Food Trivia: A Nutrition Quiz to Test Your Knowledge!
Who doesn’t love food? But having proper knowledge of what’s on our plate will make things more interesting. That’s why we are here with Food Trivia, a Nutrition Quiz that will test your knowledge about the fascinating world of food.
But this isn’t just about testing your food knowledge; it’s about celebrating the rich tapestry of food eaten that has shaped our lives. From America’s culinary history to the myriad dishes around the globe, we’ve curated a selection of fun food trivia questions that will entertain and enlighten you.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or just someone hungry for fun facts, this food trivia has covered you.
The Quiz
Here are 20 fun food questions to test your food knowledge 😉
Food Trivia Questions for Diet and General Wellness
Question 1
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s tests have found widespread pesticide contamination on popular fruits and vegetables, also known as the “dirty dozen.” Which of the following produce is NOT on this list? (hint: all but one are on the dirty dozen list)
A. Spinach
B. Apples
C. Avocados
D. Tomatoes
E. Grapes
F. Strawberries
The answer is C.
Many fruits with shells or covers are considered “clean” regarding pesticide residue. The clean 15 include avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, sweet peas, eggplants, and asparagus.
The dirty dozen we try our best to buy organic include tomatoes, spinach, strawberries, peaches, grapes, apples, nectarines, pears, kale, and peppers- basically all my favorites! (For more info on the dirty dozen and clean 15, check it out here.)
Question 2
Which staple food in the American diet is most responsible for the obesity epidemic?
A. Soda pop
B. Fruit juice
C. Butter
D. Bread
E. Red meat
F. A and B
The answer is F.
Soda like Coca-Cola (a famous soft drink) is absolutely the worst with high fructose corn syrup or sugar and a lot of bad additives (and NO diet is not better- sorry!). Yet, juice is at such a close second that they are both largely attributed to the growing obesity pandemic (along with many lifestyle factors)- especially since many of us make the assumption that juice is better.
The truth is that drinking any liquid sugar is hard on our entire system. The body best responds to and absorbs sugar in the bloodstream when it is attached to solids, particularly fiber, that it needs to break down.
This slows the dangerous and rapid elevation of blood sugar that can happen with fluids. This causes the body to quickly store all the sugar (which is stored as fat!) and puts us at a high risk for insulin resistance- aka diabetes.
Opt for whole fruits and water for your diet when possible. If you miss the fizz, try sparkling water- it’s magical! And on occasion- of course, enjoy your favorite drink if you must. : )
Question 3
True or False. Eating high-quality dairy, particularly cow’s milk is the best way to get enough daily calcium in your diet.
The answer is false.
The “got milk?” campaign that started in the 90s had done a great job of helping us associate milk with calcium. Ironically, studies show no increase in bone health with milk consumption, and a few even show an increased risk of poor bone health with high consumption! I grew up drinking several glasses of milk every day. Milk is such a staple in the U.S. that it’s surprising when you look into the science of milk. Humans are the only mammals to drink other mammals’ milk.
Cow’s milk is specially formulated to help baby cows grow and can be filled with unnecessary estrogen and growth hormones for the human body. Plus, many people are lactose intolerant, causing unnecessary stress to their guts.
Love milk? Of course, it’s up to you to make the right decision for your body. The truth is tons of food sources are higher in calcium, like leafy greens (broccoli, swiss chard, kale) and beans.
Don’t like vegetables? Try hiding them in a smoothie or tomato sauce. Learn more about cow’s milk in your diet here.
Question 4
What oils are best for cooking at high temperatures for heart health and avoiding rancidity?
A. Olive Oil
B. Canola Oil
C. Coconut Oil
D. Avocado Oil
E. Butter or ghee
F. A and B
G. C, D, and E
H. All of the above
The answer is G.
The oils that are stable at high temperatures and provide other health benefits, such as heart health and reduced inflammation, are avocado, coconut, and grass-fed butter or ghee. As I’ve mentioned before, healthy fats are no longer something to be afraid of but should actually be incorporated regularly into a balanced diet.
On the other hand, while olive oil is a great healthy fat, it can go rancid at high temperatures- so it is best for low-heat cooking (NOT on a gas stove) or using raw in dips and on salads. These oils are rich in omega 3’s, which help balance the body.
Unfortunately, synthetic vegetable oils like Canola, sunflower, and others are high in omega-6 fats and should be used in moderation. While both omega 3 and 6 fats are important, they require a balance.
The U.S. diet is typically too high in omega 6s due to hidden oils in packaged foods. Choose omega-3-rich oils like coconut, olive, butter, and avocado oil when you can!
Question 5
True or false. Each year, 13.6 million kilograms of antibiotics are used in the United States for factory farm animals.
