41 Best Food History Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Food with a side of science and history. Every other week, co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley serve up a brand new episode exploring the hidden history and surprising science behind a different food- or farming-related topic, from aquaculture to ancient feasts, from cutlery to chile peppers, and from microbes to Malbec. We interview experts, visit labs, fields, and archaeological digs, and generally have lots of fun while discovering new ways to think about and understand the world through food. Find us online at gastropod.com, follow us on Twitter @gastropodcast, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/gastropodcast. more

We take America's Test Kitchen's inquisitive and relentless approach to telling unexpected, funny, and thought-provoking narratives about food and drink. This is not a recipe show. And this is not a show about celebrity chefs or what they like to eat. Proof plunges into history, culture, science, and the psyche to uncover the hidden backstories that feed your food-obsessed brain. A production of America's Test Kitchen. more

Savor digs into how people live and how they eat and why. Hosts Anney Reese and Lauren Vogelbaum interview the culinary creators and consumers of the world, exploring the science, history, and culture of food and drink, all with a key question in mind: Why do we like what we like, and how can we find more of those things? more

It takes bold visionaries risking everything to create some of the most recognizable brands on the planet. The Food That Built America, based on the hit documentary series from The HISTORY® Channel, tells the extraordinary true stories of industry titans like Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, the Kellogg brothers and Ray Kroc, who revolutionized the food industry and transformed American life and culture in the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Gravy shares stories of the changing American South through the foods we eat. Gravy showcases a South that is constantly evolving, accommodating new immigrants, adopting new traditions, and lovingly maintaining old ones. It uses food as a means to explore all of that, to dig into lesser-known corners of the region, complicate stereotypes, document new dynamics, and give voice to the unsung folk who grow, cook, and serve our daily meals. more

Culinary historian Linda Pelaccio takes a journey through the history of food. Take a dive into food cultures through history, from ancient Mesopotamia and imperial China to the grazing tables and deli counters of today. Tune in as Linda, along with a guest list of culinary chroniclers and enthusiasts, explores the lively links between food cultures of the present and past. more

In Eat My Globe: Things You Didn't Know You Didn't Know About Food, Simon Majumdar will talk about an ingredient, a dish, a theme, a person or a nation and the fascinating story of how they became part of the world that we often take for granted.Over the course of the show, he shall be examining some of the great tales of food history, the origins of some of your favorite dishes and drinks, and the people who helped to create them.He will also share fantastic trivia that you can use to bore people with at parties.Twitter: @EatMyGlobePcastFB & Instagram: @EatMyGlobeProduced and Distributed by: Producergirl Productions more

An addictively illuminating, often hilarious, conversational podcast about the surprising historiesbehind the foods we love.Hosted by independent journalist and food anthropologist, Katherine Spiers (LA Times, LA Weekly, KCET, Eater, How to Eat L.A.). Guests include Anthony Bourdain, Georgia Hardstark, Jacques Pepin, Llewellyn Clarke, Sarah Kuhn, Claudette Zepeda, Jon Garbus, Danny Trejo, Flula Borg and many other compelling people who eat food! more

Food Non-Fiction tells the incredible true stories behind food. We look forward to taking you on this wild food journey - through history, and around the world. Think of us as food historians, food scientists, and food journalists. more

Stories of the fun, bizarre and often ridiculous, history of food. Join me as we explore The Fantastic History of Food. Contact me on ****@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-fantastic-history-of-food--3591729/support . more

Taste buds, Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejon, take a bite out of the most delicious food and its history. Every episode includes - family stories from Eva and Maite, fascinating facts on the yummiest ingredients from their culture, interviews with food enthusiasts, chefs, and historians plus on-location episodes that bring you closer to the hidden history of your favorite foods. Oh, and these's lots of taste testing, drink making, and recipes for you to try at home. Listen to Hungry for History every Thursday and learn more about the dishes and drinks you grew up enjoying while discovering the origins of new favs too. more

What makes us human? Humans are just animals who know how to cook. Whether you're interested in food, history, or both like I am, this podcast is for youVisit anthrochef.blog for recipes.Theme music by Michael Levy of Ancient Lyre. 'An Ancient Lyre' and much more is available from all major digital music stores and streaming sites. more

