Margaux Dupont
Food & Culture WriterA food historian who has eaten her way across six continents. Believes that every dish tells a story and every ingredient has a secret. Will absolutely judge your ketchup opinions.
Articles by Margaux Dupont
The Pacemaker Was Born From a Lab Mistake Nobody Caught for Years
Wilson Greatbatch invented one of medicine's most life-saving devices by accident while building something completely different. He didn't even realize what he'd created.
Your DNA Decided Your Snack Preferences Before You Were Born
Genetic variants in taste receptor genes determine whether you crave salt or sugar—and your ancestors' food scarcity locked those preferences in millions of years ago.
Being Hungry Makes You Obese—The Food Insecurity Paradox
People experiencing food insecurity are at higher risk of obesity than the general population. The culprit: cheap, nutrient-poor processed foods and chronic stress.
Bananas Are Berries, But Strawberries Aren't—The Botanical Paradox
Botanically, bananas and cucumbers are berries while strawberries are not. The scientific definition of 'berry' inverts everyday language so completely that what you call berries often aren't.
Spirulina Has Three Times More Protein Than Steak. So Why Are You Still Eating Beef?
Pound for pound, spirulina contains 60% protein by weight—nearly triple that of steak. Yet almost nobody knows about it.
Chickpeas Beat Black Beans at Lowering Cholesterol—And Nobody Knows Why
A 12-week study reveals chickpeas slash cholesterol by 15 mg/dL while black beans do virtually nothing. Two legumes, two completely different metabolic outcomes.
Red Wood Ants Can Ferment Yogurt—And They Taste Surprisingly Good
Scientists revived a forgotten Balkan recipe using live red wood ants to ferment yogurt. The result is tangy, herby, and entirely edible.
The Weird Way Scrolling Food Videos Makes You Eat Less
Dieters who spend time watching junk food videos actually eat less when given real food. It sounds backwards, but neuroscience has an explanation.
A Forgotten Popsicle Created a Billion-Dollar Accident
Frank Epperson was 11 years old when he left a sugary drink outside overnight and invented one of history's most iconic frozen treats by pure negligence.
A Melted Chocolate Bar Changed How We Cook Forever
Percy Spencer was standing near a magnetron when he noticed his chocolate bar had melted in his pocket. He didn't throw it away—he invented the microwave oven instead.