Gastropod

Ask Gastropod: Bubblegum, Meal Kits, and the Real Truth About Rooibos

7 snips
Jun 24, 2025
Boris Gorelick, a senior research fellow at the Institute for African Studies in Moscow and author of "The Story of Rooibos," joins the discussion to unravel captivating topics. They explore the environmental impact of meal kits versus traditional cooking, the surprising origins of rooibos tea, and its journey from local treasure to global sensation. Gorelick shares intriguing insights into the health claims around rooibos and reveals the whimsical world of bubblegum flavor, including its fantasy taste profile and its nostalgic appeal.
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ANECDOTE

Meal Kits Reduce Mental Load

  • Rebecca Bennett and Brenna Ellison both use meal kits to reduce mental load and diversify meals.
  • Meal kits help simplify meal planning and introduce new ingredients without waste.
INSIGHT

Environmental Impact of Meal Kits

  • Life cycle analyses suggest meal kits' benefits of reducing food waste often outweigh packaging costs.
  • Deliveries are generally more efficient than individual grocery store trips by car, reducing carbon emissions.
INSIGHT

Meal Kits and Nutrition

  • Meal kits generally offer decent vegetable servings but tend to be high in sodium and fat.
  • They are healthier compared to takeout or frozen meals and can teach cooking skills.
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