Gola is a podcast on Italian food & beverage & how it connects to history, culture & society. Listen as co-hosts Katie Parla--Rome-based journalist and cookbook author--and Danielle Callegari--professor of Italian at Dartmouth College--break down all your fave Italian bites. Join them in studio or on the ground in Italy to learn about everything from 'nduja to nucillo!Most of the content created for the Gola universe is reserved for patrons now, so make sure to join the golosi at https://www.patreon.com/golapodContact Katie and Danielle at ****@gmail.com more

Starting with the first English settlements in the 17th Century, this podcasts traces how we went from barrels of salted meat & peas to Korean bbq tacos and the largest grocery store selections ever seen anywhere in the world. We'll go everywhere - and it is full of surprises. Show Notes: https://thehistoryofamericanfood.blogspot.com/ Email: ****@gmail.com Substack: https://thoafood.substack.com/ Internets: @THoAFood more

Rouxde (pronounced Rude) Cooking School is a food history and cooking comedy podcast. Food writer and cook John Houser III talks food history, cooking and interviews Chefs and food professionals about what it's like in the industry. It's funny, irreverent and informative. more

Have you ever wondered about where our favourite holiday foods come from? What really is a figgy pudding, or how does a Roman Pope stop the world from enjoying German stollen? Join host and certified baker, Glen Warren, as he dives into the history of the foods which shape our holidays in Season's Eatings: The History of Your Favourite Christmas Foods. more

Welcome to 'The British Food History Podcast': British food in all its (sometimes gory) glory with Dr. Neil Buttery. He'll be looking in depth at all aspects of food with interviews with special guests, recipes, re-enactments, foraging, trying his hand at traditional techniques, and tracking down forgotten recipes and hyper-regional specialities. He'll also be trying to answer the big question: What makes British food, so...British? This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp more

Using food to explore all manner of topics, from agriculture to zoology. Eat This Podcast tries to go beyond the obvious to see how the food we eat influences and is influenced by history, archaeology, trade, chemistry, economics, geography, evolution, religion — you get the picture. We don't do recipes, except when we do, or restaurant reviews, ditto. We do offer an eclectic smorgasbord of tasty topics. more

From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses. Join award-winning author Henry Jeffreys and renowned food writer Tom Parker-Bowles as they pour through history's most intoxicating stories. From Charles Dickens's beloved punch to the royal family's legendary drinks trolley, discover how alcohol has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and sealed peace treaties.Each episode finds our convivial hosts uncorking a different chapter of human history through the unique lens of alcohol. Whether they're recreating Dickens's beloved punch recipes, infiltrating the closely-guarded royal wine cellars, proving that the English invented champagne or discovering how Portuguese port sparked an international alliance, Henry and Tom blend scholarly insight with irreverent wit and a shared passion for historical peculiarities.Authoritative yet wonderfully entertaining, Intoxicating History serves up serious history with a generous measure of irreverent humour. Through revolutions and peace treaties, cultural upheavals and technological breakthroughs, your hosts reveal how the contents of the glass have steered the course of history usually while sampling the evidence, (purely for research purposes, of course!)Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments.Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time.New episodes served weekly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

A Greek Gourmand, travels through time... Imagine yourself dining with Socrates, Plato, or Pythagoras! What tasty morsels of food accompanied the conversations of these most significant minds in Western philosophy? Now picture yourself as you sat for a symposium with Cicero, or Pliny the Elder or Julius Caesar. The opulent feasts of the decadent Romans! Maybe, you're following Alexander the Great during his military campaigns in Asia for ten years. Conquering the vast Persian empire, while discovering new foods. Or try and picture the richness of fruits and vegetables in the lush Hanging Gardens of Babylon. What foods did our ancestors ate? How did all begin? Who was the first to write a recipe down and why? Sauces, ingredients, ways of cooking. Timeless and continuous yet unique and so alien to us now days. Staple ingredients of the Mediterranean world -as we think now- like tomatoes, potatoes, rice, peppers, didn't exist. What did they eat? We will travel far and wide, reconstructing the diet, the feasts, the dishes of a Greek Philosopher in a symposium in Athens, or a Roman Emperor or as a rich merchant in the last night in Pompeii...Lavish dinners, exotic spices, so-called 'barbaric' traditions of beer and milk, all intertwined... Stay tuned and find out more here, in 'The Delicious Legacy' Podcast! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-delicious-legacy . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Victory Kitchen is an exploration of food rationing in wartime America. Join author, historian, and vintage foodie Sarah Creviston Lee as she delves into World War II cookbooks, recipes and menu plans to discover how our grandmas got their food to fight for victory. more

