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Artwork for The Food Chain

The Food Chain

BBC World Service
Ultra-Processed Food
Cooking From Scratch
Nova Food Classification System
Health Issues
Nutrition Labels
Societal Challenges
Public Health
Apple Industry
Chinese Cuisine
Child Nutrition
Pesticides
Mealtime Conversations
Maternal Health
Cultural Food Practices
Global Food Traditions
Traditional Healing
Postpartum Nutrition
Climate Change
Air Pollution
Mental Health

The Food Chain examines the business, science and cultural significance of food, and what it takes to put food on your plate.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes531Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
FoodSociety & CultureArts

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Artwork for The Food Chain

Latest Episodes

From Michelin starred kitchens to Hong Kong’s high rise tower blocks, via informal settlements in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Ruth Alexander hears from people making the best out of the cramped and tiny spaces they’re cooking in.

Gina Lai shows her... more

Every food company starts with a gamble - and not all of them pay off. In this episode Ruth Alexander speaks to business owners about the risks they’ve taken to get where they are today, from financial leaps to personal sacrifices, and the painful de... more

We all have recipes we turn to again and again, perhaps from the stained pages of our favourite cookbooks, or handed down through families. But have you ever wondered about the work that’s gone into writing that set of instructions? In this edition o... more

Most of us have foods we refuse to eat - think coriander, or maybe olives. But where do those strong dislikes come from, and is it possible to change them?

In this episode of The Food Chain, Ruth Alexander sets out to find out whether you really can... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

Easter Balfridge
London-based chef and food writer, co-authored Flavour with Yutem Otolengi, and author of Fuzhao.
Episode: How to write a recipe
Felicity Cloak
Food writer for The Guardian, known for testing multiple versions of the same dish.
The Guardian
Episode: How to write a recipe
Kenji Lopez-Alt
Recipe developer and cookbook author, shares recipes online at Serious Eats and on YouTube.
Serious Eats
Episode: How to write a recipe
Dr. Iona McCleary
Historian and curator of the cookery collection at Leeds University Library.
Episode: How to write a recipe
Emily Takoudis
Editor of cookbooks at Fieden Publishers in New York.
Fieden Publishers
Episode: How to write a recipe
Sandor Alex Katz
Fermentation revivalist and author of The Art of Fermentation
Episode: Fermented foods: A beginner's guide
Kheedim Oh
Founder of Mama O's Premium Kimchi
Mama O's Premium Kimchi
Episode: Fermented foods: A beginner's guide
Myung Ja Oh
Mother of Kheedim and traditional kimchi maker
Episode: Fermented foods: A beginner's guide
Adam Goldwater
Managing Director of Loving Foods Fermented
Loving Foods Fermented
Episode: Fermented foods: A beginner's guide

Hosts

Ruth Alexander
Host who examines food's business, science, and cultural significance, often reflecting on various food topics with thought-provoking insights.
Rumella Dasgupta
Involved in discussions surrounding food culture, highlighting various aspects of the culinary world.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Love this show!

    Another great episode! Yumm!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ghb59
    United Statesa month ago
  • Perfect

    Talks about all modern issues such as influencers conning people to eat certain foods and get rid of some

    May be a kid but it’s so informative

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    marshmallow2016 march
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Excellent guests who provide a very insightful look into the world of restaurant service. Listening teaches one what they ought to expect from their servers and how they should comport themselves when eating out.

    Podcast Addict
    4
    ithabise
    3 months ago
  • Crisps

    Why did we have to listen to someone pretending to make a crisp sandwich and then pretending to eat it? Ludicrous!

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    hannakuso
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • Not listening anymore

    I used to listen to it, but the BBC’s disgraceful handling of the ongoing genocide in Palestine made me stop consuming anything they produce. Goodbye.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Gariraygua
    Spain8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critics express dissatisfaction with certain topics, indicating a wish for a focused approach on food itself rather than peripheral matters.
Many highlight the knowledgeable and personable hosting style, which enhances the overall experience.
Listeners appreciate the rich variety of topics covered, often finding the discussions both engaging and informative.
The podcast is generally praised for its research and depth, showcasing real-life implications of food in society.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#31
United States/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#184
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#7
United Kingdom/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#10
Canada/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#42
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#97
Canada/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to write a recipe
Q: What is the single most common reason recipes fail?
Poor recipe writing and poor recipe testing are the most common reasons for recipe failure.
How to write a recipe
Q: What makes a recipe difficult to follow?
A recipe that's clearly not been tested often leads to failure, and scaling recipes down without adjustments for home cooks can result in complications.
How to write a recipe
Q: How long does it tend to take you then to perfect a dish?
It varies; usually two to three tests, but some recipes can take 10 to 15 tests and retests.
Can you learn to love the foods you hate?
Q: Can you learn to love a food you hate?
Yes, through techniques such as flavor nutrient conditioning and social context, individuals can learn to like food they previously disliked.
Should we all eat the Mediterranean way?
Q: What was Ancel Keys' contribution to the Mediterranean diet?
Ancel Keys researched the dietary patterns of souther Europeans, linking their diet to lower heart disease rates, and was pivotal in popularizing the Mediterranean diet concept.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Food Chain

What is The Food Chain about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the intricate tapestry of food, this podcast traverses its multifaceted significance in business, science, and culture, offering listeners an insightful look into what shapes the food we consume daily. Each episode features a blend of stories and expert perspectives, giving depth to themes such as culinary practices around the world, the science behind ingredients, and the evolving dynamics of food industries. Episodes range from discussions on critical topics like tipping culture and portion sizes to innovative trends such as drone deliveries and culinary arts. With a focus on personal narratives and expert analysis, this show stands out in its ability to weave together cultural insights with practical knowledge, making it an ess... more

Where can I find podcast stats for The Food Chain?

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How many listeners does The Food Chain get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Food Chain?

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How many subscribers and views does The Food Chain have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Food Chain has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Food Chain?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Food Chain:

1. The Food Programme
2. CrowdScience
3. BBC Inside Science
4. Unexpected Elements
5. Sliced Bread

How many episodes of The Food Chain are there?

The Food Chain launched 11 years ago and published 531 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Food Chain?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Food Chain?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Food Chain from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Food Chain?

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What guests have appeared on The Food Chain?

Recent guests on The Food Chain include:

1. Easter Balfridge
2. Felicity Cloak
3. Kenji Lopez-Alt
4. Dr. Iona McCleary
5. Emily Takoudis
6. Sandor Alex Katz
7. Kheedim Oh
8. Myung Ja Oh

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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