Pepsi Number Fever was one of the biggest corporate blunders of the 20th century. This popular marketing stunt had the Philippines buzzing with excitement until a simple error by Pepsi crushed hundreds of thousands of hopes and dreams, leading to lawsuits, rioting, and multiple deaths. This episode is our Season 3 finale! Every year, we take the su…

Brittany Dawn used her status as a social media influencer to market her customized nutrition and fitness plans to thousands of consumers. The catch: they weren’t customized. And her clients suffered the consequences. She is now being sued by the state of Texas for violating consumer protection laws in one of the few lawsuits of its kind. National …

The story of Biosphere 2 is real-life sci-fi. In the early 90s, eight people lived inside an air-tight, giant glass structure filled with replicas of the earth’s ecosystems with the goal of living in a completely self-sufficient way for all human needs including food, water, and oxygen. You can find our sources listed on our website unsavorypod.com…

On paper, he seems like a stand up guy - he is highly educated, charismatic, a prolific surgeon, author and TV personality. He also has a tendency to spew misinformation, practice out of his scope, and promote products in unethical ways. And he has made millions doing it. In this episode, we cover all things Dr. Oz. You can find our sources listed …

The Spanish cooking oil disaster is one of the most devastating instances of mass food poisoning in history. 42 years later, innocent people still suffer from the long-term life-altering effects of Toxic Oil Syndrome. You can find our sources listed on our website unsavorypod.com This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a lo…

In 2005, Anna Aayala was enjoying a bowl of Wendy’s famous chili when she bit down on a human finger. The legal battle that followed exposed food tampering, fraud and attempted extortion. In this episode, we cover the Wendy’s Chili Finger Scandal. You can find our sources listed on our website unsavorypod.com This is an independently produced podca…

There’s a new weight loss medication in town and its name is Ozempic. The catch? It’s not actually approved for weight loss. This episode discusses supply chain shortages fueled by Hollywood popularity and TikTok fame, the not-so-pleasant side effects, and some long-term considerations. You can find our sources listed on our website unsavorypod.com…

In this episode, we cover the story of the real life Grinch who stole Christmas. For almost 30 years, Cuba’s former president, Fidel Castro, banned all Christmas celebrations in the country. His reasoning had everything to do with Cuba’s biggest food export - sugar cane. Or at least that's what he claimed... You can find our sources listed on our w…

This week’s episode is all about the fascinating, mildly grotesque, and sometimes deadly world of eating competitions. You can find our sources listed on our website unsavorypod.com This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a lot to us! Please rate, review, and follow wherever you listen. If you would like to contribute to ou…

In this episode, we cover the scandalous history of one of the oldest and more questionable weight loss methods: the tapeworm diet. We discuss the Victorian beauty standards that pushed dieters to willingly contract a parasitic infection and the very serious side effects no one seemed to care about...until it was too late. You can find our sources …

This Halloween, we’re bringing you the ultimate food crime! Cannibalism and the Donner Party. In the spring of 1846, a group of pioneers left Missouri with hearts full of hope and ventured west along the Oregon Trail to start a new life in California. By the time their voyage was complete, nearly half of them would be dead. You can find our sources…

In this episode, we cover the infant formula scandal that rocked the world in the 1970’s & is often referred to as the darkest chapter in corporate history. We discuss the evolution of infant feeding - from wet nurses to formula - and how one formula company prioritized profits over people, indirectly killing thousands through the misuse of its pro…

Season 3 is officially here!!! Starting off strong with the incredible true story of two boys that crawled out of the rugged British Columbia wilderness and turned a sleepy town on its head with their tales of being raised in isolation. When the boy's story starts to fall apart, the town's good ol’ Canadian hospitality quickly disappears... You can…

Season 2 is coming to an end. It's time to enjoy our summer and start preparing for an amazing third season! This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a lot to us. Please rate, review, and follow wherever you listen. If you would like to contribute to our show, you can do so on our Patreon page. Follow on Instagram and Twitte…

Part two is served. In the second half of this series, we discuss the Herbalife Nutrition Clubs, including the tactics used to recruit distributors and the class action lawsuit that followed. The story then takes an unusual turn…to Wall Street. We cover the billion dollar bet made against Herbalife and the less than savory strategies used to try to…

In part one of this series, we cover the origin story of Herbalife, including the man behind the brand: Mark R. Hughes. We discuss the tragic inspiration for his “health” products, the predatory tactics used for recruitment, and the dangerous impact the original formulas had on consumers. This is a story you don’t want to miss. Stay tuned for part …

A vegan business icon, an immortal (?) dog named Leon, cult-like abuse, mass amounts of unpaid wages and debts, and the hero of our story… a domino’s pizza with a side of wings. This is the story of Pure Food & Wine and its founder, Sarma Melngailis. This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a lot to us. Please rate, review, …