What happens when two former chefs — now leading voices in the drinks world — turn the mic on their favorite topic: cooking with booze and drinking with food? That's Sauced, a new weekly podcast from Tim McKirdy and Sother Teague.Each week, Tim and Sother unpack a single dish: its history, the techniques that make it sing, and the drinks that belong alongside it. From Beef Bourguignon to Crêpes Suzette, we're exploring the classics — and the booze that gives them their identity. Tim is a drinks writer, editor, and podcaster who's spent years covering cocktails, wine, and spirits. Sother is one of New York's most respected bartenders and the author of I'm Just Here for the Drinks. Together, they bring chef instincts, drinks expertise, and the kind of meaty conversation you'd want to partake in over a great meal. New episodes every Thursday. Premium subscribers get bonus content, recipe cards, and early access to live events at https://sauced.supercast.com. more

What if you could tell the history of the world through the food we grow? The History of Fresh Produce explores the extraordinary stories of the fruits, vegetables and crops that have shaped human history. Join John Paap and Patrick Kelly as they uncover the surprising connections between fresh produce and some of history's biggest events, most fascinating people and strangest moments. From the potato priests who helped transform Europe and the rabbit plague that overran Australia, to the cacao that financed revolutions, the plant that gave us the gin and tonic, and the farmer who became one of the most recognizable faces in the world — John and Patrick reveal the history hiding in plain sight in our fruit bowls, grocery stores and fields. Along the way, expect empires, exploration, science, politics, war, religion, trade, agriculture — and more than a few stories that sound far too ridiculous to be true. Because the history of fresh produce isn't really just the history of food. It's the history of us. Social Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyoffreshproduce/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyoffreshproduce?lang=en Threads: https://www.threads.net/@historyoffreshproduce?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558921896574 more

There's more to a recipe besides add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Pull up a chair to Deep South Dining and get a new recipe that you can try or you can share one of your own. Having some friends over and don't know what to cook? Does everybody go crazy over your specialty dish? What's the story behind your family's secret sauce? It's the history behind true southern cooking. It's Deep South Dining! Monday mornings at 9 a.m. CST on MPB Think Radio . Email the show: ****@mpbonline.org . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Eat Your Heartland Out is a series dedicated to highlighting the rich, yet often overlooked, culinary depth of the American Midwest. Food is the storyteller while host Capri S. Cafaro serves as your audio tour guide through this region spanning 12 states. The show aims to weave a tapestry of cultural diversity, immigration history, migration patterns and agricultural variations in each episode. Expect to gain new insights about Midwestern foodways through compelling interviews with historians, authors, chefs and makers; each of whom brings a unique perspective on the Midwest's culinary story. more

Thought-provoking talks on Philippine food history, traditions and culture from the diaspora looking in.

Satay? Okay! is about the foods that have shaped Malaysia. Go on a deep dive into Malaysian food culture and discover how events in history can be seen in the food today. Join hosts Dr Noby Leong and Philip Gibson as they explore Malaysia's most iconic foods and how they've been shaped by the past. They'll be joined by food writers, chefs, academics and community leaders, who will share their perspectives on one of the world's most misunderstood cuisines. This is a podcast that will make you rethink everything you know about food. It will introduce you to a Malaysia that you've never heard of before a nation filled with diverse communities, cultures and stories. Will you join us for Satay? Okay! more

This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: ⁠newbooksnetwork.com⁠ Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: ⁠https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/⁠ Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetwork Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food more

Dyed Green is a podcast about food and culture in Ireland. Hosted by Kate McCabe and Max Sussman, co-founders of the ecotourism company Bog & Thunder, each episode features dynamic conversations with chefs, farmers, scholars, and more - exploring Ireland's rich culinary history, its dynamic creative culture, and challenging outdated stereotypes. It's not just Guinness and potatoes (although there will be plenty of that too!) Join Kate and Max on a culinary journey to the country you won't believe you've been missing: Ireland. katemccabe.substack.com more

