Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Monday, 29 June 2026
That's Health: Powerful Fans Can Spread More Than Cool Air – Why ...
That's Health: Powerful Fans Can Spread More Than Cool Air – Why ...: Powerful fans without HEPA filters can spread dust, pollen and allergens around your home or office. Discover why HEPA-filtered fans are a h...
Friday, 26 June 2026
World Chocolate Day 2026: The Sweet Story Behind Everyone's Favourite Treat
World Chocolate Day, celebrated every year on 7 July, is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of life's greatest pleasures.
Whether you prefer silky milk chocolate, rich dark varieties or creamy white chocolate, today is all about appreciating the confectionery that has delighted taste buds for centuries.
Chocolate's story begins with the cacao tree, native to Central and South America. Ancient civilisations including the Maya and Aztecs prized cacao beans so highly that they were even used as currency. The chocolate they drank was very different from the sweet bars we enjoy today, often flavoured with spices and served as a bitter drink.
It wasn't until chocolate arrived in Europe during the 16th century that sugar was added, transforming it into the luxurious treat that gradually became popular across the continent. Thanks to innovations during the Industrial Revolution, chocolate became more affordable, paving the way for many of the iconic brands we know and love today.
The UK has a particularly strong affection for chocolate. From classic chocolate bars and boxed chocolates to artisan creations made by independent chocolatiers, there's something to satisfy every palate. Supermarkets, specialist retailers and local producers continue to introduce exciting new flavours, combining chocolate with everything from sea salt and chilli to honeycomb, pistachios and even craft beer.
World Chocolate Day is also an opportunity to explore chocolate in the kitchen. Rich chocolate brownies, indulgent cakes, silky mousses, homemade truffles and luxurious hot chocolates are all fantastic ways to mark the occasion. Even a simple bowl of fresh strawberries dipped in melted chocolate can feel wonderfully indulgent.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try pairing chocolate with unexpected foods? Dark chocolate complements strong cheeses surprisingly well, while quality chocolate pairs beautifully with coffee, red wine, port and certain stouts. The growing popularity of bean-to-bar producers also means chocolate lovers can discover how different cacao-growing regions influence flavour, much like fine wines.
As always, moderation is key. While chocolate can certainly be part of a balanced diet, it's worth remembering that many products contain significant amounts of sugar and fat. Choosing high-quality chocolate and savouring smaller portions often makes the experience even more enjoyable.
So whether you're treating yourself to your favourite chocolate bar, baking with the family, supporting a local chocolatier or discovering an exciting new flavour combination, World Chocolate Day offers the perfect excuse to celebrate this much-loved delicacy.
After all, few foods have the power to bring so many smiles with just a single bite.
Happy World Chocolate Day from everyone at That's Food and Drink!
Can You Really Fry an Egg on the Pavement? The Science Behind the Summer Myth
We explore the science behind cooking an egg on hot pavement and why it's harder than you think.
Every summer, as temperatures soar and weather presenters warn us about extreme heat, someone will inevitably ask the same question:
"It's so hot you could fry an egg on the pavement!"
In fact, there's even a day dedicated to putting that claim to the test, Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day, celebrated each year on 4 July. But is it actually possible, or is it simply one of those summer myths that refuses to disappear?
The Science Behind the Sizzle
The short answer is: usually not.
An egg needs to reach around 70°C before the proteins begin to set properly. While a dark tarmac road or pavement can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air, it still rarely reaches a temperature capable of fully cooking an egg.
On an exceptionally hot day, black asphalt exposed to direct sunshine can climb to around 65–80°C. That sounds promising, but there's a catch.
The pavement is constantly losing heat to the surrounding air and ground beneath it. Unlike a frying pan, it isn't receiving a continuous supply of energy from a hob. As soon as you crack the egg onto the surface, the cooler egg rapidly absorbs the stored heat, causing the surface temperature to drop.
The result?
A rather disappointing puddle of slowly warming egg white rather than a delicious fried breakfast.
But People Have Done It...
You'll often see viral videos showing eggs apparently frying on pavements during heatwaves in places such as Arizona or Death Valley.
Look closely, however, and many of these demonstrations use metal trays, baking sheets or cast-iron pans that have been preheated by the sun. These absorb and retain much more heat than concrete or tarmac, making cooking far more likely.
