Ben Birchall & Emily Naismith

Ingredipedia

Arts EN ↓ 100 episodes

Want to feast on funny food facts and fables? Or slurp up strange and spicy stories from supermarkets and society? Bite into Australia’s funnest food podcast, Ingredipedia. Each episode, competitive hosts Emily Naismith (Broadsheet, frankie magazine) and Ben Birchall (3RRR FM’s Breakfasters, Smith Journal) try to serve the most interesting stories about a specific ingredient (say, Tim Tams or chillies) in a bid for your affection. You get to vote for who was the most interesting on Instagram! It’s fun! It’s lighthearted! It’s largely unhinged! It’s the McDonald’s Happy Meal of the podcast worl...

Author

Ben Birchall & Emily Naismith

Category

Arts

Podcast website

www.ingredipedia.com.au

Latest episode

Jul 5, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

🍋Solo: Can you taste the masculinity? What about the alcohol?💪🏻 20.07.2025

We crack open Australia’s most questionably marketed soft drink and slam it down. Ben investigates the myth of the original ‘Solo Man’ and the sweaty, hyper-masculine world he paddled in from. Meanwhile, Em attempts a taste test to see if she can tell the difference between regular Solo and its boozy rebrand, Hard Rated. Is it still the “thirst crusher”? Or just a Cru...

🌮Tortillas: Are hard shell tacos actually tacos? (And did we just invent the gummy taco?)🌮 13.07.2025

Hard shell tacos: iconic or imposter? Em investigates the surprisingly complicated history of crunchy tacos. Meanwhile, Ben makes a tortilla filled with Doritos and gummy bears (yes, really) and shares his deep love for his favourite kitchen gadget which tbh, is pretty impressive. Also, we explain how tortillas have saved lives (well, at least one). [0.53] How hard shell tacos happened [9.46] Ben'...

🐸Which ‘90s Freddo did we bring back from the dead? Plus, Ben's childhood nickname trauma😖 06.07.2025

We’re diving deep into the murky chocolate waters of Freddo Frog history — from lost flavours of the ’90s to chocolate frog-inspired emotional trauma. Em brings back a colourful, much-loved Freddo (kind of), while Ben shares why he used to be called “Freddo Frog” at school and a wild story that links biosecurity and cane toads to the humble Freddo. We mentioned Eamon...

🫣Kangaroo is my main protein. Am I a monster? Would you eat a McRoo?🦘 29.06.2025

Em makes a shocking confession: a huuuuge portion of the red meat she eats is kangaroo and she feels weird about it. We unpack why eating Australia’s most iconic animal still feels taboo, even though it's iron-rich, sustainable, and weirdly delicious in tacos. Also in this episode: - Why there’s no McRoo on the Macca’s menu - A completely subjective ranking of supermarket kangaro...

🍫Mars Bar: Is Moro the ‘Temu’ version? Uncanny Mars Bar tweaks worldwide🤯 22.06.2025

Does the Mars Bar deserve it's status as one of the elite chocolate bars? Or have major developments in the Moro landscape have it quaking in its boots? Also, just what the f**k is a Mars Bar in other countries? Because it's  not  the one we're used to.  [1.08] Is Moro finally coming for the Mars Bar? [6.10] Uncanny Mars Bar tweaks around the world Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredip...

🍓Matcha: Are strawberry matcha lattes over? Matcha vs coffee jitters😰 15.06.2025

Plus, can matcha give you a jitter-free caffeine boost (unlike coffee)? And we explore whether “ceremonial grade” is a con. And yes, we look into what’s next in the iced strawberry matcha latte world and also think about whether matcha can make ANYTHING better! [1.07] Is the strawberry matcha trend over? [7.30] Can matcha make everything better? [11.43] Matcha vs coffee jitters [...

