Food & Cooking Chemistry
Learn about the chemistry of foods and cooking. Get information about vitamins, minerals, processes, herbs, ingredients, and other kitchen chemistry.
Rock Candy Instructions
Rock candy is candy made by crystallizing sugar. You can grow sugar crystals yourself, plus add color and flavor to make rock candy that you can eat.
Rock candy is candy made by crystallizing sugar. You can grow sugar crystals yourself, plus add color and flavor to make rock candy that you can eat.
Is It Safe to Use Kitchen Glassware for Chemistry?
Is it safe to use your kitchen glassware and utensils for chemistry experiments? Here's a look at some of the risks involved in using your dishes for chemistry.
Is it safe to use your kitchen glassware and utensils for chemistry experiments? Here's a look at some of the risks involved in using your dishes for chemistry.
Baking Ingredient Substitutions
Do you need to replace one ingredient with another in a recipe? This is a table of ingredient substitutions that you can make when baking.
Do you need to replace one ingredient with another in a recipe? This is a table of ingredient substitutions that you can make when baking.
Food and Cooking Chemistry - Science Fair Project Ideas
These are ideas for science fair projects that involve food or cooking chemistry. Links are provided for additional science fair project help and food chemistry information.
These are ideas for science fair projects that involve food or cooking chemistry. Links are provided for additional science fair project help and food chemistry information.
Salt & Sugar Science Fair Project Ideas
Salt and sugar are two materials you probably have on hand. There are many science fair projects you can do with either of these ingredients. Here's a list of ideas to help get you started on your science fair project.
Salt and sugar are two materials you probably have on hand. There are many science fair projects you can do with either of these ingredients. Here's a list of ideas to help get you started on your science fair project.
Food Chemistry Quiz
Do you know about the chemistry of food? Test your knowledge with this fun and quick ten-question multiple choice quiz.
Do you know about the chemistry of food? Test your knowledge with this fun and quick ten-question multiple choice quiz.
Food Additives
This is a list of common food additives and a description of their uses.
This is a list of common food additives and a description of their uses.
Absinthe Chemistry
Absinthe has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as countries lift the ban on making the green wormwood and anise-flavored spirit. Learn about the history of the liqueur, why it was banned, a bit about its chemistry, how to make absinthe, and how to drink it.
Absinthe has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as countries lift the ban on making the green wormwood and anise-flavored spirit. Learn about the history of the liqueur, why it was banned, a bit about its chemistry, how to make absinthe, and how to drink it.
Amino Acid Chirality
This is an introduction to stereoisomerism of amino acids, with Fisher projections and stereorepresentations of serine used as an example. There are links to learn more about amino acids and about chirality of other molecules.
This is an introduction to stereoisomerism of amino acids, with Fisher projections and stereorepresentations of serine used as an example. There are links to learn more about amino acids and about chirality of other molecules.
Amino Acids
Your Guide presents the names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
Your Guide presents the names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
BHA and BHT - Food Preservative Chemistry
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
Biochemistry of Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
Caffeine Chemistry
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, but can you overdo it? Learn the truth about water intoxication and hyponatremia.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, but can you overdo it? Learn the truth about water intoxication and hyponatremia.
Candy Triboluminescence
Wintergreen Lifesavers aren't the only candies that can make a spark in the dark. Take an in-depth look at the mechanism behind this special chemiluminescence caused by friction.
Wintergreen Lifesavers aren't the only candies that can make a spark in the dark. Take an in-depth look at the mechanism behind this special chemiluminescence caused by friction.
Christmas Chemistry - Make Peppermint Cream Wafers
Chemistry and cooking share a lot in common! You can have some Christmas chemistry fun in the lab making these peppermint cream wafer candies.
Chemistry and cooking share a lot in common! You can have some Christmas chemistry fun in the lab making these peppermint cream wafer candies.
Chromatography with Candy and Coffee Filters
Analyze the dyes used in your favorite candies with paper chromatography using a coffee filter, colored candies, and a salt solution.
Analyze the dyes used in your favorite candies with paper chromatography using a coffee filter, colored candies, and a salt solution.
Does Eating Turkey Make You Sleepy?
Find out why everyone wants to take a nap after Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner. Let's talk turkey and learn about L-tryptophan and carbohydrate metabolism.
Find out why everyone wants to take a nap after Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner. Let's talk turkey and learn about L-tryptophan and carbohydrate metabolism.