So while an egg may cook outdoors without electricity or gas, it's often the hot pan doing the work, not the pavement itself.
Should You Try It?
If you're curious, there's no harm in experimenting, provided you do so safely and clean up afterwards.
Choose a disposable tray or an old frying pan rather than cracking an egg directly onto public pavements. Nobody wants to step in a half-cooked breakfast on the way to the shops!
And remember that if it's hot enough for outdoor cooking experiments, it's also hot enough to pose genuine health risks.
Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, keep pets off scorching pavements, and avoid leaving children or animals in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes.
Verdict
So, can you fry an egg on a pavement?
Technically... sometimes. Reliably... not really.
It's one of those wonderfully enduring summer sayings that's based on a grain of truth but exaggerated over the years.
Still, Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day is a fun excuse to celebrate sunshine, enjoy a barbecue, or simply cook your eggs the traditional way, in a frying pan in the kitchen!
After all, breakfast tastes much better when it isn't seasoned with bits of tarmac.
International Pineapple Day: Delicious Ways to Celebrate This Tropical Favourite
If there was ever a fruit guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day, it's the pineapple. Sweet, juicy and instantly recognisable, this tropical favourite deserves its own celebration, and International Pineapple Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy it in all its delicious forms.
Whether you're slicing it into a fruit salad, grilling it on the barbecue, blending it into a smoothie or enjoying it on top of a homemade pizza (yes, we know that's still a subject of fierce debate!), pineapples are one of the most versatile fruits you can keep in the kitchen.
I used to love pineapple and cheese on a stick, back in the day! And there was a delicatessen that sold cottage cheese with pineapple which I was quite partial to.
Originally native to South America, pineapples were once considered such a luxury that wealthy families would hire them simply to display at lavish dinner parties. Today they're readily available in supermarkets throughout the UK, making it easy to bring a taste of the tropics to your table.
More than just delicious
Pineapples don't just taste fantastic – they're packed with goodness too. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to support the immune system, while also providing manganese, fibre and antioxidants.
One of their most interesting natural components is bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein. This makes fresh pineapple a popular ingredient in marinades, as it can help tenderise meat while adding a subtle sweetness.
Fantastic ways to enjoy pineapple
International Pineapple Day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with this colourful fruit. Why not try:
Fresh pineapple chunks straight from the fridge on a hot summer's day.
Pineapple and coconut smoothies for a tropical breakfast.
Grilled pineapple served alongside chicken, pork or halloumi.
Pineapple salsa with chilli, coriander and lime to accompany fish.
Homemade upside-down pineapple cake.
Pineapple added to fruit kebabs for the barbecue.
Frozen pineapple pieces blended into a refreshing sorbet.
If you're entertaining friends or family, hollowing out half a pineapple also makes a spectacular natural serving bowl for fruit salads or tropical desserts.
Don't waste the leftovers
Even the tough outer skin and leafy crown don't have to go to waste. Pineapple peel can be simmered to make a fragrant syrup or infused into drinks, while the leafy top can even be rooted in water before planting to grow an attractive houseplant. Although growing a new pineapple takes patience, it's a fun project for children and gardening enthusiasts alike.
A little tropical sunshine
With Britain enjoying warm summer weather, International Pineapple Day arrives at just the right time. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, preparing a picnic or simply looking for a refreshing snack, pineapple brings colour, flavour and a taste of the tropics to every occasion.
So why not pick one up on your next shopping trip and celebrate one of nature's most cheerful fruits? Your taste buds will certainly thank you.
Happy International Pineapple Day from everyone at That's Food and Drink!
Too Hot to Shop? Let That's Food and Drink Bring the Drinks to You!
Let's be honest. In this sort of weather, putting on proper clothes feels like an achievement. Carrying a dozen bottles of fizzy pop, a case of lager and a few bottles of wine home? That's practically an Olympic event.
Thankfully, there is a much cooler solution.
The Amazon-powered That's Food and Drink online shop is packed with refreshing drinks that can be delivered straight to your front door. That means you can stay in the shade while someone else does the heavy lifting.
Whether you're looking to stock up on crisp lagers, craft beers, ciders, chilled wines, premium spirits, fruit juices, sparkling water, fizzy favourites or refreshing mixers, there's a huge selection waiting to be discovered.
