

Lunchbox Envy
Lunchbox Envy
From the makers of QI and No Such Thing As A Fish: Gastronomically-minded QI researchers Jack Chambers and Manu Henriot join chef and food writer Rosie MacKean to unpack the world of food and drink, one lunchbox at a time.
Can you unboil an egg? Why would you milk a spider? How much Dairy Milk would it take to kill you? Dig in now to get answers to the questions you never knew you had.
Can you unboil an egg? Why would you milk a spider? How much Dairy Milk would it take to kill you? Dig in now to get answers to the questions you never knew you had.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 28, 2025 • 38min
33: Fish
How did herring nearly start World War 3? When did fish have fingers? Is there such a thing as a fish? (Yes, and it's delicious).

Sep 21, 2025 • 39min
32: Apples
How can a movie be spoiled by an apple? When do apples break the sound barrier? Why are some apples better for cooking with?

12 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 38min
31: Tea
Dive into the fascinating world of tea, from its rich history and cultural significance to the first dangerous automatic tea-making contraptions. Discover the quirky differences between MIFFY and TIFFY and the modern trend of microwaving water for tea. Explore the art and science behind brewing, including the role of temperature and pressure in flavor. With whimsical discussions on Yorkshire tea and the Teasemade invention, this podcast blends humor with intriguing insights about everyone’s favorite beverage.

Sep 7, 2025 • 38min
30: Microwaves
How did squirrels help invent the microwave? Why don't ants mind microwaves? What's the big problem with microwave clocks?
Dedicated to Nigella <3

16 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 41min
29: Beer
Discover the fascinating world of beer, from why you shouldn't tilt your glass when pouring to the ancient Egyptians drinking through straws. Learn about the historical ties between women and brewing, and laugh at the bizarre London Beer Flood of 1814. Explore the art of beer pouring to achieve that perfect head, and delve into beer's surprising culinary creativity. You'll also uncover the delicious story behind Welsh rarebit and its rich cultural significance.

Aug 24, 2025 • 48min
28: Salt
What’s the saltiest place on Earth? How can salt win a war? And why does some salt taste like egg?!

Aug 17, 2025 • 47min
27: Cheese
How do they put the holes in swiss cheese? Who eats the world's hardest cheese? Why would you put Parmesan in a bank?

10 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 34min
26: Vanilla
Ed Kimber, a renowned baker and food writer, dives deep into the enchanting world of vanilla, discussing its history and charm as the only edible orchid. He reveals the surprising connection between vanilla and castoreum from beavers, and shares clever hacks for maximizing vanilla pods' use. Kimber also explores the high demand for vanilla and its intriguing alternatives, all while providing delightful recipe ideas, including homemade vanilla ice cream. Prepare for a sweet sensory journey that elevates this often-underappreciated flavor!

Aug 3, 2025 • 40min
25: Butter
How did butter cause the Catholic Reformation? Where does extra-yellow butter come from? Who wants a buttershag?

Jul 27, 2025 • 41min
24: Sandwiches
Why would you eat a cotton wool sandwich? What is an earth sandwich made of? Who once ate a $275 sandwich containing over 8000 calories?