FOOD HISTORY

In the latter half of the 20th century, sushi went from exotic delicacy to all-American food.

A Brief History of America's Sushi Obsession

The history of sushi in the U.S. can be traced back to the 1970s.

Wendy's isn't afraid to show off their beef.

Why Are Wendy’s Burgers Square?

The shape of Wendy’s square burgers has nothing to do with taste and everything to do with marketing.

Why the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich Has Been on McDonald’s Menu for More Than 60 Years

The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich was introduced as an alternative for Catholics avoiding meat on Fridays during Lent—and it almost lost its spot on the menu to a pineapple burger.

Udder Success: A Brief History of the ‘Got Milk?’ Campaign

The “Got Milk?” tagline became as popular as “Just Do It.” But did it really convince people back in the 1990s to drink more milk? Uncover the history of this iconic marketing campaign here.

Pasta's journey to your kitchen table is more fascinating than you might think.

The Surprising Origins of 15 Pasta Shapes

Ever wonder how lasagne, vermicelli, and macaroni came to be? Dive into the history of some of the best pasta shapes and their cultural significance in Italy and beyond.

There's a super-sized history for this treat that keeps on giving.

From Fries to Tots: A Delicious History of Fried Potatoes

Discover the fascinating history of fried potatoes, including French fries and their roots in France and Belgium. From tots to hashbrowns and more, the food origins behind these yummy side dishes may surprise you.

Popcorn has been around for a long time.

How 10 Classic Foods Made Their Way to America

Humans have had plenty of opportunities to discover new foods and transport them to new places over the past 12,000 years.

A Juicy History of the Hamburger

Who invented the hamburger? Unravel the history of this American staple and find out how it went from a simple Hamburg steak to the beloved sandwich we know today.

Smurf Berry Crunch Cereal commercial (1983)

12 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals You Loved as a Kid

From Crazy Cow to Hidden Treasures, these discontinued cereals might be forgotten to some, but they’ll bring back delicious memories for others.

Slim Jim Light Bulb Commercial (Macho Man Randy Savage) (1996)

‘Oooh Yeah’: How Everyone Learned to ‘Snap Into a Slim Jim’

Discover the fascinating origins of the phrase “snap into a Slim Jim,” plus learn how the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage got his start with the tangy snack, which was a barfly favorite back in the 1940s.

The Origins of 6 Ancient Herbs and Spices

Uncover the ancient uses and medicinal properties of herbs and spices like pepper, salt, and ginger.

Cupcakes are older than you might think.

The Origins of 10 Tasty Treats

Whether you’re wild about whoopie pie, can’t get enough cotton candy, or simply want s’more s’mores, finding out more about the origins of these tasty treats is pretty sweet.

Let’s dive into the delicious history of the dumpling.

An International History of Dumplings

Dumplings are a delicious staple that transcends borders, but how did these doughy delights rise to international fame?

“Now bring us some figgy pudding... maybe.”

What Is Figgy Pudding Anyway?

Figgy pudding might be a fixture in Christmas carol lyrics, but you've probably never seen it in person. So just what is this British dish we've been singing about for all these years?

The humble bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich is a more recent phenomenon than you might think.

The Delicious History of the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich

‘New York Times’ restaurant critic Pete Wells once said the humble bacon, egg, and cheese was “designed to satisfy practical needs rather than voluptuary desires.“ But is that selling the sandwich short?

Watch 100 Years of American Dinners in Three Minutes

Here’s what a typical American household ate for dinner during the 20th century.

The history of pizza is packed with myths and misconceptions—but it sure is delicious.

A Brief History of Pizza

The history of pizza is a large pie—half Margherita and half lies. Let’s take a bite out of pizza’s past, covering styles from Neapolitan and New York to Sicilian and St. Louis and beyond.

Why Artificial Banana Flavor Doesn’t Quite Taste Like Bananas

Despite what people often claim, the Gros Michel isn't to blame.

Grapes have a long agricultural history.

13 Fascinating Facts About Grapes

Wine grapes and table grapes are a huge agricultural asset. It's no wonder that the humble grape is among the world's largest fruit crops.

A Brief History of SPAM

From Monty Python to Minnesota's SPAM Museum, this little packaged luncheon meat has a big cultural footprint.

The diners of the 1950s featured a sleek, space age design.

The Delicious History of the Diner

The history of diner dining, from their Lunch Wagon ancestors to those “We Are Happy to Serve You” take-out cups—and what the future might hold for these beloved establishments.

The red velvet origin story is a widespread urban legend.

A Delicious History of Red Velvet Cake

From what makes red velvet cake red (and velvet, for that matter) to its highly dubious origin story, here’s what you need to know about this delicious dessert.

People who could not afford to buy a pineapple to display used to rent one.

The Super Luxe History of Pineapples—And Why They Used to Cost $8000

Pineapples used to be expensive in Europe and colonial America. The South American fruit has been a symbol of wealth, luxury, and hospitality.

The bagel's path to breakfast dominance wasn't straightforward.

How Bagels Changed the Breakfast Game

The bagel’s success is undeniable, but its path to breakfast dominance wasn’t straightforward.