How do you starve a nation that can feed the world? In this episode, Sarah discusses the effectiveness of sanctions during war and the disastrous impacts they can have on food systems. Becca then covers one of the darkest parts of human history: Holodomor, the man-made famine that killed millions of Ukrainians during the Soviet-era. Slava Ukraini! …

Take everything you think you know about Scurvy and be prepared to have your mind blown! This episode starts with Becca sharing all about the discovery of vitamins, specifically, Vitamin C and some of its unique properties. Then Sarah shares the scandalous story of Scurvy, and how millions of people died over centuries due to an error of communicat…

Are inmate food conditions criminal? You be the judge. In this episode, we discuss the history of prison food - from lobster to Nutraloaf. We then cover the disturbing story of the Alabamian law that allowed sheriffs to keep inmate food funds…as personal income. Sheriff Todd Entrekin (and many others) took advantage of this system for decades, maki…

Welcome to 2022! Becca starts by sharing all about how diet culture and new year's resolutions are the opposite of a match made in heaven. Then Sarah tells the *alleged* story of a wellness war that rocked social media in 2020, Tanya Zuckerbrot and the F-Factor diet vs. fashion influencer Emily Gellis-Lande. CORRECTION: At this point in time, there…

This episode is the epitome of bittersweet… We discuss the origins of everyone’s favourite holiday food traditions, including Christmas cookies, advent calendars, and the one and only - cranberry sauce! We then cover the history of the ‘Poison Squad’, the volunteer government initiative that ultimately led to the foundation of the FDA. This gave ri…

This episode is anything but basic! Learn about how our amazing bodies are constantly working to maintain a tight pH balance (no alkaline diet required). Then hear the story of a convicted medical fraudster who made tons of money selling fake medical “cures”, pseudoscientific diets, and unregulated supplements to terminally ill people. For all link…

In this episode, Sarah discusses the complexities of weight stigma and the impact weight bias has on our healthcare system. Becca then tells the story of a registered dietitian (!!!) who becomes the leader of a religious weight loss cult. This is the story of Gwen Shamblin Lara and The Weigh Down Diet. Want to learn more about weight stigma? Body r…

In the moooooooo-d for a good story? This week, Becca tells all about the disease that almost put the world off of burgers, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy aka. Mad Cow Disease. Then Sarah shares the story about the time the Texas Beef industry almost took down America’s sweetheart, Oprah Winfrey. For all links and references visit our website. Th…

In this episode, Sarah discusses the evolution of food safety, including the development of Germ Theory and the pasteurization process. Becca then breaks down the epidemiology of typhoid fever and its lethal impact during wartimes. She then tells the story of the infamous cook who left a trail of bodies and controversy everywhere she served. This i…

In this episode, Becca talks about all the reasons we need food and breaks down some of the ways we measure energy needs. Then Sarah shares what she’s learned about the Breatharian lifestyle (cult*) and discusses some of the lives that have been tragically lost by trying to live on air and sunlight alone. If you are struggling with disordered eatin…

In our season premiere Sarah breaks down the digestive system. Becca then discusses the history of forensic science, including the role of the coroner, medical examiner, and forensic pathologist, and who is allowed to perform autopsies. She discusses how forensic botany has provided key evidence to some of the most notable criminal cases in history…

Introducing season 2 of Unsavory. Join Registered Dietitians Sarah and Becca as they use their backgrounds in nutrition and criminology to discuss fascinating food-related scandals using an evidence-based lens. We're talking diet culture, nutrition misinformation, Grab a snack, put on your comfy pants, and get ready to dive into the weird and wonde…

In this episode, Becca covers the history of the all-American Twinkie. Then, in honour of Pride Month, Sarah covers the tragic story of Harvey Milk and the Twinkie Defense. CW: Gun shots This is our SEASON ONE FINALE! We appreciate all the support and kind words we have received over the past 8 months. We are taking the summer off to work on DAD be…

This episode is a real fungi! Sarah covers the recent sentencing in Belgium’s largest food fraud, the Fipronil egg scandal. Then we hear a listener story that will make you laugh and might change the way you look at mushrooms. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have an interesting food-related story? Maybe a quirky food habit or unique sensitivity? O…

Sarah explains the manufacturing process of molasses, the Triangular Trade, and how this all relates to rum. Becca then discusses the key events that led to prohibition and how this relates to a tank explosion that left 21 dead and covered the city of Boston in molasses. This is the story of the Boston Molassacre. For all links and references visit…

Becca tells Sarah about a pandemic loan program in the US that led to the creation of hundreds of fake farms. Plus, we hear about a listener’s experience with lactose intolerance from a staph infection. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have an interesting food-related story? Maybe a quirky food habit or unique sensitivity? Email us at unsavorypod@g…

