What’s the Difference? Answers to 25 Common Food Mixups

You’ve probably encountered ingredients in recipes and other food products that sound really similar and have wondered what their differences are. What’s the difference between pinot gris and pinot grigio? Are polenta and cornmeal just really the same thing in different languages? Here are 25 common food mixups that we’ve demystified so that you’re armed with the right information.

Similar-sounding ingredients can often be used interchangeably, but sometimes there are actually big differences in the compositions of these ingredients and how best to use them. Read up on these common food mixups and learn what makes each item unique, plus learn how to identify them correctly in the future!

• What’s the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?
• What’s the Difference Between Snow Peas, Snap Peas, and Garden Peas?
• What’s the Difference Between Grape and Cherry Tomatoes?

• What’s the Difference Between Medium, Large, Extra-Large, and Jumbo Eggs?
• What’s the Difference Between Sour Cream and Crème Fraîche?
• What’s The Difference Between Regular and Greek Yogurt?

• What’s the Difference Between Flank Steak and Skirt Steak?
• What’s the Difference Between Mexican and Spanish Chorizo?
• What’s the Difference Between Bacon, Pancetta, and Prosciutto?
• What’s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

• Shortening vs. Butter in Cookies: What’s the Difference?
• What’s the Difference Between Marzipan and Almond Paste?
• What’s the Difference Between Almond Flour and Almond Meal?

• What’s the Difference Between Red and White Quinoa?
• What’s the Difference Between Rice Vinegar and Seasoned Rice Vinegar?
• What’s the Difference Between Cornmeal and Polenta?
• What’s the Difference Between Jasmine and Basmati Rice?
• What’s the Difference Between Udon and Soba Noodles?
• What’s the Difference Between Canola and Rapeseed?

• What’s the Difference Between a Cobbler, Crumble, and Crisp?
• What’s the Difference Between Ice Cream and Gelato?
• What’s the Difference Between Bisque and Chowder?

• What’s the Difference Between Club Soda, Seltzer, and Sparkling Mineral Water?
• What’s the Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?
• What’s the Difference Between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

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