Food Detectives(2008–2009)

The 5-Second Rule

Ted Allen presents his entertaining look into well-known culinary conundrums, including an analysis of the famous "5-Second Rule."

Double Dippers

Ted Allen and his food detectives investigate motion sickness remedies and discover the consequences of double dipping.

Brain Freeze

Ted Allen and his Food Techs have a real headache of an experiment on their hands as they investigate how to prevent brain freeze. They also discover why aged beef from your butcher is gourmet and aged beef on your kitchen counter is contaminated, and find out what can be done about unwanted freezer burn.

Swallowing Gum

The food detectives take on another set of food myths. This week they tell the viewers whether it is safe to eat from that bowl of after-dinner mints at their favorite restaurant.

Sleepy Turkey

The food detective team discovers the truth about turkey making people sleepy, and how to get gum out of hair.

The Poppy Seed Drug Test

Ted Allen exposes the truth on poppy seeds and whether a person will test positive for opiates on a drug test after eating a poppy seed bagel. Also, a trip to the pool determines if someone really needs to wait an hour after eating to take a swim. Finally, the Food Techs are put to the test to see if anyone can eat six saltine crackers in one minute.

Hangover Cures

Ted and his food techs determine the best way to get over a hangover. Also included: will cola actually dissolve a penny, and are the lemon wedges hanging on your beverage glass safe?

Dirty Bar Snacks

Ted and his food techs investigates if bar snacks are sanitary or not. Also, a look at energy drinks and the human body.

Heartburn Remedies

Ted Allen is searching the kitchen cabinets for the best home-made heart burn remedies. While the Food Techs are trying to find relief, Ted also takes on some strange cooking techniques: poaching in the dishwasher and frying on a car engine.

Spicy Foods and Sleepless Nights

Ted Allen and the Food Techs take on some myths about food and sleep as they determine whether or not spicy foods will keep you up at night. The Food Detectives also take on the questions: does eating garlic make you smell, and just how many glasses of water do you need to drink each day?

Tastes Like Chicken

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.

Bad Breath Cures

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.

Miracle Berry

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.

The Effects of MSG

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.

Liquid Smoke

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?

Moldy Cheese

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.

Small Plate Club

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.

Smells Delicious

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.

Liquid Nitrogen Cocktails

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.

Chewing the Fat

New York City Pizza

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.

Nightcaps?

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?