Trust, Control, and What’s on Our Plates

In this episode of Back of the Fridge, we’re looking beyond the headlines. A bottled water recall raises questions about oversight. Chocolate supplements laced with prescription drugs meant for intimate pleasure challenge what labels really mean. New research from the Prison Policy Initiative examines how SNAP rules intersect with probation status in some states. Culturally, we’re seeing shoppers lean into familiar grocery stores and fixed-price buffets for a sense of control. When things start to feel uncertain, people steady themselves where they can.For me, that steadiness starts in my kitchen. — The Journalist Who Cooks 📎 Show notes + links: * 600K+ Bottled Water Recall: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=98410 * SNAP + Probation: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2026/02/24/snap_exclusions/ * The Return of Buffets: https://www.yelp.com/article/2026-food-and-drink-trends * Grocery Store Loyalty: https://theacsi.org/industries/retail/supermarkets/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejournalistwhocooks.substack.com