Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil made from crushed seeds of the canola plant. It is commonly found on the ingredients list of American food products, and US recipes call for this cooking oil for frying, sauteing, and baking. However, it can be difficult to find in the United Kingdom, and there are …
The NOVA food classification system splits foods into four groups based on the levels of industrial processing. These groups are (1) unprocessed or minimally processed, (2) processed culinary ingredients, (3) processed foods, and (4) ultra-processed foods. It is category four, the ultra-processed foods, that are the most dangerous to our health. For the average Brit, …
Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide worldwide, and is the active ingredient in Monsanto’s broad-spectrum weed control product Roundup. It was also declared a potential health risk in 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported that the chemical is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Many research studies have further looked into …
Many people eat gluten-free diets because of allergies, intolerances, or health choices. Regardless of your reasons for restricting your diet, finding gluten-free food is essential for ensuring you receive the right balance of nutrients and don’t accidentally consume something you shouldn’t. Thankfully, most UK supermarkets offer a good selection of gluten-free products, including branded and …
Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo or swingle, is a natural sweetener. The Southeast Asian fruit can taste up to 250 times sweeter than table sugar while containing zero calories. This sweetness, combined with its low calorific content, has made it a particularly popular sugar alternative for people on low-carb, keto, or calorie-controlled …
Have you heard of the compound “potassium bromate” before? You might think this sounds like a nasty chemical, and you’d not be wrong. In fact, you might even remember it from your old school chemistry lessons! But what if I told you this chemical is a common food additive in bread? That’s right, potassium bromate …
Eggs are a staple ingredient used in cakes, frittatas, omelettes, or simply enjoyed in their own right. Today, many people are conscious of the eggs they purchase. The better the eggs, the more balanced and nutritious they are, and the better they taste. If you buy more ethical eggs, you can also enjoy your meal …
Organic vs. Free Range Eggs – What’s the Difference in the UK? Read More »
Trans fats are naturally occurring fats found in limited amounts in dairy and red meat products. These fats can also be artificially manufactured from vegetable oils and other unsaturated fats through a process called partial hydrogenation to produce solid fats like margarine. This process is what has given trans fats their second name: partially hydrogenated …
Tinned tomatoes are one of the most versatile cooking ingredients of all time. From delicious pasta sauces to hearty stews, spicy curries, and pizza bases, canned tomatoes are a staple for all home cooks. But did you know there is often more lurking in the can? That’s right, most tinned tomatoes (and almost all other …
Most of us are familiar with “genetically modified organisms”, or “GMOs” for short. These plants and animals have had their natural genetic material (DNA) changed through modern biotechnology methods to give them specific desirable qualities. Genetically modified foods (GMO foods) refers to plants and animals intended for consumption whose DNA has been altered or that …