The answer is true.
I recently read somewhere that more antibiotics are used in factory farms than for humans. With the health issues our society faces, like immunity disorders and superbugs that are resistant to medication- this is scary!
Plus, the main reason antibiotics are needed is because of the terrible, crowded living conditions these animals are living in that make it easy to get sick, requiring preventative measures like these drugs.
Sadly, there are a lot of other questionable things that factory-farmed animals are consuming, like antacids, GMO crops, and hormones, that we definitely don’t want to get secondarily as consumers. I was a vegetarian for almost 2 years after facing some of these hard truths.
Yet, I realized that for me was okay with meat if it was sustainable and ethically raised. We now opt for humanely treated meats and actually love consuming meat caught by my brothers the most (fish, deer, elk). This can feel like a tough choice to make since organic and ethically raised meat is usually significantly more expensive.
You can buy meat in bulk from stores like Costco or your local farmer (my dad used to buy and “split a cow” with family friends) or just choose to have more meatless meals to balance out your budget.
Question 6
Which foods commonly contain high fructose corn syrup or sugar additives?
A. Peanut Butter
B. Tomato Sauce
C. Bread
D. Yogurt
E. A and D
F. All of the Above
The answer is F.
You still need to watch labels for all of these foods. Often, they are packed with unnecessary sugar, preservatives, and more! When I started paying attention to my labels about 10 years ago, I was shocked at what I found in my go-to staples. Luckily, a lot has changed! For example, it’s now super easy to find simple tomato sauce without all the additives, whereas before, I had to search the entire sauce aisle.
Outside of sugar and high fructose corn syrup, both great tasting but a contributor to weight gain, be aware that many other sweets, specifically still corn, are being added with other names now. These include glucose syrup, dextrin, maltose, and more.
When shopping for my pantry staples, I always go for the unsweetened option with the fewest possible ingredients, organic or non-GMO, when possible. Now, I have some go-to options that I can trust!
Question 7
True or false. If a food package says “health food” or “low-fat” on it, it’s good for you.
The answer is false.
As I said earlier- the days of fearing fat are over! We now know healthy fats are needed for good health. Most “low fat” foods have sugars, fillers, and preservatives in place to help with flavor and consistency.
The same goes for “health foods.” Often, they focus on the current trend and load the product with natural flavors (aka not natural), sweetener substitutes, and other junk that our bodies don’t know how to process.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Read your labels, opt out of low-fat options, and go for unpackaged whole foods that don’t need labels (think whole grains, sustainable meats, dairy, and produce). I’m always shocked at what’s in some foods.
Question 8
True or False. To lose weight, I simply should just eat less.
The answer is false.
I’m always surprised by how many people still believe restricting calories is how to lose weight. Sometimes, it works in the short term, but it’s definitely not a sustainable way to lead a healthy life. Most important is the QUALITY of consumed calories and tuning into the body’s hunger cues (aka mindful eating). Calorie counting and restriction are old-school beliefs that just don’t work!
The math of dieting might seem simple in “theory,” but how we all respond to certain foods and burn calories is different. Especially since 100 calories of Coke is a lot different than 100 calories from an avocado, for example. So, using “standard” numbers for consumption that leads to an obsession with things like calorie counting or weight on a scale is not useful for most people.
This philosophy focuses on eating well, moving often, and tuning into what the body actually needs through lifestyle and habit changes.
Food Trivia Questions for General Knowledge
Question 9
How many coffee beans does it take to produce one pound of roasted coffee?
A. 1,000
B. 2,000
C. 3,000
D. 4,000
E. 5000
F. 6000
The answer is D.
It takes about 4,000 coffee beans to produce one pound of roasted coffee. However, this number can vary depending on factors such as the type of coffee bean, its size, and the roasting process.
Question 10
How many herbs fight inflammation and are part of a balanced diet?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10
E. 11
F. 12
The answer is C.
Several herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be incorporated into a balanced diet. While the effectiveness of these herbs can vary, there are 9 commonly recognized and scientifically proven anti-inflammatory benefits include:
Ginger, garlic, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, ginseng, green tea, rosemary, and cinnamon.
Question 11
What type of acid is lime juice high in?
A. Citric acid
B. Benzoic Acid
C. Tartaric Acid
D. Oxalic Acid
The answer is A.
Lime juice is high in citric acid. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits like limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. It gives these fruits their characteristic sour taste and is commonly used in cooking and food preparation to add acidity and enhance flavor. Lime juice, in particular, is a popular ingredient in various culinary dishes, beverages, and cocktails.
Pope Culture and American Food Trivia Questions
Question 12
What is the national dish of the United States?
A. Hot Dogs
B. Pizza
C. Hamburger
D. Apple Pie
E. Brownies
F. Both C & D
The answer is C.