No more standing in supermarket queues wondering why the person in front has chosen today to write a cheque. On an account they forgot they closed years ago.
No more discovering that the shelves where your favourite beer should be now resemble an abandoned archaeological dig.
And certainly no more trying to carry six bags home while simultaneously melting into a small puddle.
Instead, you can browse at your own pace from the comfort of your sofa. Better still, you can do it while enjoying the very last cold drink in your fridge before your fresh supplies arrive.
Planning a barbecue? Hosting friends? Watching the cricket, Wimbledon or simply trying to survive another tropical afternoon in Britain? Ordering online means you can keep your fridge well stocked without ever leaving the house.
Don't forget the snacks, either. Crisps, nuts, chocolate, biscuits and countless cupboard essentials are all available alongside drinks, making it easy to top up your supplies without organising one enormous supermarket delivery.
Best of all, every purchase made through the That's Food and Drink online shop helps support the work we do in bringing you daily food and drink news, recipes, reviews and features—all at no extra cost to you.
So if the thought of venturing outside fills you with dread, stay cool, stay hydrated and let your drinks come to you instead.
After all, whoever invented home delivery deserves a nice, cold drink... preferably one that somebody else has carried to the door.
Cheers to that!
Visit the That's Food and Drink Amazon Shop today and discover thousands of refreshing drinks and foodie favourites, all ready to be delivered directly to your doorstep. The address is here:-
By the way, the shop also stocks a wide range of fans and air con units, too!
Go Bananas! Beat the Heatwave Ice Cream Shortage with Nature's Perfect Frozen Treat.
Families searching for a cool treat have often been left disappointed.
Fortunately, there's a delicious, healthy and surprisingly creamy alternative that's probably already sitting in your fruit bowl, the humble banana.
Freeze Today, Enjoy Later
Even if your bananas are beginning to develop brown spots, don't throw them away. Instead, peel them, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container, and pop them into the freezer.
After a few hours they'll be transformed into one of the simplest frozen treats imaginable.
Frozen bananas develop a wonderfully creamy texture that many people compare to ice cream, despite containing no added sugar, cream or artificial ingredients.
Even Better Blended
For an extra-special dessert, slice the frozen bananas into chunks before freezing.
Once frozen, blend them in a food processor or powerful blender until smooth. The result is what's often called "nice cream" a rich, silky dessert made entirely from fruit.
You can also customise it with your favourite flavours:
Cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Peanut butter for a protein-packed treat.
Strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Vanilla extract and a drizzle of honey.
Cinnamon for something a little different.
The possibilities are almost endless.
A Budget-Friendly Choice
With the cost of living still putting pressure on household budgets, frozen bananas are also remarkably economical.
Instead of paying several pounds for premium ice cream, you're making use of fruit that might otherwise end up in the compost bin.
It's a great way to reduce food waste while creating something everyone can enjoy.
Naturally Refreshing
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6 and fibre, making them a more nutritious alternative to many frozen desserts that are packed with sugar and additives. So they'll help you to naturally rehydrate yourself.
While they still contain natural sugars, they're a wholesome option for cooling down during hot weather.
A Handy Freezer Staple
Even when the current heatwave eventually fades, keeping a supply of frozen bananas on hand is a brilliant idea.
They're perfect for smoothies, milkshakes, baking, homemade ice cream, or simply eaten straight from the freezer as a refreshing snack.
So, if the supermarket freezer shelves are looking a little bare, don't despair. Grab a bunch of bananas instead.
Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best, and in this scorching weather, nature may already have provided the perfect ice cream.
Have you tried frozen bananas before? We'd love to hear your favourite flavour combinations and creative toppings in the comments below!
The inspiration for this post was when my wife answered my desire for ice cream with a frozen banana from our freezer!
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Seven Bro7hers Throw Away IPA Review – The Beer Brewed with Kellogg's Corn Flakes
When most people think of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, they probably picture breakfast rather than beer.
But one of Britain's most innovative breweries has proved that surplus breakfast cereal can become the perfect ingredient for a very delicious pint.
Seven Bro7hers Brewery's Throw Away IPA is a fantastic example of how sustainability and great brewing can work hand in hand, transforming food that would otherwise go to waste into a refreshing, hop-forward craft beer.
