

Proof
America's Test Kitchen
We take America's Test Kitchen's inquisitive and relentless approach to telling unexpected, funny, and thought-provoking narratives about food and drink. This is not a recipe show. And this is not a show about celebrity chefs or what they like to eat. Proof plunges into history, culture, science, and the psyche to uncover the hidden backstories that feed your food-obsessed brain. A production of America's Test Kitchen.
Episodes
Mentioned books

26 snips
May 22, 2025 • 50min
Return of the Ancient Brews
Avery Thompson and Julie Carli, producers at America's Test Kitchen, dive into the fascinating worlds of poitin and chicha. They explore poitin's revival in Ireland's cocktail culture and its rich history, alongside chicha's significance in Peru. The podcast also highlights Uganda's malwa, a traditional millet drink, and its role in fostering community, especially among women brewers. The discussion reflects on how these ancient beverages adapt to modern times while retaining their cultural importance.

7 snips
May 15, 2025 • 41min
More Cheese Boat, Please!
Sarah D. Collins, a passionate reporter, dives into the rich culinary world of Georgia's famous kachapuri. She recounts her personal experiences with kachapuri, from savoring it in a lively NYC restaurant to exploring its significance during her trip to Georgia, all amidst the backdrop of cultural tensions. Collins shares stories of cooking alongside locals, highlighting how food fosters connection and resilience in a country marked by challenges. Plus, she teases delicious recipes for listeners eager to try their hand at this delightful cheese bread!

May 11, 2025 • 45min
A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom
You may know our America's Test Kitchen colleague Sarah Ahn as the popular content creator behind the social media account, @AhnestKitchen. Sarah chronicles her mother Nam Soon's Korean recipes against the backdrop of her everyday, regular life at home. What you might not know is the backstory behind her social media account, and how it became the inspiration for her and Nam Soon's New York Times best-selling cook. Proof's Managing Producer Yumi Araki reports.
To learn more about Sarah and Nam Soon's recipes, check out their cookbook Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes.
Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 44min
Why Are Americans So Obsessed with Ice?
Americans love ice, and it's no surprise given the food's (yes, you read that right; ice is a food) rich history and its start as an American invention. In this episode, we look at the history, science, and culture of ice and why it's such an iconic culinary item. Claudia Rosenbaum reports.
If directional freezing is too much of a hassle for you, try our Reviews Team's favorite Countertop Ice-Makers!
Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 2025 • 40min
Introducing: In the Test Kitchen
We're excited to introduce Proof listeners to a new video podcast from America's Test Kitchen! Each episode of In the Test Kitchen is a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions with guests from the culinary world and beyond. The premiere episode features comedian Matteo Lane, who has comedy special called The Al Dente Special coming out on Hulu in May. He’s also just released a book called Your Pasta Sucks, which Dan and his cohost–ATK Food Stylist, Elle Simon Scott–really get into. Make sure to listen, watch, subscribe, and leave a comment so that other listeners can find both Proof and In the Test Kitchen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
Can Science Brew a Better Cup of Tea?
Join Jane Pettigrew, a celebrated tea historian and educator, as she dives into the fascinating world of tea. She details the history of loose-leaf tea versus teabags and shares insights on how different regions shape the flavors we love. Explore practical tips for brewing the perfect cup, including the benefits of filtered water and the art of leaf agitation. Plus, chemist Michelle Fransel reveals the surprising science behind microwaving tea and the unorthodox trick of adding salt to enhance flavor. Get ready for a brew-tiful conversation!

Apr 17, 2025 • 41min
Why Do Meals Taste Better at Such Great Heights?
Ever wonder why food tastes so much better after a long hike? Reporter Otis Gray climbs up the White Mountains in New Hampshire in search of answers at the Mizpah Hut, a lodge along the Appalachian Trail. Food Scientist Arielle Johnson makes an omniscient appearance.April 17 is the last day to vote for our miniseries '100 Proof' in the Best Limited Series categories for this year's Webby Awards!Hungry for the kind of roasted chicken that Grace craves in the episode? Try our Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs, which you can make under an hour. Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2025 • 2min
A New Season of Proof Starts April 17!
How did content creator Sarah Ahn reconnect with her Korean identity through food? Why does food taste so good at the top of a mountain? Does salt really make tea taste better? We answer these questions and more on the new season of Proof from America's Test Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2025 • 48min
Dumplings in Iowa (Best of Proof: Travel Edition)
In the final episode of our Best of Proof: Travel Edition series, we find out what it looks like when you uproot yourself from a familiar culinary place to an unknown city. The Moth performer and writer Aaron Pang dives in with this audio diary that chronicles his move from San Francisco to Iowa City.Make Dumplings at home with our recipe for Chinese Pork Dumplings.Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription at atkpodcast.com.All new episodes of Proof return in April! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 2025 • 39min
Chasing the Freshest Beer (Best of Proof: Travel Edition)
In this episode of Best of Proof: Travel Edition, we take flight and join reporter Kate Bernot on a journey to collect the freshest hops for a Denver-based brewery. It's a race against time and every hour counts to extract the peak flavor. Will this team of brewers make it back in time?Have an extra can of beer at home? Use it for dinner tonight to make a Grill-Roasted Beer Can Chicken.Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription at atkpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