🤨Milo: Has it finally gone too far? And why is it huge in Malaysia?🦖 08.06.2025

How do you drink your Milo? Everyone has their own personal rituals which we’ll explore, but we’ll also cover the incredible ways it’s enjoyed in Malaysia. And of course, we get a little ranty about all the wild Milo products on supermarket shelves. Crack the tin and inhale it with us! [1.28] Why is Milo big in Malaysia? [7.46] Has Milo gone too far? Follow us on Instagram ( @ing...

😖Seaweed: How the f*ck do you open an onigiri? Bento box salad secret!🤯 01.06.2025

Plus, we find the king of all chips – the one everyone else looks up to! And find a cool way to cook and eat seaweed you may not have come across.  [1.09] How the f*ck do you open an onigiri? [5.50] Seaweed knots? [10.47] Uncovering the bento box seaweed secret [15.25] The king of all chips Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird...

🍪Oreo: Is ‘Double Stuff’ all lies? Did the ’90s ad make you angry?😡 25.05.2025

Plus a hack that will exponentially improve the Oreo eating experience. Twist it, lick it, dunk it… it’s our Oreo episode! [0:53] '90s TV ad and Oreo hack [5:19] Double Stuff exposé Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🥦Broccoli: Will it McFlurry? Plus, the real reason kids hate it 🫢 18.05.2025

Also, not one… but two TRULY delicious ways to cook broccoli! Like, we are not even joking. Who knew the broccoli episode would be so god damn yum?  [1.05] The real reason kids hate broccoli [6.23] Stems: love or hate? [10.11] The best chips ever [13.08] Broccoli McFlurry Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food p...

😭Jerky: You made it from WHAT? Plus, wild and weird seasonings🍜 11.05.2025

You’ll never guess what we made jerky out of. NEVER! Also in this episode Ben goes a little wild seasoning-wise in his mobile test kitchen (aka car). FYI this episode is best listened to in a truck. [1.31] You made WHAT into jerky? [6.40] Wild and weird flavours Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omn...

Curry powder: How old is too old? And the ‘famous’ curried tuna 04.05.2025

Weirdly, this is quite a sentimental episode. We also look into whether curry powder is actually Indian and make a hot hot hot creation featuring Clive of India. [1.04] The ‘famous’ curried tuna [8.25] How old is too old? [14.12] Hot sauce [19.38] Is curry powder is actually Indian? Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and sn...

🎂McDonald’s party cake & Hungry Jacks’ ‘coolest’ promo ever🍔 [Nostalgic Restaurants] 27.04.2025

Did this particularly weird thing ever happen at the Maccas parties you went to? And what did Hungry Jacks do in the '80s to make kids feel wildly cool? Find out in the last episode of our Nostalgic Restaurants miniseries. [1.22] McDonald's parties [9.51] Hungry Jacks' promo Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits....

🌋Smorgy’s Memories & Taco Bill Fishbowl Margaritas🍹 [Nostalgic Restaurants] 20.04.2025

All hail the all-you-can-eat restaurant with a volcano! Plus we deep dive into the world of free sombreros and heavily spiked slushies in part three of our miniseries on nostalgic restaurants from Australian suburbia.  [1.26] Taco Bill [14.06] Smorgy's Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com...

🇮🇹 La Porchetta… best jingle ever? Fasta Pasta’s kids’ menu 🍝 [Nostalgic Restaurants] 13.04.2025

Only the fanciest Italian restaurants feature in part two of our miniseries on nostalgic restaurants from Australian suburbia: Fasta Pasta and (la la la la la la) La Porchetta! [1.35] Fasta Pasta [12.28] La Porchetta Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🍕Remembering Pizza Hut ‘The Works’ and Sizzler’s Cheese Toast🧀 [Nostalgic Restaurants] 06.04.2025

Strap in for a new miniseries where we pit iconic restaurants from Australian suburbia against each other, starting with two of the most iconic all-you-can-eat establishments: Pizza Hut 'The Works' and Sizzler! Put on your elasticised pants and let’s hit the buffet. [1.18] Pizza Hut 'The Works' [8.25] Sizzler's Cheese Toast  Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredi...

