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.
Episodes Season Season 2 · 0/13 Season 1 · 0/11 0/13 watched · 2009
S02E01 Tastes Like Chicken 2009-01-20 30m
Ted and his food detectives are back to tackle the important food questions of our age. The techs are put to the ultimate taste test to determine if alligator and guinea pig really do "taste like chicken," and then the gang discovers just how many calories are saved by "blotting" a piece of pizza. more
S02E02 Bad Breath Cures 2009-01-27 30m
Ted and his food techs determine the best cure for bad breath and if it is possible to drink a gallon of milk in only an hour. more
S02E03 Miracle Berry 2009-02-03 30m
Ted and his techs take a look at a unique miracle berry that holds a mysterious secret. Also, they determine if alcohol kills brain cells and the effects of combining mentos and diet cola. more
S02E04 The Effects of MSG 2009-02-10 30m
The Food Detectives team investigates MSG and its effects. Also under investigation, which beverage has the most caffeine and the best way to keep ice cream on the cone. more
S02E05 Liquid Smoke 2009-02-17 30m
Ted and his food techs test identical twins to see if drinking water really does improve the condition of your skin. Also, what exactly is in so-called "natural" food coloring? more
S02E06 Moldy Cheese 2009-02-24 30m
Ted wonders why moldy cheese is ok to eat and the food techs find out what the best nightcap is after a trip to the sleep lab. more
S02E07 Small Plate Club 2009-03-10 30m
Host Ted Allen investigates whether or not the size of your plate contributes to weight gain, if eating food cooked with alcohol can actually get you drunk, and if drinking too much water is dangerous enough to kill you. more
S02E08 Smells Delicious 2009-03-17 30m
Host Ted Allen investigates how fattening fried food are, whether wood cutting boards harbor more bacteria than plastic cutting boards, and how much your sense of taste relies on smell. more
S02E09 Liquid Nitrogen Cocktails 2009-03-24 30m
Host Ted Allen investigates how liquid nitrogen is used to make unique cocktails, if elegant décor and elaborate menu descriptions influence the taste of food, and whether or not drinking ice water helps burn calories. more
S02E10 Chewing the Fat 2009-04-07 30m
S02E11 New York City Pizza 2009-04-14 30m
Host Ted Allen investigates why New York is widely believed to have the best pizza in the country. Also, Ted explores whether or not tapping a can’s top after it has been shaken will actually reduce the pressure of the soda inside and what kind of metals are found in our food. more
S02E12 Nightcaps? 2009-04-21 30m
Host Ted Allen investigates whether or not nightcaps actually work and what beverages give the best result. Also, Ted examines whether or not we are cooking away the vitamins in our food and if an egg containing a blood spot is still safe to eat? more
S02E13 All you can eat 2009-04-28 30m
Host Ted Allen investigates the number of calories in various foods and what it takes in the gym to burn them off. Also, Ted explores whether or not you can enjoy buffets without going overboard and if there are some foods that are naturally blue. more 