Effect of Acids and Bases on the Browning of Apples
Perform an experiment to observe the effects of acids, bases, and water on the rate of browning of cut apples or other produce.
Perform an experiment to observe the effects of acids, bases, and water on the rate of browning of cut apples or other produce.
Fried Green Egg
Red cabbage juice contains a natural pH indicator that changes color from purple to green under basic (alkaline) conditions. You can use this reaction to make a fried green egg.
Red cabbage juice contains a natural pH indicator that changes color from purple to green under basic (alkaline) conditions. You can use this reaction to make a fried green egg.
Fruit Battery
If you have fruit, a couple of nails, and wire then you can generate electricity to turn on a light bulb. Learn how to make a fruit battery. It's fun, safe, and easy.
If you have fruit, a couple of nails, and wire then you can generate electricity to turn on a light bulb. Learn how to make a fruit battery. It's fun, safe, and easy.
Fruit Ripening and Ethylene Experiment
Measure the ripening of fruit from exposure to the plant hormone ethylene by testing starch levels with an iodine solution. This easy experiment can be performed on several types of fruit, such as apples, pears, and bananas.
Measure the ripening of fruit from exposure to the plant hormone ethylene by testing starch levels with an iodine solution. This easy experiment can be performed on several types of fruit, such as apples, pears, and bananas.
Goo Recipe
Make squishy non-toxic goo that hardens in your hands when you squeeze it, but flows like a liquid when you pour it.
Make squishy non-toxic goo that hardens in your hands when you squeeze it, but flows like a liquid when you pour it.
Grow Sugar Crystals - Make Your Own Rock Candy
Sugar crystals are also known as rock candy since the crystallized sucrose resembles rock crystals and because you can eat your finished product. You can grow clear sugar crystals with sugar and water or you can add food coloring to get colored crystals. It's simple, safe, and fun.
Sugar crystals are also known as rock candy since the crystallized sucrose resembles rock crystals and because you can eat your finished product. You can grow clear sugar crystals with sugar and water or you can add food coloring to get colored crystals. It's simple, safe, and fun.
Honeycomb Candy Recipe
Honeycomb candy is an easy-to-make candy that has an interesting texture caused by carbon dioxide bubbles getting trapped within the candy.
Honeycomb candy is an easy-to-make candy that has an interesting texture caused by carbon dioxide bubbles getting trapped within the candy.
How Do I Substitute Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda?
Baking powder and baking soda both are leavening agents, which means they help baked goods to rise. They are not the same chemical, but you can substitute one for another in recipes. Here's how.
Baking powder and baking soda both are leavening agents, which means they help baked goods to rise. They are not the same chemical, but you can substitute one for another in recipes. Here's how.
How Do Pop Rocks Candy Work?
Find out how pop rocks candy works and whether or not it's true your stomach will explode if you wash down pop rocks with soda.
Find out how pop rocks candy works and whether or not it's true your stomach will explode if you wash down pop rocks with soda.
How Does Stainless Steel Remove Odors?
Have you heard about the kitchen tip in which you rub your fingers across the blade of a stainless steel knife to remove odors from onions, garlic, and fish? You have now! Learn about the chemistry behind this interesting bit of cooking magic.
Have you heard about the kitchen tip in which you rub your fingers across the blade of a stainless steel knife to remove odors from onions, garlic, and fish? You have now! Learn about the chemistry behind this interesting bit of cooking magic.
How to Grow Table Salt or Sodium Chloride Crystals
It's easy to grow your own table salt or sodium chloride crystals. All it takes is salt and boiling water. One method even yields crystals within a few hours. Here's what you need to know.
It's easy to grow your own table salt or sodium chloride crystals. All it takes is salt and boiling water. One method even yields crystals within a few hours. Here's what you need to know.
How to Make Ice Cream in a Baggie
Make a tasty treat and learn about freezing point depression, too! All you need are some basic ingredients and two ziploc baggies. It's easy, fun, and educational.
Make a tasty treat and learn about freezing point depression, too! All you need are some basic ingredients and two ziploc baggies. It's easy, fun, and educational.
How to Make Moonshine
Moonshine is a liquor made from fermented corn. Learn about distillation, condensation, and how this alcoholic beverage is made.
Moonshine is a liquor made from fermented corn. Learn about distillation, condensation, and how this alcoholic beverage is made.
How to Make Red Cabbage pH Indicator
Make your own pH indicator solution! Red cabbage juice indicator is easy to make, exhibits a wide range of colors, and can be used to make your own pH paper strips.
