredients. Remember to simmer them until they're done, adding fat and salt for the best flavor.
  2. You can customize your beans by adding whatever ingredients you have on hand, like herbs, spices, or even a cheese rind. This makes them versatile and delicious.
  3. Leftover beans are great because you can use them in many meals throughout the week. They can be eaten on their own or added to dishes like pasta or toast.
Life Since the Baby Boom 922 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. Making waffles from scratch can be easy and fun! You don't need a fancy recipe; just follow a simple one and you'll impress your family.
  2. Using the right tools, like a good waffle maker, makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture of the waffles.
  3. It's all about experimenting! You can change ingredients and try new combinations to find what you like best.
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The Analog Family 799 implied HN points 04 Aug 24
  1. A special meal can be a strong motivator for change. The author stopped sucking her thumb after promising to go to a fancy restaurant if she succeeded.
  2. Experiences can create lasting memories and traditions in families. The author's children enjoyed a meal at the same restaurant years later, connecting them to her past.
  3. It's never too late to revisit places that hold special meanings. The author looks forward to returning to the restaurant without needing to change a habit.
Chartbook 500 implied HN points 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.
Faster, Please! 456 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. Farmers have made great progress in feeding a growing population, moving from three billion to eight billion people over the last 60 years. This was thanks to better technology and more farmland.
  2. Even with this success, experts worry that factors like climate change, crop diseases, and lack of investment in farming tech could hurt future food production. There's a lot at stake for the world's food supply.
  3. To continue improving food production, we need to embrace technology and find ways to share it better, especially in less developed areas. Innovations can help us meet the needs of a future population that could exceed nine billion.
Snaxshot 659 implied HN points 30 Aug 24
  1. Your urine can give clues about your health. Smart toilets and devices are being developed to analyze your pee for hydration and gut health.
  2. Companies like Graza are successful by listening to customer preferences and adapting their products. Their packaging and pricing strategies are attractive to shoppers.
  3. The trend of snackable salmon is growing, as brands find innovative ways to make salmon more accessible and appealing, similar to how tuna was marketed.
Sustainability by numbers 379 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. In 2024, global food production of staple crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans is expected to hit record highs. This is good news as it means more food is available.
  2. While some crops like corn may not reach last year's records, overall yields for most staples are strong. This shows that farming practices are improving.
  3. Other crops like cocoa and coffee have mixed results; cocoa production has dropped while coffee is nearly at record levels. It highlights how different crops respond differently to growing conditions.
Vittles 123 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Singaporean curry chicken is a popular dish known for its unique turmeric color and rich coconut milk flavor, distinguishing it from other curry types. It's often enjoyed with rice or roti prata, making it a familiar comfort food in Singapore.
  2. Learning to cook curry can be a personal journey, as many traditional recipes involve intuitive cooking methods rather than precise measurements. The process of making the spice paste, or 'rempah', is essential and can evolve over time based on personal taste.
  3. Letting curry chicken rest in the fridge overnight can enhance its flavor, especially the potatoes, which soak up the spices. This resting period is a simple trick to make the dish even more delicious.
The Rotten Apple 21 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. Honey is a common target for food fraud because it's valuable and easy to dilute or mix with cheaper sweeteners. Many consumers may not realize that some honey products on the market are fake or mixed with other substances.
  2. Testing for honey authenticity is complicated and results can be inaccurate if the reference samples used are not reliable. There are various methods to detect fraud, but they often require additional confirmation.
  3. Changes in the U.S. food regulatory landscape could affect how food is made and what additives are allowed. This might lead to adjustments in popular food products, which consumers might find surprising in taste and appearance.
Vittles 164 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. There are many amazing restaurants in London that often go unnoticed. Each recommendation highlights a unique spot worth trying.
  2. Yiayia's Cooking is a new Cypriot restaurant focusing on traditional home-style dishes. It offers a fresh take on familiar meals that many locals may not have experienced.
