Stephanie Gravalese

I am a seasoned food culture writer with nearly a decade of experience uncovering the stories behind what we eat—how memory, emotion, and cultural shifts shape our relationship to food. 

At Forbes, I analyze historic and emerging food trends, focusing on topics like fast food nostalgia, inflation-era cravings, and the quiet panic that sets in when beloved products disappear. My work, grounded in extensive research and lived experience, offers commentary and analysis on the moments, media, and trends that reveal how food reflects what we value, what we fear, and what we’re holding onto when everything else is shifting.

I specialize in the emotional economy of food—what we reach for in times of change, what we mourn when it’s gone, and what that says about who we are. From viral copycat recipes to grocery store rituals, I trace the points where identity, joy, and survival intersect—where food becomes a throughline for understanding how we live now. 

Beyond writing, I host the critically acclaimed Food Stories Told podcast, where I explore the history, foodways, and personal stories that explain why certain meals stick with us, drawing on my deep knowledge of culinary history and consumer behavior. 

Food equity remains central to my mission. Through my work, I spotlight themes of access, dignity, and cultural memory—encouraging readers to see food not just as fuel or trend, but as a lens into who we are, what we’ve inherited, and how we adapt. You can also find my writing on food and beverage trends in publications such as Food & Wine, EatingWell, and Allrecipes.