🍫Have you tried the new Lindt bunny? Malteaster bunny controversy🐰 30.03.2025

It's the first new Lindt bunny flavour in 10 years! 😲 This Easter bunny-themed ep is a must listen before you make your VERY IMPORTANT Easter chocolate decisions. [1:03] Malteaster Bunny controversy [7:47] New Lindt Bunny flavour Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

🍫Pistachio: WTF is Dubai chocolate and why is Pistachio Papi so delicious?😋 23.03.2025

Is mortadella supposed to be nut free? And Em adds to her nut butter collection in a delicious and expensive way.  [1:03] Pistachio Papi and pistachio cream  [6:23] WTF is Dubai chocolate?  [14:18] Nut butter collection [21:26] Mortadella investigation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🫣Kombucha: WTF is a scoby? And why did we eat it? 😓 16.03.2025

A truly nightmare-inducing therapy session. Plus, Ben tries out a recipe from one of the most untrustworthy of places. [1:24] The terrifying scoby [9:51] Ben's fancy concoction  Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🔪Marshmallow: Death to Chocolate Royals & elevating Wagon Wheel hot cross buns😋 09.03.2025

Plus we explore why pale pink is so ~edible~ through a nostalgic slice recipe and reminisce about ‘snowballs’. [1:11] An ode to Snowballs [6:29] Death to Chocolate Royals [11:56] A nostalgic pink slice recipe [16:31] Wagon Wheel hot cross buns Vote for whose facts you loved more on the @ingredipedia Instagram on Sunday evening! We're also on TikTok (@ingredipedia) !   See omnystud...

😈Ginger beer: ‘Beef fizz’ and a slow cooker recipe from hell😭 02.03.2025

File this under ‘cursed’. Sorry in advance x [2:34] Beef fizz [8:04] Slow cooker recipe from hell Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

😟Cauliflower: Is it coming for your coffee? Does it stack up as rice?🙅‍♀️ 23.02.2025

Big angry rants incoming! Plus, Ben admits to his dark past and redeems himself with a wild fast-food style burger.  [1:00] Cauliflower as "carbs"  [4:43] Nasi goreng [10:22] Cauliflower... coffee? [15:51] Chick-fil-A Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and snacky food pursuits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

💰School Canteen: Which Zooper Dooper Was Cheaper Than The Rest? Lunch Order Nostalgia😻 16.02.2025

Ovalteenies… were they worth the hype? Plus, we update you on what other treasures you could find inside a bread roll at Australian school canteens. This is the final episode in our ‘school snacks’ miniseries! Hope you enjoyed it, pals! [1:19] Ovalteenies hype [7:30] Lunch order nostalgia [12:33] Zooper Dooper price discrimination [19:45] Things in rolls Follow us on Instagram (...

🥪Which School Sandwich is Illegal? Plus, A Stras & Sauce Investigation🕵️ 09.02.2025

It’s time for a school therapy session regarding Ben’s school sandwiches and there’s also a sandwich filling pop quiz! It’s lunchtime in our ‘School Snack’ miniseries and there’s sandwiches all round. [1:06] Stras & sauce investigation [8:29] Ben's sandwich therapy [13:15] Illegal sandwich fillings [16.52] Sandwich filling pop quiz Follow us on Instagr...

🍭Ranking ’90s Recess Snacks & Mamee Monster Noodle Controversy👹 [School Snacks] 02.02.2025

Plus what’s changed in the biscuit space since we were at school and we delve into the wild west of sneaky snack marketing. This is part two of our school snack miniseries! [1:19] Mamee Monster Noodles [6:42] Biscuit improvements [13:50) Ranking recess snacks [21:48] Sneaky snack marketing Follow us on Instagram ( @ingredipedia ) and TikTok ( @ingredipedia ) to see visuals of our weird and s...

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