  3. The updated Six of One map now lists 256 different restaurants. This makes it easier for food lovers to discover new places to eat in London.
Paris Unlocked Newsletter 119 implied HN points 07 Oct 24
  1. Wine is a big part of everyday life in France, enjoyed by many people without being seen as fancy or pretentious. You can find good wines at affordable prices.
  2. Parisian wine bars are unique and connected to local culture, avoiding the common trends seen on social media. They often have their own distinct styles and community vibes.
  3. October and November are great months for wine celebrations in Paris, with events like the Vendanges de Montmartre and Beaujolais Nouveau tastings bringing people together for fun and enjoyment.
Vittles 446 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. 2024 saw a lot of strange food trends in London, like gold leaf dosa and tuna fight clubs. Many food spots became wildly popular for bizarre things, even if the food wasn't great.
  2. The shift in food media was dramatic, with social media influencers taking over from traditional critics. This change marked a decline in the quality and seriousness of food coverage.
  3. Even though there are talented people on social media, there seems to be less ambition in print media for food journalism. The culture of food writing has changed a lot, not always for the better.
Snaxshot 679 implied HN points 18 Aug 24
  1. Après sport drinks are a trendy new category that focuses on hydration without the heavy functionality of traditional sports drinks. They are designed to be enjoyed socially after light sports like pickleball or tennis.
  2. Millennials are reviving and upgrading leisure sports and related drinks, moving away from sugary beverages towards healthier options like sparkling waters. This reflects a broader shift in lifestyle and drinking habits.
  3. Market trends show a growing demand for low-calorie and functional drinks, with the sports drink sector expected to see significant growth. People are starting to prefer lighter, refreshing choices after sports activities.
Why is this interesting? 482 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. A media diet doesn't just mean consuming less media; it means being picky about where you get your information. Look for sources that report facts without pushing an agenda.
  2. Reading can be more rewarding when you choose bestsellers, as they often have wide appeal. This way, you're more likely to enjoy what you read.
  3. Cooking can bring people together and create lasting memories. Sharing good meals and laughter around the dinner table is a cherished experience.
Polymathic Being 106 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. You can't rely only on whole plant foods for a vegan diet. You need extra supplements to get enough nutrients.
  2. Global trade is really important for a vegan diet. Many of the foods vegans eat come from different parts of the world and weren't available in the past.
  3. To get the right nutrition on a vegan diet, high-tech processing is often necessary. This means lots of chemicals and advanced techniques to create the foods.
Snaxshot 739 implied HN points 12 Aug 24
  1. Gen Z is moving away from traditional recipes and ingredients. They like to remix old favorites with new, exciting flavors and trends.
  2. There's a rising trend of niche and locally sourced water brands. Many consumers are now interested in hyper-local options rather than exotic imported waters.
  3. Food brands are finding success by unbundling popular classics. This gives consumers new and fun ways to enjoy familiar products.
Vittles 166 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Tooting is a great place for South Asian food; it's known for its delicious and comforting meals. The mini sadhya platter is a must-try, served on a banana leaf with various tasty ingredients.
  2. There are many exciting restaurant recommendations from South London, including a special Polish school canteen that impresses with its food. Bistro food and top-notch pastries are also highlighted in the area.
  3. Finding diverse and unique culinary spots, like a Caribbean restaurant and a place serving the best croissant, adds to the food experience in South London. These spots celebrate different cultures through their delicious dishes.
Vittles 182 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. İçli köfte is a special dumpling that needs a lot of care and the right techniques to make it delicious. It's usually made in big batches for gatherings rather than just for one meal.
  2. There are different versions of içli köfte across various cultures, but the Kurdish style values having a thin and delicate casing while allowing the filling to shine through.
  3. It's okay to play around with traditional recipes, as culture evolves and can be expressed in new ways. You can make a simpler, 'disrespectful' version of içli köfte while still respecting the culture behind it.