While the United States doesn’t have an officially declared national dish, the hamburger is often considered an iconic and culturally significant American food. Its popularity, versatility, and ability to adapt to various dietary preferences and cultural considerations make it a symbol of the American standard diet.
Question 13
What fast food chain is known for offering subpar products filled with preservatives and additives?
A.McDonald’s
B. Burger King
C. Taco Bell
D. Subway
E. Wendy’s
F. All of the above
The answer is F.
Almost all Fast food restaurants are guilty of adding highly processed ingredients, which may lack the nutritional benefits of whole foods. Many fast-food items are high in sodium, contributing to health issues like high blood pressure.
It is also loaded with unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats, which may negatively impact heart health. Don’t even get me started on adding sugars, which are detrimental to overall health.
Question 14
What was America’s first fast-food restaurant?
A. McDonald’s
B. White Castle
C. Subway
D. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
E. Taco Bell
F. Wendy’s
The answer is B.
White Castle, founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, is widely recognized as America’s first fast-food outlet.
Question 15
Which food has more calories?
A. One large apple
B. 5 Potato chips
The answer is A.
One large apple typically contains around 95 calories, while 5 potato chips can range from 50 to 80 calories, depending on the food brand and size. Fruits like apples are nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy snack choice.
On the other hand, potato chips or french fries are often more calorie-dense due to their higher fat content and lower nutritional value. Be mindful of portion sizes and choose snacks that contribute to a balanced and nutritious diet.
Question 16
What is the least healthy burger you can buy from a fast-food restaurant?
A. Big Mac from McDonald’s
B. Whopper from Burger King
C. Quarter Pounder with Cheese from Wendy’s
D. Double Six Dollar Burger from Carl’s Jr.
E. Double-Double from In-N-Out Burger
The answer is D.
The Double Six Dollar Burger from Carl’s Jr. is often considered one of the least healthy fast-food burgers due to its large size and high calorie, fat, and sodium content.
Question 17
What is the oldest soft drink in the United States?
A. Pepsi
B Dr. Pepper
C Coca-Cola
D) 7 Up
E) Root Beer
F) Ginger Ale
The answer is B.
The oldest soft drink in the United States is Dr. Pepper. It was created by Charles Alderton, a pharmacist in Waco, Texas, and first served at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in 1885.
Other Fun Food Trivia and Facts
Question 18
How was the beloved chocolate chip cookie invented?
A. A chef’s experiment gone wrong
B. Ruth Wakefield’s attempt at a chocolate-flavored cake
C. A mix-up of ingredients
D. An electric mixer malfunctioned
E) A playful food fight between kitchen staff
The Answer is C.
The chocolate chip cookie was born in 1930 at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Ruth Wakefield, the inn’s owner and chef, intended to make Butter Drop Do cookies but ran out of baker’s chocolate. In a creative twist, she substituted broken pieces of semi-sweet chocolate, hoping it would melt and create an all-chocolate cookie. The chocolate stayed in chunks, resulting in the world’s first chocolate chip cookie.
Question 19
Where was the chicken tikka masala invented?
A) Delhi, India
B) London, United Kingdom
C) Lahore, Pakistan
D) Chicago, USA
E) Glasgow, Scotland
The answer is E.
One popular story suggests that it was created when a customer in a British Indian restaurant complained that their chicken tikka was too dry.
To remedy this, the chef supposedly added a tomato and cream-based sauce, giving rise to the now-iconic chicken tikka masala.
Question 20
The only fruit with seeds on the outside?
A) Strawberry
B) Blueberry
C) Raspberry
D) Blackberry
E) Kiwi
The answer is A.
Strawberries are the only fruit among the options with seeds on the outside.
Question 21
What part of Germany does German chocolate cake come from?
A. Black Forest
B. Bavaria
C. Saxony
D. Thuringia
E. Rhineland-Palatinate
F. It doesn’t come from Germany.
The answer is F.
Despite its name, German chocolate cake does not have roots in Germany. It is an American creation named after American chocolate maker Samuel German.
How is your nutrition knowledge?
There you have it! As you went through these questions, how many answers did you know?
I know I’ve learned a lot in the past few years! The more I learn, the more informed I feel about my food and health choices. If you struggled with these questions, don’t feel stressed. Now is the best time to start making small, sustainable eating changes.
Honestly, the smaller, the better- and every little bit will help! The last thing you need is to feel guilty. Simply use this information to live your best life.
When you are fueling your body with the best food, you have the energy to reach your life goal and feel wonderful while doing it. Life is hard enough- don’t let poor nutrition choices hold you back.
Based on this quiz, what small change can you make to your daily diet? I’d love to hear!