True Crime Culinary explores the strange intersection of food, history, and crime. Hosted by Leah Llach, each bite-sized episode dives into bizarre cases, survival stories, and the inventions, people, and accidents that created the foods we eat every day. Come for the crime. Leave knowing the stories behind what we eat. New episodes every Thursday. more

Ever wondered who we have to thank for pineapple on pizza? Or whether the Victoria Sponge was really named after the long-reigning monarch? History's Greatest Dishes, the new series from HistoryExtra, serves up a feast of facts about some of the past's most remarkable delicacies. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales all in the company of Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray. It's sure to leave you with food for thought.Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠ more

Why do we eat what we eat? Classic Eats digs into culinary history — the people, places, situations, and ingredients that set the course for the way we dine. In each episode, host Kyle Johnson Cherek takes you to the moment when a specific thing — from bread to supper clubs to custard — was created and digs into the mark its made on food.  more

A is for Apple is an encyclopaedia of food and drink that takes a deep dive into food and drink culture letter by letter.Written and presented by Sam Bilton, Neil Buttery and Alessandra Pino. more

Culinary Historians of Chicago studies the history of food and drink in human cultures. Why we procure, prepare and serve the food we do has cultural, sociological, geographical, financial and political influences. We encourage participation from all walks of life: from academics to home cooks, chefs to grill masters, farmers to heirloom gardeners, food scientists to students. Our programs, and those of our sister organization Chicago Foodways Roundtable, are supported by research, fieldwork and scholarship, though geared to an informed popular audience. We welcome everyone to gather at our table to share food, drink and their life's culinary experiences.If you would like to contact us, please e-mail us at ****@gmail.com more

UNITED TASTES OF AMERICAWelcome to iHeart's UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart's comprehensive celebration of America's 250th birthday all year long in 2026 .For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America.These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents.These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe.iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America.For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish.We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips.These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart's You Tube page.Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States.It's UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart. more

Matbakh is a podcast series about eating, making, appreciating and learning about the food and drink of the Arab world. We invite chefs, restaurateurs and food historians, critics and writers to share their takes on the best of what the Arab kitchen has to offer both past and present. We delve into well-loved and under-appreciated dishes, ingredients and flavors, as well as the history of the region's food and what its future might be, always highlighting little anecdotes and food stories that our guests know and cherish. more

Ever wondered why Americans are obsessed with peanut butter? Or how the hamburger became a national icon? 'America's Eats' is your passport to the fascinating world of American food history. Join us as we uncover the surprising stories behind your favorite dishes, exploring their cultural significance, regional variations, and the quirky characters who shaped their destiny. From classic comfort foods to modern culinary trends, 'America's Eats' will leave you hungry for more! more

Join Kelly Spring and Matt Phillpott for interviews and conversations with leading writers on the history of food and drink. New episodes fortnightly. more

Every bite has a backstory. Welcome to Eating History, the podcast that serves up the wild, scandalous, and mouth-watering tales behind the foods that changed the world. Join Michelin-starred chef and Top Chef runner-up Adrienne Cheatham and her husband, history buff Stephen Bailey, as they pair elite culinary expertise with epic historical deep-dives. For Season 1, we're slicing into the ultimate global obsession: Pizza. Discover how a dirt-cheap street food from the back alleys of Naples conquered the globe, sparked endless fiery debates, and built a multi-billion-dollar empire. Along the way, you'll cross paths with emperors, immigrants, hustlers, chefs, and royalty—the fascinating people who turned food into history. Grab a seat at the table. New episodes drop every Wednesday! more

Every dish has a history, and every recipe carries the story of the people who created it.Heritage Food Stories explores the rich histories of regions, cultures, and communities around the world—especially those whose stories have been overlooked, misunderstood, or erased. Each episode journeys through the people, events, and traditions that shaped a place before exploring the foods, ingredients, and recipes that emerged from that history.Because to truly understand what we eat, we first have to understand the people who made it. heritagefoodstories.substack.com more

The Diaspora Food Stories podcast explores the stories behind the creators from the African Diaspora, furthering the mission of The Global Food and Drink Initiative to connect Black people through food, drink, and travel. Listeners will enjoy conversations that go deep into the history and origins of our foods and how they have shaped cultures, communities, and the world. In addition, Diaspora Food Stories is the first food podcast to offer these stories in the native tongue of our guests, thereby adding another important element to the preservation of our food and drink stories; the language in which they are introduced. more