Vittles 223 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. Agrobeso is a popular Ghanaian restaurant in Peckham where families often go when they're too tired to cook at home. It offers delicious traditional dishes like jollof rice and peanut soup in a cozy setting.
  2. Blue Nile is a unique Jamaican restaurant known for its seafood, like pepper prawns. The atmosphere combines old Peckham charm with a lively kitchen vibe, making it a great place for comfort food.
  3. Felix Kebab Grill serves spicy suya late at night, attracting a crowd looking for a tasty snack. It's a small, no-frills spot that delivers on flavor and warmth, perfect after a night out.
Vittles 197 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. Beverages can evoke strong memories and feelings, connecting us to different places and times in our lives. For example, a familiar drink can remind us of our childhood or special moments.
  2. Certain drinks have unique historical stories tied to their origins, making them more than just something to sip on. They often reflect cultural traditions and personal experiences.
  3. Exploring different beverages can be an adventure in taste and discovery. Trying new drinks allows us to learn about different cultures and enjoy various flavors that resonate with our experiences.
The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin 4835 implied HN points 03 Feb 24
  1. Consider trying vintage and modern salad recipes like grated zucchini and farro-grapefruit salads.
  2. Reflect on the convenience of digital resources versus the experience of browsing in physical bookstores.
  3. Nostalgize about the uniqueness of browsing in bookstores and the impact of digital habits on culture.
David Lebovitz Newsletter 8019 implied HN points 25 Oct 23
  1. M. P. Samie in Paris offers budget-friendly bistro dishes and café cups.
  2. Exploring lesser-known areas in Paris can lead to hidden gems like M. P. Samie.
  3. M. P. Samie is a great place to find affordable and various sizes of baking dishes and teapots.
Vittles 213 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Vittles Cooking is changing its name from Vittles Recipes to reflect a broader focus on home cooking. It aims to embrace creativity and fun in cooking, rather than just sticking to traditional recipes.
  2. The platform is inviting new pitches related to home cooking. They're looking for unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and experiences that challenge the usual cooking norms.
  3. Vittles Cooking wants to highlight how cooking intersects with daily life and current issues like the climate crisis. They're interested in stories about cooking in tough times or finding joy in everyday meals.
Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman 389 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Choose the right place for your dinner party, preferably at home where everyone can hear and engage in conversation. If not at home, consider a quiet restaurant room or an Airbnb.
  2. Keep your dinner small for one meaningful conversation. Limit guests to 12 and have a moderator to facilitate discussion. Make sure everyone is excited to meet each other.
  3. The food and drink are not the main focus. What matters is the fun and laughter shared during the dinner, so focus on guest interactions instead.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 4120 implied HN points 14 Oct 24
  1. The '#1 restaurant in Austin' is actually fake and only exists on social media. People are liking and sharing photos of food that was created by artificial intelligence.
  2. Many restaurants now use AI to produce realistic food images, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. This trend makes people more likely to believe that outlandish food items are real.
  3. The rise of AI-generated food content is blending with real food culture, leading to a situation where it’s tough to distinguish genuine culinary offerings from those that are just for social media attention.
Why is this interesting? 1085 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. Row 7 is trying to make vegetables tastier and more enjoyable. They believe that grocery store veggies often lack flavor because companies prioritize size and saleability over taste.
  2. Potatoes, usually thought of as bland, can be packed with flavor when grown from the right seeds in good conditions. A flavorful potato doesn't need lots of toppings to be delicious.
  3. Row 7's produce might be priced high now, but many people are willing to pay for great flavor. If they can keep improving taste and manage costs, they might attract even more customers.
The Rotten Apple 31 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. Crisis management is important in the food industry. Having a plan helps businesses respond quickly to issues and reduces damage.
  2. Rice fraud is surprisingly common, with many incidents occurring that involve mislabeling and smuggling. It shows that even everyday foods can be at risk.
  3. Being honest during a crisis can help maintain customer trust. Transparency in communication is key to managing a company's reputation.