[2022] Food broken?

There is no issues known in regards to the food system. The cravings give you a percentage boost just as the food tastiness does (or a negative bonus when the food does not taste good) while the variety plays a role insofar that a bad variety gives negative bonuses. For the food, make sure that you consistently eat high quality food. Even when you have a 'perfect balance' and satisfy all other needs, your XP may decrease when your stomach is full of low quality food that has a low amount of nutrients compares to things you ate before.

You hence will want to satisfy your food needs with the food that has the most nutrients and is tasting good for your character, while satisfying your cravings and making sure you cycle through enough different such food items for sufficient variety.