Although ceramics have been intensively studied over a considerable number of years, there has been a continuous interest in developing new methodologies for pottery analysis. Indeed, pottery studies have been characterised by a dynamic input of novel approaches and scientific technology. The durability of pottery, in addition to its inherent utilitarian aspect and cultural uniqueness allow different aspects of past societies to be studied. Organic residue analysis (ORA) has been routinely applied to determine the content and function of archaeological ceramics. By analysing the lipid residue trapped within the ceramic matrix, this biomolecular technique provides a direct link to vessel use. Successful applications of ORA depend on the preservation of the degraded fatty residues and good chromatography. Simulation experiments have been set up to investigate the decay processes underway, and together with developments in chromatographic and isotopic techniques, these studies have produced increasingly confident identifications of archaeological organic residues. Hence, when used in conjunction with archaeological data, ORA is an excellent tool to determine pottery function, and shed light on the dietary preferences and economy of past communities.