Mental Floss

FOOD

They aren't just for show.

Why Do Milk Jugs Have Those Inverted Circles?

The concave circles built into the sides of plastic milk jugs are an important part of their design.

Grilled peaches are always a good idea.

11 Overlooked Fruits and Veggies to Try on the Grill This Year

Throw some eggplant and watermelon on the grill next to those burgers and brats.

Fortunately, it’s illegal to eat saw-whet owls.

8 Birds That People Used to Eat (but Would Be a Federal Crime to Eat Now)

In past centuries, dinner tables were crowded with sparrows, robins, and even owls. Here are a few birds that are now protected from American appetites.

The cutest bottle on the shelf.

Why Does Honey Come in Bear-Shaped Bottles?

The adorable bear honey bottle design helped launch Dutch Gold Honey to national success. Here’s how it came to be.

If you need a sign to make quiche, here it is.

This Leek and Goat Cheese Quiche Is the Perfect Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch

If you’re looking for an easy recipe for leek and goat cheese quiche, look no further.

If you’re eating a healthy and balanced diet, you may not need extra vitamins.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Vitamins?

Too much of anything, even a helpful or healthy thing, can hurt you. Medication? Definitely. Water? Absolutely. Exercise? You bet. Vitamins? Quite possibly.

Cho Yeo-jeong in ‘Parasite’ (2019).

10 Facts About ‘Parasite’

There’s more to the upstairs-downstairs tragicomedy than the stranger in the basement.

These could be yours.

McDonald’s Is Giving Away Free Fries Every Friday in 2024—Here’s How to Claim Yours

The burger chain is trying to lure in inflation-wary consumers.

80's Ads: Chef Boyardee Pac Man ABC's 123's Zooroni 1985

7 Discontinued Canned Foods That We’ll Probably Never See Again

From Pumpkin Spice SPAM to Chef Boyardee’s Zooroni, these discontinued canned foods are like a trip down memory lane, but chances are, you’ll never get your hands on them again.

Don't crack open a cold coffee before you check the label.

Hundreds of Canned Coffee Products Recalled Over Botulism Fears

The word to look for on the label is ‘Snapchill.’

1978 Life Cereal Mikey Likes It Commercial

‘Mikey Likes It’: The Origins of Life Cereal’s Most Famous Slogan

The classic 1970s TV commercial is one of the most famous of all time, but no one ever actually utters its most quoted line.

Put your Dutch oven to work this summer.

How to Use Your Dutch Oven As a Cooler This Summer

Dutch ovens can do more than simmer stews and sear meat. You can also use them as a cooler.

A small sampling of our 50+ regional dish selections.

55 Beloved Regional Dishes From Across the U.S.

Did your favorite dish make the list?

It can be quite a trek.

Why Are Dairy Products Usually at the Back of a Grocery Store?

Grocery stores are intentionally designed in a way that makes you want to spend more money. The long trek to the dairy section is part of it.

Instant noodles can bring instant pain.

Denmark Recalls a Popular Instant Ramen for Extreme Spice Levels

Denmark’s food agency believes Samyang's ramen is too hot for Danes to handle.

Panna cotta with strawberry salad is the dessert of the summer.

This Vanilla Panna Cotta Is the Perfect End to Any Summer Dinner Party

If you want a grown-up alternative to ice cream, you can't go wrong with this panna cotta recipe from the Institute of Culinary Education.

ALDI has a unique barcode policy.

Why ALDI Covers Its Packaging in Giant Barcodes

ALDI’s in-house products are covered in barcodes, and consumers benefit.

Cook, don't rinse.

Why You Should Never Wash Raw Chicken

Rinsing raw poultry creates more problems than it solves.

That'll be $85. Please pull up.

Very Unhappy Meals: The 10 Fast Food Chains Where Prices Have Skyrocketed

Once a beacon for cost-conscious consumers, McDonald’s has doubled their prices since 2014.

Quiz: Can You Guess What These Popular Brands Were Originally Called?

These iconic brands were almost called something else entirely. Can you figure out what it was?

It's a cheeseburger, we know.

Why Is It Called a “Hamburger” If It Doesn’t Contain Ham?

Here's how the hamburger came by its misleading name.

Just because Garfield devours it doesn't mean this kitty should.

Can Cats Actually Eat Lasagna?

Garfield isn’t exactly the best litmus test when it comes to determining whether or not lasagna is safe for cats to eat.

Chocolate chip is old news.

No One Is Buying Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Anymore

The once-popular flavor isn't on anyone's lips.

It's not just in your head.

Why Cold Beer Is the Best Beer, According to Science

Most beer lovers know that brew is best served cold. Now, there’s scientific evidence to explain why.