Rules for the many powers of.... food?

[Embassy of Time]

(This is not the food puns thread. That goes here)

I am completely revamping my food-based campaign setting after losing my note files, and I want to double down on the food aspects. The setting is basically Illuminati University meets Iron Chef. What I am currently trying to do is compile and design rules that make food and cooking as central as combat or magic has long been in RPGs, but I need ideas. MORE ideas!! For some hints at what I am currently dabbling with:

- Food as manipulation: Want to influence people? Prepare and give/slip them food that alters their reactions, like a soothing sandwich or a coward cocktail. I am thinking some alchemy or gadgeteer style rules for making the foods?
- Ability manipulation: Bring the right lunch to boost combat stats, harden your spirit against magics, or handle the rigors of FTL travel!
- Adaptation: Want to understand others? Eat what they eat! Want to survive in harsh environments? Eat what thrives there! Cooking lets you eat things that do not go down well raw!
- Food as powerstones: As written. Also, prepoing and using foods with other magic, or tech! ("I am low on ammo for the plasma rifle, but my chili cheese source should add a few more shots!!")

Obviously, not all needs to be "serious" or "realistic" or "remotely sane"). Crazy is welcome!