Make your own pH indicator solution! Red cabbage juice indicator is easy to make, exhibits a wide range of colors, and can be used to make your own pH paper strips.
If Civilization Ended Today, Could I Still Make Beer?
If civilization ended right now, could I still make beer? Learn about how beer is brewed and what is required to make this popular alcoholic beverage.
If civilization ended right now, could I still make beer? Learn about how beer is brewed and what is required to make this popular alcoholic beverage.
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
Make liquid nitrogen ice cream as a cool cryogenics or phase change demonstration or for a quick and tasty treat.
Make liquid nitrogen ice cream as a cool cryogenics or phase change demonstration or for a quick and tasty treat.
Mentos & Diet Soda Chemical Volcano
Candies and diet soda together can make a chemical 'volcano' with an eruption several feet high. If the normal baking soda volcano is too tame for you, give this project a try.
Candies and diet soda together can make a chemical 'volcano' with an eruption several feet high. If the normal baking soda volcano is too tame for you, give this project a try.
Natural Easter Egg Dyes
These are easy instructions for making your own natural Easter egg dyes, using fruits, vegetables, and spices.
These are easy instructions for making your own natural Easter egg dyes, using fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Nepetalactone Chemistry
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
Oobleck Recipe
Learn how to make Oobleck, a type of slime that has properties of both liquids and solids.
Learn how to make Oobleck, a type of slime that has properties of both liquids and solids.
Potato Clock - Make a Potato Battery to Power an LED Clock
A potato can function as an electrochemical cell or battery. It's fun to use a potato to power an LED clock.
A potato can function as an electrochemical cell or battery. It's fun to use a potato to power an LED clock.
Protein and Polypeptide Structure
This article describes the four levels of protein and polypeptide structure, with examples and links for additional reading.
This article describes the four levels of protein and polypeptide structure, with examples and links for additional reading.
Rainbow in a Glass Density Demonstration
Make a rainbow in a glass using colored sugar solutions with different densities. This project is very easy and safe enough to drink.
Make a rainbow in a glass using colored sugar solutions with different densities. This project is very easy and safe enough to drink.
Red Cabbage pH Paper
Learn how to make your own pH indicator test strips using red cabbage. This is a fun, safe, and easy chemistry project that you can do at home.
Learn how to make your own pH indicator test strips using red cabbage. This is a fun, safe, and easy chemistry project that you can do at home.
Snow Ice Cream Recipes
Here is a collection of several quick and easy recipes for ice cream you can make using snow.
Here is a collection of several quick and easy recipes for ice cream you can make using snow.
Sports Drinks - Better than Water?
Are you exercising or sweating away under a summer sun? Find out what beverage to drink to get and stay hydrated. Do you think water is best? Are sports drinks worth the money? What about a beer? Here's what you need to know.
Are you exercising or sweating away under a summer sun? Find out what beverage to drink to get and stay hydrated. Do you think water is best? Are sports drinks worth the money? What about a beer? Here's what you need to know.
Sugar Crystals & Rock Candy Pictures
Do you know what rock candy looks like? See rock candy and other images of sugar crystals including a micrograph of a sucrose crystal.
Do you know what rock candy looks like? See rock candy and other images of sugar crystals including a micrograph of a sucrose crystal.
Theobromine Chemistry
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
Vitamin C Determination by Iodine Titration
Use this redox-based iodometric titration to determine the amount of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid in juice and other samples.
Use this redox-based iodometric titration to determine the amount of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid in juice and other samples.
What Is in Chewing Gum?
Learn about the ingredients in chewing gum and find out whether it's true gum stays in your stomach seven years if you swallow it.
Learn about the ingredients in chewing gum and find out whether it's true gum stays in your stomach seven years if you swallow it.
What Is the Difference Between Baking Powder & Baking Soda?
Learn about the difference between these two common cooking ingredients, the effect of substitutions, and find out how you can use baking soda to make your own baking powder.
Learn about the difference between these two common cooking ingredients, the effect of substitutions, and find out how you can use baking soda to make your own baking powder.
What Is the Most Bitter Compound?
I've had some scorched coffee that I'm sure should have qualified for this award, but it turns out there's a real answer to this question of taste. Do you know what it is?
I've had some scorched coffee that I'm sure should have qualified for this award, but it turns out there's a real answer to this question of taste. Do you know what it is?
What Is the Sweetest Compound?
Did you know there are sweeteners that are 200,000 times sweeter than table sugar? Take a look at this list to find out how your favorite sweetener rates.