Brewing Beer with Breakfast Cereal
The Salford-based brewery partnered with Kellogg's to create Throw Away IPA using surplus Corn Flakes from Kellogg's manufacturing process. These cereals are perfectly edible but may be slightly too large, too small or imperfect in appearance to make it into the familiar cereal boxes found on supermarket shelves.
Rather than allowing these perfectly good ingredients to become waste, they are incorporated into the brewing process, replacing part of the traditional grain bill during mashing. The result is an IPA with a subtle residual sweetness that complements the beer's generous hop character.
A Modern IPA
Throw Away IPA isn't simply a novelty beer.
The brewery has created a genuinely and highly enjoyable India Pale Ale that showcases modern hop varieties including Chinook, Amarillo, Loral and Talus Cryo.
Together they produce bright citrus flavours, floral aromas and gentle pine notes that craft beer lovers expect from a contemporary IPA.
At around 5% ABV, it offers a balanced drinking experience, with the sweetness from the Corn Flakes sitting comfortably alongside the refreshing bitterness of the hops.
Fighting Food Waste
One of the most appealing aspects of Throw Away IPA is the story behind it.
Food waste remains a significant challenge throughout the food industry, and innovative partnerships like this demonstrate that perfectly usable ingredients can often enjoy a second life rather than ending up as waste or lower-value products.
The collaboration proved so successful that Seven Bro7hers and Kellogg's later expanded the concept to create additional beers using surplus Coco Pops and Rice Krispies, highlighting just how creative sustainable brewing can become.
Not Quite Vegan
One interesting point worth noting is that Throw Away IPA isn't suitable for vegans. Although the brewery produces many vegan-friendly beers, this particular brew uses Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which contain Vitamin D derived from lanolin.
Our Verdict
Here at That's Food and Drink, we're always pleased to see breweries experimenting with new ingredients, particularly when those innovations help reduce food waste.
Throw Away IPA proves that sustainability doesn't have to come at the expense of flavour. It's a well-crafted modern IPA with an engaging backstory that makes every pint even more satisfying.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, interested in sustainable food production, or simply curious about unusual brewing ingredients, this is one beer that's well worth seeking out.
And it's a very moreish IPA, in our opinion, light and very delicious.
Sometimes, breakfast really can be the most important ingredient of the day.
Cardiff Community Summer Supper Returns for an Evening of Food, Friendship and Fun at Railway Gardens
Railway Gardens in Splott will host its annual Community Summer Supper (Swper yr Haf i'r Gymuned) on Friday 10 July, welcoming local residents and visitors alike for a free evening celebrating community spirit from 5.30pm until 8pm.
Organised by Cardiff social enterprise Green Squirrel, the event has become one of the highlights of the local summer calendar. Following the success of last year's gathering, which attracted more than double the expected number of attendees, organisers are preparing for another vibrant evening filled with conversation, laughter and shared meals.
At the heart of the event is a community picnic where guests are invited, if they are able, to bring along a cold vegetarian or vegan dish to share. The plant-based feast offers a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of homemade dishes while meeting new people and catching up with neighbours in the relaxed surroundings of Railway Gardens.
This year's Summer Supper will also introduce a brand-new Community Talent Show, giving local residents the chance to showcase everything from music and dance to comedy, poetry and other hidden talents. The aim is simple: to create an inclusive space where people can celebrate one another's creativity and enjoy an evening of shared entertainment.
Alongside the food and performances, visitors can enjoy games and activities suitable for all ages, explore the gardens, visit the community photobooth and soak up the welcoming atmosphere that has become synonymous with the annual event.
She praised the organisation's dedicated volunteers, whose efforts help create a welcoming environment where lasting friendships can flourish.
Railway Gardens itself has become a remarkable example of community transformation. Opened in 2022 after almost eight years of campaigning, fundraising and planning, the site has grown into a thriving hub featuring food-growing spaces, a community kitchen, creative workshops, business units, volunteer opportunities and the popular Seal and Bear café.
Whether you're a Cardiff local or simply looking for an enjoyable summer evening with great food and friendly company, the Community Summer Supper promises a warm Welsh welcome.
