11 Food Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

Check Out These Pods From Up-and-comers in the Food Industry.

The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

Food podcasts are niche and it’s hard to discover new ones when there are already so many solid contenders that remain at the top of the charts. But, trust us, it’s worth it to stray a little out of your comfort zone for this list of pods. With the challenge in mind to discover food podcasts from up-and-coming creators, we’ve come up with a collection of eleven that engage our minds and fill our bellies (metaphorically that is). With a range of familiar and unfamiliar hosts, guests, and ingredients, at least one podcast on this list is sure to become one of your new favorites!

  • 01 of 11

    Boundless Horizon

    image of boundless horizon logo: sun and waves with title across

    Boundless Horizon

    Listen On: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Limited series- all episodes have dropped

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    Boundless Horizon, a limited series hosted by Korsha Wilson of A Hungry Society, is a timely exploration of the legacy of Black Food in America. The series embraces hard conversations and celebrates a history that is too often overlooked with assistance from an insightful lineup of guests. Every episode is a sensory experience, leaving you invigorated, informed and eager to learn more about the history of Black culture and food in the United States. Unsure where to start? Try “The Social Currency of Black Music & Black Food” with the renowned Alexander Smalls

  • 02 of 11

    The Food that Binds

    image of The Food that Binds logo: red background with animated picture of ramen and title of podcast made out of ramen noodles

    The Food that Binds

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Weekly

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    The food industry is a complex beast, and one that the host of The Food that Binds, Jennifer Zyman, knows well. As a notable food writer and critic, Zyman’s familiarity with the world of food makes each episode feel like a conversation between friends, not structured interviews. Her emphasis on storytelling and the interest she takes in understanding the roots of each guest gives listeners an inside look into familial history, a shared love of food and a study of culture. Begin with Episode 11 if you don’t know where to start, as Zyman’s discussion with Puerto Rican cook and writer, Von Diaz, beautifully covers everything from heritage to body image within an hour.

  • 03 of 11

    Black Girls Eating

    photo of hosts Tanorria and Candace of Black Girls Eating drinking coffee

    Leah of Leah Rife Photography

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Biweekly- season one just wrapped

    Learn More: Instagram

    Tanorria Askew and Candace Boyd, hosts of Black Girls Eating, engage with listeners and invite them into each episode with thoughtful, dynamic and frequently hilarious commentary. Black culture and appreciation are at the center of this podcast, guiding every episode and guest, even when the conversation gets uncomfortable. Whether discussing the proper collard green preparation, cultural appropriation, gentrification or maple syrup education, Black Girls Eating tackles every aspect of the food universe with wit, honesty and the utmost respect for Black culture and community. Try out “Chicken Thigh Chronicles” to get a true sense of everything this pod has to offer. 

  • 04 of 11

    Every Day is a Food Day

    image of Every Day is a Food Day logo: title of podcast next to headshots of hosts Anna and Lia

    Every Day is a Food Day

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Semimonthly

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    Every Day is a Food Day is the perfect podcast for any newbie food lover looking to learn or flex their food knowledge muscles. Hosts Lia Ballentine (nicknamed “the Chef-Creator”) and Anna Van Valin (dubbed “the Foodlosopher”) take listeners on a lighthearted and compelling journey of popular-- and unpopular-- ingredients or dishes that they believe deserve some time in the spotlight. From pineapple to popcorn, the podcast intertwines history and storytelling to uncover everything there is to know about the foods we eat and how they came to be. Sound like fun? Go for “French Fries: Our Favorite Side Piece” to get the full drama on fries and their turbulent beginnings at McDonalds. 

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.
  • 05 of 11

    The Racist Sandwich

    Air Fryer Burgers

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    The name “The Racist Sandwich Podcast” is perfectly indicative of what to expect from this podcast, brought to you by hosts Stephanie Kuo and Juan Ramirez. Guided by the belief that food is political, episodes dive deep into conversations about race, religion, gender and class, and the ways in which food intersects with it all. And while the connection between politics and food may not feel pressing to some people, Kuo and Ramirez’s guests come on the show with a range of perspectives that may leave you feeling differently. Too many interesting people to choose from? Meet French prisoner Dany in Episode 70 first. 

    *Unfortunately, The Racist Sandwich has gone on a long hiatus and it is unclear whether they will be producing any new episodes this year. Never fear though, there are 80 episodes from their previous seasons to listen to!*

  • 06 of 11

    Gourmand

    photo of hosts of Gourmand Alaina and Maggie with logo behind them

    Gourmand

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: No regular schedule- check Instagram to find out about episode drops

    Learn More: Website, Instagram

    College students Alaina Chou and Maggie Tang decided that age shouldn’t be a barrier to interviewing the top names in food with their podcast, Gourmand. Inspired with young food lovers and food industry aspirants in mind, Gourmand specializes in introducing their listeners to the big names in food to find out how successful stars got their starts. Interviews feature icons like Adam Richman and Joanne Chang, who share their stories and offer up their advice to help empower the next generation of foodies. If you can’t decide where to kick off, begin with Episode 15 to hear the fascinating story behind Taka Sakaeda of Nami Nori.