Peanut butter and... jail?! In this episode, Becca tells all about the different pathogens that cause food poisoning. We recommend taking a drink every time she talks about poop! Then Sarah shares the tragic story of one of the largest mass food poisonings in recent history - the Peanut Corporation of America’s Salmonella outbreak. For all links an…

Sarah tells Becca about a new shape-shifting pasta that may help make the food system more sustainable. Plus, we hear a harrowing listener story about favism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) and discuss the science behind it. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have an interesting food-related story? Maybe a quirky food habit or unique s…

Sarah starts off by discussing complementary and alternative medicine, as well as the history behind some of the most common therapies, including naturopathy, homeopathy, and massage. Becca then explores celebrity influence over public health, specifically Gwyneth Paltrow and goop. She examines how female mistrust in traditional medicine has made w…

This news round-up covers all things meat. Becca & Sarah discuss Epicurious’ new pro-planet strategy, Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken, Impossible Foods’ “meaty” ad campaign, BioMilk’s cultured human milk, and more! We then hear from a listener who shares a mysterious sweet potato aversion story. For all links and references visit our website. Thi…

Becca starts off by covering the main challenges that arise when conducting nutrition research and some of the ethical considerations that must be made. Then, Sarah dives in with the fascinating story of Ancel Keys and the Minnesota Starvation Experiment. Content warning: Discussion of starvation, calories, and weight loss. For all links and refere…

After a brief hiatus, we are back with EXTRA CHEESE! Your extra sprinkle, slice, string, wedge, or dollop of current food and nutrition stories in the news. This week, Sarah and Becca cover the tragic story of Chantal Giacalone, a model whose life was tragically altered after a severe allergic reaction to peanuts. Then, we hear from a listener who …

Sarah & Becca start off by doing a deep dive into the new Seaspiracy documentary. Sarah then gives us an overview of the fishing industry and the amazing technology behind aquaponics. Becca shares her knowledge on the law of the sea, specifically in relation to overfishing and high seas crime. She then discusses the conflict that arose between fish…

Talk about a sticky situation! This episode will activate your sweet tooth and leave you scratching your head about one of the largest agricultural crimes in history. Becca starts off by taking us to maple syrup school, where she covers the history of maple syrup and teaches us how maple syrup is made. Then, Sarah dives into the great Canadian mapl…

Welcome to Dietetics After Dark! The podcast where true crime meets food. Join Sarah and Becca as they use their backgrounds in nutrition and criminology to discuss fascinating food-related scandals using an evidence-based lens. Grab a snack, put on your comfy pants, and get ready to dive into the weird and wonderful world of Dietetics After Dark. …

This episode pairs well with a glass of wine. Sarah starts us off with a lesson in our favourite alcoholic beverage, including the proper lingo and some French history. She tells us the unfortunate tale of the grape louse and how it impacted wine production in the 19th and 20th centuries. She then answers the question everyone is asking: is red win…

Becca starts off the episode with a background on a particular type of business that often promotes nutrition products: Multi-level Marketing. Follow along to hear all about what they are, how to spot a pyramid scheme, and why you should steer clear. Sarah then discusses a fascinating case of a dinner-party-themed MLM that was recently featured on …

Sarah and Becca chat about the potential downside that comes with eating 30kg of oranges before boarding your flight. Then they discuss a new and exciting innovation in the alt-meat world! This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a lot to us. Please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen! For all links and reference…

Sarah starts the episode off with the fascinating history of cooking, including how fire led to strides in human development. She then highlights the connection between the invention of the dishwasher and the women’s liberation movement. Becca discusses the discovery of refrigerants like Freon and how it resulted in the creation of non-stick pans. …

Becca and Sarah discuss some recent drama around Subway restaurants and their tuna...if you can even call it that. They explain how this new claim relates to Jessica Simpson and a Canadian lawsuit about chicken. Listen to episode 002 for more scandal on Subway! For all links and references visit our website. This is an independently produced podcas…

This week, Becca tells us the truth about “superfoods” and Sarah tackles the unfortunate side effects that can occur when a commodity product suddenly becomes ultra-popular. For all links and references visit our website. This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a lot to us. Please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you li…

Becca and Sarah discuss the recent authorization for the sale of lab-grown meat in Singapore. They chat about all the potential economic and ethical benefits, their personal feelings about eating meat grown in a lab, and some other important considerations that might surprise you! This is an independently produced podcast and your support means a l…

Caution! Contents of this episode are HOT. Sarah starts off with some McDonald’s fast-food history, including how they integrated Ford’s Model-T assembly line to create their quick service and drive-thru, and the key role milkshakes played in their success. She then highlights some international menu items that have been tailored to satisfy consume…