Dispelling food styling myths: the truth behind food content studios

The line between reality and illusion can blur in the dazzling world of food photography and video content. From glistening syrup cascading over pancakes to perfectly charred grill marks on burgers, food styling often seems like a realm of trickery. But how much of it is really true?

Our good friend and food stylist, Danny Barnett, debunks some of the most common myths about food styling to give you a fresh perspective on what food content studios actually do. Spoiler alert: it’s not all smoke and mirrors!

Before we get to the myths, it’s important to set the context as to where many food styling myths come from…

Back in the days of film photography, lots of tricks were used. Why? To ensure the food stayed as fresh as possible before the client signed the shots off. This was an era where there was no email or no digital imagery. A scene was set, a Poloroid was taken and this was then delivered to the client by courier before the photographer went ahead and shot on film. If you were styling ice-cream, this would be a puddle before the approval came through, therefore mashed potato, or vegetable shortening would often be used as a substitute. So, this helps to explain where some of the more bonkers myths come from!

Thankfully, nowadays, we have the benefits of instant feedback. So, if you’re shooting an ice-cream product, you’d have the ice-cream pre-prepped in dry-ice so you can gain much more time before any melting begins… meaning that your shoot is more efficient with little waste! Bonus!

Anyway… back to the myths!

Myth 1: All food in commercial shoots is fake

The Truth: While some non-edible elements are occasionally used, most food stylists, me included, strive to work with real ingredients to maintain authenticity. If you’ve ever scrolled through food blogs or watched a pizza ad, chances are you’ve witnessed the mesmerising allure of a cheese pull. That iconic moment when melted cheese stretches endlessly as a slice of pizza is lifted from its gooey base. 

Food stylists can go to great lengths to achieve the perfect cheese pull. Here are some of the secrets we use for an authentic cheese pull:

• Double Layering: Adding extra layers of cheese ensures longer, more dramatic pulls.
• Pre-Cutting Cheese Strands: Stylists sometimes cut slices of cheese into strips and partially melt them to control their length and stretch. Others, sometimes pre-cut the base. It can often depend on the type of pizza and the pull you want to achieve.
• Blowtorches and Heat Guns: These tools are used to keep the cheese at just the right melty consistency during shoots, ensuring the cheese doesn't solidify and split with grease.

Authenticity is becoming increasingly important, especially as consumers demand transparency, so it’s rare that we add in any unnatural substitutes, such as glue, that many believe are included. One of my main aims is to focus on making real food look its best through expert techniques—not trickery.

Myth 2: Engine oil is used instead of syrup

The Truth: This might have been true decades ago, but as modern food stylists, we now prioritise edible ingredients. Today’s pancake shots often feature actual maple syrup or honey drizzled at just the right angle. Typically we use tricks like thickening the syrup slightly to control its flow, cooling pancakes and perhaps protecting the pancakes with sprays to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid.

The goal? Highlighting the natural appeal of the food without resorting to inedible substitutes.

Myth 3: Grill marks are painted on

The Truth: While grill marks can sometimes be enhanced, they’re often achieved using actual grilling techniques. Stylists may use tools like a heated metal skewer or grill press to create even marks, ensuring consistency across multiple takes.

By using real cooking techniques, I always uphold the integrity of their food while presenting a polished final product.

Myth 4: Everything is Glued Together

The Truth: Food styling does involve creative problem-solving, but glue isn’t always our go to primary tool (especially when working at Base Studios - I know the team like to snack away on set and I’d hate to give them glue!).

When building a towering burger, for instance, toothpicks or skewers might be used to hold components in place. Cheese may be melted and manipulated for the perfect stretch, but it’s still real cheese.

The artistry lies in knowing how to work with the food, not against it.

Myth 5: A lot of food is wasted on food content shoots.

The Truth: Sustainability is a growing concern in video production. Many hireable studios are finding ways to minimise waste, such as working with food rescue charities such as Olio, composting, or repurposing leftovers for crew meals. Food that can’t be eaten is often used multiple times for different shots, ensuring nothing goes to waste unnecessarily.

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Behind the Scenes: The real art of food styling

Food styling is a craft; the blending of culinary expertise with artistic flair. It’s about making food look as good as it tastes, often under challenging conditions like a full crew and the client watching you pull together the perfect burger, or the on-set producer making sure we all stay on schedule whilst the custard just isn’t playing ball.

Stylists use tools like tweezers, brushes, and even straws to arrange and perfect dishes. But at its core, food styling is rooted in a deep respect for the ingredients and the stories they tell.

Key takeaways for food brands hiring a food content studio

• Authenticity matters: Consumers crave visuals that reflect the genuine appeal of food.
• Transparency is key: Sharing behind-the-scenes details builds trust and credibility.
• Partner with the right studio: A professional food content studio ensures your brand’s visuals are not only stunning but also truthful.

The next time you admire a beautifully styled food image, remember: it’s not about deception, but dedication. By debunking these myths, we hope to highlight the real skill and passion that go into every shot. When done right, food styling enhances the natural beauty of cuisine—no gimmicks required. 

Having worked in Base Studios many times, I know that when prepping any food, I have everything I could possibly need to pull everything together. From props to appliances and kitchen utensils to ample space to spread out; the studio is perfectly suited to prepping food for on set.

If you’re a foodie brand looking to a studio to create some mouth watering content, Base Studios has everything you could need to get going. To come see the space for yourself, reach out to arrange a tour!

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