  • 07 of 11

    A Hungry Society

    headshot image of A Hungry Society host, Korsha Williams

    Celeste Noche Photography

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    A Hungry Society comes from the same people who brought you Boundless Horizon (including the same host!), though this series hits on a broader scope of topics that all relate back to culture and inclusion. Food writer and photographer, Korsha Wilson, hosts the pod, collecting stories and histories from chefs, restaurateurs, business owners and creatives. With an emphasis on celebrating diversity and listening, each episode is a gentle reminder that the talented people involved in the food industry come from all different backgrounds, and all deserve a seat at the table. Check out “Karla Vasquez on SalviSoul & Documenting the Salvadoran Diaspora” to get a great sense of what this podcast stands for. 

    *A Hungry Society appears to have wrapped after 4 seasons, but there are 80 wonderful episodes to listen through and a limited series (Boundless Society) from the same team to spend your time with.*

  • 08 of 11

    Extra Spicy

    image of Extra Spicy logo: animated red and orange flames with title in front

    Extra Spicy

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Biweekly

    Learn More: Website, Twitter

    Very rarely does a podcast find the perfect balance of being unusual and impactful at the same time. Enter Extra Spicy. Hosts Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips of the San Francisco Chronicle, take on the world of food through the lens of curiosity and ask the questions many of us have never even thought to ask. Ever wondered about the black market for eels? There’s an episode for that. Have you ever heard about the fire at the fine-dining icon Restaurant at Meadowood? There’s an episode for that. But this pod isn’t all bizarre topics and strange histories, it also leans into discomfort, inviting guests to speak up and reveal inequities and tensions in the food world. The combination makes for a fantastic listening experience, where listeners can expand their minds, get a bit uncomfy and learn a whole lot. Click play on “Crying in H Mart” for a more heartfelt episode or “Can Chocolate Be Ethical Under Consumption?” for crazy truths to be uncovered.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    Black Desserts

    Therese Nelson headshot
    Therese Nelson.

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Limited series- all episodes have dropped

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    We are lucky enough that Black Food Folks, an organization that supports Black professionals in the food industry, has put together a limited series podcast called Black Desserts for us to enjoy. Just as the title suggests, the pod, hosted by Thérèse Nelson, is all about desserts and those who create them. More specifically, Black pastry chefs. Each episode follows a few dessert experts, digging into how each found success in their respective careers and discussing how Black identity plays into the world of pastry along the way. “Just Desserts” is a great place to start if you’re curious which episode to sink your teeth into first.

  • 10 of 11

    Modern Persian Food

    image of Modern Persian Food logo: title of podcast and decorative flowers

    Modern Persian Food

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Biweekly

    Learn More: Website, Instagram, Twitter

    Sometimes all you need is ten or twenty minutes to learn something entirely new, and that is exactly the concept of Modern Persian Food, hosted by Bita Arabian and Beata Nazeem Kelley. Created with the idea of introducing listeners to the flavors and cultures of Persian cooking, each episode highlights a new or unfamiliar ingredient and all that it has to offer. From Persian pickles to Tahchin, Modern Persian Food helps to bridge the gap of knowledge in America about the beauty of Persian cooking and food. With quick episodes and two lively hosts, it’s the perfect pod for a short ride to the store or a coffee break. Listen to “Eggs in Persian Cuisine” to get a taste of what this podcast is all about. 

  • 11 of 11

    Food People Are the Best People

    image of Food People are the Best People logo: speech bubbles with title in them and small animations of noodles, sushi, a cocktail and chocolate cake

    Food People are the Best People

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

    New Episodes: Weekly

    Learn More: Instagram, Twitter

    Judiaann Woo has a full career of food experience under her belt, making her the perfect person to host Food People Are the Best People, which rounds out our list. Gathering foodie guests of all kinds, from chefs to critics to producers, this pod is a food lover’s ultimate destination for learning and listening. And although the formula for Food People are the Best People is simple, just interviews with awesome guests, it’s the quality of conversation and diversity of those who come onto the show that make it worth listening to. Any podcast can have interviews, but this one celebrates a love of food in a way that is palpable. Episode 3 is a perfect example of that food love, integrating fun, fast food and a famous personality in a single episode. 

Any great food podcasts that we missed? Comment below. And happy listening!