Food Detectives

Season 1

Food Detectives was a food science show hosted by Ted Allen that aired in North America on Food Network. Ted Allen, backed by research conducted by Popular Science magazine, investigates food-related beliefs, such as the validity of the five-second rule or the effectiveness of ginger to relieve motion sickness. In addition to support from scientists such as molecular biologist Dr. Adam Ruben and Popular Science staff members, Allen is assisted on-screen by a group of so-called "Food Techs," often-silent assistants who are the participants in simple experiments exploring food-related myths, beliefs, practices, and folkways.

Where to Watch Season 1

11 Episodes

  • The 5-Second Rule
    E1
    The 5-Second RuleTed Allen presents his entertaining look into well-known culinary conundrums, including an analysis of the famous "5-Second Rule."
  • Double Dippers
    E2
    Double DippersTed Allen and his food detectives investigate motion sickness remedies and discover the consequences of double dipping.
  • Brain Freeze
    E3
    Brain FreezeTed Allen and his Food Techs have a real headache of an experiment on their hands as they investigate how to prevent brain freeze. They also discover why aged beef from your butcher is gourmet and aged beef on your kitchen counter is contaminated, and find out what can be done about unwanted freezer burn.
  • Swallowing Gum
    E4
    Swallowing GumThe food detectives take on another set of food myths. This week they tell the viewers whether it is safe to eat from that bowl of after-dinner mints at their favorite restaurant.
  • Sleepy Turkey
    E5
    Sleepy TurkeyThe food detective team discovers the truth about turkey making people sleepy, and how to get gum out of hair.
  • The Poppy Seed Drug Test
    E6
    The Poppy Seed Drug TestTed Allen exposes the truth on poppy seeds and whether a person will test positive for opiates on a drug test after eating a poppy seed bagel. Also, a trip to the pool determines if someone really needs to wait an hour after eating to take a swim. Finally, the Food Techs are put to the test to see if anyone can eat six saltine crackers in one minute.
  • Hangover Cures
    E7
    Hangover CuresTed and his food techs determine the best way to get over a hangover. Also included: will cola actually dissolve a penny, and are the lemon wedges hanging on your beverage glass safe?
  • Dirty Bar Snacks
    E8
    Dirty Bar SnacksTed and his food techs investigates if bar snacks are sanitary or not. Also, a look at energy drinks and the human body.
  • Heartburn Remedies
    E9
    Heartburn RemediesTed Allen is searching the kitchen cabinets for the best home-made heart burn remedies. While the Food Techs are trying to find relief, Ted also takes on some strange cooking techniques: poaching in the dishwasher and frying on a car engine.
  • Spicy Foods and Sleepless Nights
    E10
    Spicy Foods and Sleepless NightsTed Allen and the Food Techs take on some myths about food and sleep as they determine whether or not spicy foods will keep you up at night. The Food Detectives also take on the questions: does eating garlic make you smell, and just how many glasses of water do you need to drink each day?
  • Food Mysteries
    E11
    Food Mysteries

Cast of Season 1

  • Ted Allen

 

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