In this illuminating edited collection, the contributing authors examine food-related digital discourse in a range of contexts. Given that food is often laden with social meaning, food discourse is a highly relevant and rapidly growing area of study. In addition, digital media interaction pervades the modern world. It affords the opportunity to reach a vast audience with ease, and creates discourse communities where they may not otherwise have been possible. The chapters collected in this book synthesise these ideas, presenting timely, cutting-edge research in an interesting blend of areas.

The book comprises three parts, each with a central theme. Part 1 explores the negotiation of individual identities in digital media discourse around food. Interlocutors draw on various pre-existing norms and ideologies when aligning with different identities. For example, in the first chapter, Cynthia Gordon considers the online discursive negotiation of the picky eater identity. What is particularly noteworthy is not only the construction of this identity as child-like and unhealthy, but also as one that lacks social and cultural capital compared to a more balanced diet.

Part 2 centres on the reconstruction and renegotiation of existing language, actions, and practices, and their transferral to the digital space. It deals with the manner in which salient food-related language, practices, and actions find new forms of expression online. In chapter 4, for instance, Cornelia Gerhardt examines the micro-level construction of veganism in an online blog, analysing the modifiers that blog posters use to construct veganism as a lifestyle and dietary choice against the backdrop of an omnivorous culture. The study's key finding is that non-vegan ideology is deeply embedded in the cultures of these countries, expressed linguistically through lexical choice. Chapter 6, by Hanwool Choe, looks at the Korean practice of Mukbang, which involves an individual broadcasting themselves during a meal, which others may watch. Mukbang allows Koreans who live alone to orient to the national cultural norm of eating together.

Part 3 focuses on political activism online through food-related interaction, highly relevant in today's politically charged climate. The chapters in this part explore a range of differing political themes. There is discussion of how bloggers who grow their own food use online space to present their lifestyle as appealing, and attempt to foster positive public opinion surrounding it (chapter 7, by Nadine Pierce, Isidoropaolo Casteltrione, & Ana Tominc), and exploration of how parmesan is closely linked to Russia's sociopolitical landscape and Russian citizens’ place in the country given its recent turbulent history (chapter 9, by Alla Tovares).

The fascinating and oft-unexplored relationship between food, language, and social meaning is examined thoroughly. A wide variety of themes and ideas are addressed in the collection, from identity and indexicality to politics and activism, all with food and digital discourse as a common thread. Through the research collated, this collection makes visible the variegated roles food can take in society beyond physical nourishment. It will be of interest to linguists and, as a reflection of the digital zeitgeist, general readers alike.