Location
Madison, Wisconsin
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Expertise
Fast food, Dairy products, Snacks
- Sam has reviewed and ranked everything from vanilla ice cream brands, chocolate chip cookies, and sourdough breads to hot dogs, bacon, and dozens of new restaurant releases.
- His wife is a food scientist specializing in chocolate. Their house has multiple chocolate storage locations brimming with chocolate chips, bars, wafers, and more.
- As a lifelong Midwesterner, Sam is well-versed in all things dairy and beer-related, but knows that there's always more to learn and the best way to learn is by tasting.
Experience
Sam began his professional writing career in 2023, writing primarily about food. He is a contributor for Static Media's Mashed and Tasting Table, focusing on everything from restaurant news to food science. In addition to his work as a food journalist, he also writes for Madison Magazine. He's currently working to get his debut novel published.
Education
Sam has bachelor's degrees in journalism and communication arts with a focus on radio, television, and film from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Mashed’s industry-leading coverage is created by qualified and experienced writers, and is reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure everything is accurate and timely. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.
Our mission is to inform and engage our readers, telling them things they need to know, things they want to know, and things they didn't know they wanted to know about food. We strive to always provide a well-rounded reading experience, whether that’s the news of the day or a new original recipe you can try making at home. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our editorial team constantly reviews and updates articles as necessary. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
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While burgers are standard fast food fare, some chains are branching out with non-beef options. Seafood is a common choice for those opting for an alternative.
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To avoid the risk of dehydration, electrolyte drinks can come in handy. I tried 10 of Liquid I.V.'s most popular flavors to see which ones are worth picking up.
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From grilling or air frying to boiling it in milk and butter, there are so many ways to cook corn on the cob. We tried them out to see which is best.
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With so many flavors to choose from, which Minute Rice stands above the others in a battle of the bowls? After a taste test, there’s one clear winner.
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There's nothing quite like a sweet treat to boost your mood. Cookies and K-Pop are a unique spin that make snacking even more fun.
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Burger seasoning blends can vary in flavor from smoky to lightly spicy to downright buttery. We tried a selection to see which is the absolute best.
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As the days get hotter and longer, everyone starts thinking about grilling out. This can only mean one thing — a slew of new side dishes to try out.
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The iconic NYC Magnolia Bakery is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and we ranked some of its top treats, including cakes, cupcakes, and banana pudding.
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Which candy bars make the best ice cream treats? We tried a selection to find out which are freezer must-haves and which are better left on ice.
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Cottage cheese is showing up in an increasing number of recipes, so we decided to sample several brands to find out which was best. Read on for our review.
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I went to my local Taco Bell to taste test the new Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, and to keep the heat rolling, the new Zab's Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries.
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Frozen chicken strips are a time saver when you want a quick meal, but what's the best way to cook them? We tried and ranked seven cooking methods to guide you.
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These 6 brands of cookie dough are meant to be eaten raw for convenient, fear-free enjoyment. So grab a spoon, and see how they stack up against one another.
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Prego has launched new Margherita, Lemon Alfredo, and Cajun Alfredo sauces, but which one is worth adding to pasta night? We tried them to find out.
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If you've never ordered a chicken dish at Texas Roadhouse, you might be missing out. See how our reviewer ranked every chicken option on the menu.
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Decades after it disrupted the coffee-making industry, Keurig is finally making actual coffee. Here's what we thought of Keurig's new Coffee Collective K-Cups.
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If you're looking for the easiest chocolate chip cookies possible, store-bought dough is your best friend. But which store-bought option comes out on top?
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Like everything else at Costco, the bags of dried fruit for sale are big. But which one is the best? We tasted 5 varieties to give you the scoop.
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Progresso Soup Drops aim to condense the flavor and comfort offered by a bowl of soup into a single hard candy. But do they succeed in their mission?
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Cracker Barrel brought back two comfort classics and introduced maple syrup with a kick. We visited the Old Country Store to see what this rollout is all about.
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Pre-sauced grocery store ribs are a handy shortcut in the kitchen, but you need to choose the right ones if you want tender and tasty results.
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There is no shortage of excellent barbecue in Kansas City. We visited 10 incredible BBQ spots in just 48 hours to see which lived up to the hype.
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Chocolate chip cookies are offered by grocery stores far and wide. After a taste test of several different brands, here are the ones we liked most and least.
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You won't find any coal in this seasonal McDonald's Happy Meal. What you will find is a Grinch-inspired, pickle-flavored meal that's worth scooping up.
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What's more American than apple pie? Apple pie from a fast food chain. We tasted five versions of the iconic dessert, and found a clear favorite.
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Scrambled eggs can be prepared in numerous different ways, but which yields the best results? We conducted our own taste test, and one was definitely superior.
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Kraft released a limited-edition Apple Pie Mac and Cheese, and you know we had to try it. Read our full review of the sweet-and-savory fall flavor.
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