Events like this demonstrate that food has an incredible ability to bring people together, creating stronger communities one shared meal at a time.
Event Details:
Date: 10/07/2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Railway Gardens, End of Adelines Street, Splott, Cardiff, CF24 2BH
Admission: Free and open to all
Don't Form a Conga Line in the Pub – Stand at the Bar Like a Brit!
If you've ever walked into a busy British pub and found yourself wondering why there's a queue, you're not alone. Increasingly, people seem to be forming long, supermarket-style lines stretching away from the bar.
But here's the thing – that's not how pubs are meant to work.
For generations, ordering a drink or a bar meal in a British pub has followed a simple, unwritten rule: stand along the bar and wait your turn.
Unlike a coffee shop or supermarket, pubs traditionally don't have a single-file queue. Instead, customers spread themselves along the bar, allowing bar staff to see everyone waiting. Experienced bartenders have an uncanny ability to remember who arrived first and serve people in the correct order.
It's a system built on trust, common sense and good manners.
Of course, that means customers have a role to play too. If someone who arrived after you is served first, it's usually because the bartender made an honest mistake. Likewise, if you're offered service before someone who has clearly been waiting longer, the polite thing to do is simply say, "I think they were here before me."
Most people appreciate the gesture, and it's all part of traditional British pub etiquette.
Long queues block walkways, make it harder for people to reach different parts of the bar and slow down service, especially in busy pubs where several members of staff are serving different sections simultaneously and negotiating a long line of customers whilst carrying trays of hot food.
Standing along the bar allows bartenders to serve multiple customers quickly and efficiently, keeping drinks flowing and food orders taken, and reducing waiting times for everyone.
So next time you visit your favourite local, remember these simple tips:
Stand at the bar rather than forming a single-file queue.
Make yourself visible without blocking other customers.
Know what you'd like before you're served.
Have your payment ready.
Step away from the bar once you've collected your drinks.
If someone was waiting before you, let them be served first.
British pubs are about more than just enjoying a pint. They're part of our heritage, with traditions that have evolved over hundreds of years. The informal bar queue is one of those traditions that works remarkably well when everyone understands the unwritten rules.
So let's keep the conga lines for weddings and Christmas parties, and leave pub ordering exactly where it belongs: spread along the bar.
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
That's Food and Drink Expands Online Retail Presence with New Amazon Storefront
Exciting changes are underway at That's Food and Drink as we continue to expand our online retail presence and make it even easier for readers to discover products, ingredients, kitchen essentials and food and drink inspiration all in one place.
Over the years, That's Food and Drink has grown from a simple food blog into a trusted source of recipes, product news, restaurant features, drink recommendations, cooking tips and industry updates. As our audience continues to grow, we are taking positive steps to improve the way readers can find and purchase products that feature across our articles.
One of the biggest developments is the expansion of our Amazon storefront, which will showcase a carefully selected range of food, drink, cookware, kitchen gadgets, recipe books, entertaining essentials and seasonal favourites. The aim is to create a convenient shopping experience that complements the content our readers already enjoy.
Whether you're looking for specialist ingredients, coffee-making equipment, baking tools, cocktail accessories, barbecue essentials or gift ideas for food lovers, our enhanced retail offering will bring together products that we believe represent excellent value and quality.
The development also reflects the growth of our wider family of blogs.
Our sister publication, That's Christmas 365, continues to provide festive inspiration throughout the year, covering Christmas food, gift guides, decorations, traditions and seasonal events. The expanded retail platform will allow readers to discover Christmas products and gift ideas whenever they start planning for the festive season.
Meanwhile, That's Health offers practical information on wellbeing, nutrition, healthy living and healthcare developments. Carefully selected health and wellness products will help support readers who are looking to make positive lifestyle choices.
For business owners and professionals, That's Business delivers news, insights and advice covering entrepreneurship, technology, leadership and workplace trends. The retail expansion will also highlight useful books, office products and business resources relevant to our professional audience.
By bringing these brands together under a stronger retail presence, we hope to create a seamless experience that allows readers to move easily between trusted content and carefully chosen products.
This is just the beginning. We will continue to develop new features, expand product ranges and explore additional ways to support our readers across all our platforms.
Thank you for being part of the journey. We look forward to sharing the next chapter with you.
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