Did you know there are sweeteners that are 200,000 times sweeter than table sugar? Take a look at this list to find out how your favorite sweetener rates.
Why Cut Apples Pears Bananas and Potatoes Turn Brown
Learn why apples, pears, bananas, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables turn brown when they are cut or damaged.
Learn why apples, pears, bananas, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables turn brown when they are cut or damaged.
Why Do Onions Make You Cry?
Find out why you cry when you cut onions and how you can keep it from happening.
Find out why you cry when you cut onions and how you can keep it from happening.
Why I Oppose Fluoridation of Public Drinking Water
Anne Helmenstine's reasons for opposing the fluoridation of public drinking water.
Anne Helmenstine's reasons for opposing the fluoridation of public drinking water.
Yeast & Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano
Here's how to make a safe and easy chemical volcano using two common inexpensive household ingredients.
Here's how to make a safe and easy chemical volcano using two common inexpensive household ingredients.
Brief Review of Food Chemistry
Get basic information about proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This site provides a 'digestion index' and a glossary.
Get basic information about proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This site provides a 'digestion index' and a glossary.
Food and Science Curriculum Unit
This is a curriculum guide, developed for the Utah Board of Education, that links chemistry and food preparation.
This is a curriculum guide, developed for the Utah Board of Education, that links chemistry and food preparation.
Food Chemistry - List of Issues
ScienceDirect provides this index of the Table of Contents from Elsevier's Food Chemistry journal.
ScienceDirect provides this index of the Table of Contents from Elsevier's Food Chemistry journal.
Kitchen Chemistry
Chemistry experiments and demonstrations, using common household products and kitchen ingredients. Recommended age range is K-6.
Chemistry experiments and demonstrations, using common household products and kitchen ingredients. Recommended age range is K-6.
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
It isn't as safe a method as using an ice cream maker or buying pre-packaged ice cream, but using liquid nitrogen to cool ice cream does have a certain appeal!
It isn't as safe a method as using an ice cream maker or buying pre-packaged ice cream, but using liquid nitrogen to cool ice cream does have a certain appeal!
Soda Can Cannon
Transform the chemical energy stored in lighter fluid into kinetic energy of the moving cannon ball.
Transform the chemical energy stored in lighter fluid into kinetic energy of the moving cannon ball.
Thanksgiving Meals - Cooking with Chemistry
The American Chemical Society offers some interesting factoids concerning the foods traditionally served for Thanksgiving dinner. Impress your dinner companions with your chemical knowledge!
The American Chemical Society offers some interesting factoids concerning the foods traditionally served for Thanksgiving dinner. Impress your dinner companions with your chemical knowledge!
Food Additives - Names Starting with a Number
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with a number.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with a number.
Food Additives - Names Starting with A
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter A.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter A.
Food Additives - Names Starting with B
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter B.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter B.
Food Additives - Names Starting with C
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter C.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter C.
Food Additives - Names Starting with D
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter D.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter D.
Food Additives - Names Starting with E
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter E.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter E.
Food Additives - Names Starting with F
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter F.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter F.
Food Additives - Names Starting with G
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter G.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter G.
Food Additives - Names Starting with H
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter H.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter H.
Food Additives - Names Starting with I
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter I.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter I.
Food Additives - Names Starting with J
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter J.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter J.
Food Additives - Names Starting with K
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter K.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter K.
Food Additives - Names Starting with L
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter L.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter L.
Food Additives - Names Starting with M
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter M.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter M.
Food Additives - Names Starting with N
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter N.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter N.
Food Additives - Names Starting with O
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter O.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter O.
Food Additives - Names Starting with P
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter P.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter P.
Food Additives - Names Starting with Q
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter Q.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter Q.
Food Additives - Names Starting with R
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter R.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter R.
Food Additives - Names Starting with S
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter S.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter S.
Food Additives - Names Starting with T
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter T.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter T.
Food Additives - Names Starting with U
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter U.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter U.
Food Additives - Names Starting with V
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter V.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter V.
Food Additives - Names Starting with W
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter W.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter W.
Food Additives - Names Starting with X
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter X.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter X.
Food Additives - Names Starting with Y
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter Y.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter Y.
Food Additives - Names Starting with Z
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter Z.
This is a list of common food additives having names starting with the letter Z.