FOOD HISTORY

Sorbet or Italian ice? You be the judge.

What Exactly Is Italian Ice—and Is It Even Italian?

Italian ice has a sorbet-like texture, but these frozen desserts really aren’t the same thing. So, where does this summer treat really come from—and more importantly, is it even from Italy in the first place?

The lore behind America's favorite ballpark snack is pretty fascinating.

Why Is It Called a “Hot Dog”?

Discover the curious origins of America’s favorite ballpark snack and why it’s called a “hot dog” to begin with. (Spoiler: It doesn’t involve any literal dog meat.)

The dish really doesn't have anything to do with primates.

Why Is It Called “Monkey Bread”?

Monkey bread—a sticky pull-apart pastry that’s typically made from canned biscuit dough—is a sugary, cinnamony treat that has nothing to do with primates.

What Exactly Is Miracle Whip?

Miracle Whip may remind you of mayo, but it‘s not the same, according to the FDA.

Eliza Acton, the Struggling Poet Who Reinvented Cookbooks

When Eliza Acton’s second collection of poetry was denied publication, she pivoted. The result—an engaging recipe book geared toward home cooks—forever changed the culinary world.

The Delicious History of Phở in 10 Facts

Phở is a delicious dish, but it also tells us a lot about the history of Vietnam, the Vietnam War, and how cultures collide.

A variety of old-timey strawberry desserts ripe for Valentine's Day.

10 Old-Timey Sweets for Your Valentine

From love cake to candied violets, these old-fashioned Valentine's Day sweets rival any prepackaged box of chocolates.

Kellogg's Pop Tarts Commercial (1993) (So cool they're hot)

8 Unforgettable Pop-Tart Flavors That We Wish Weren’t Discontinued

Even though these Pop-Tart flavors are discontinued now, we still can't help but wish they’d bring back Frosted Grape and a few of these other classic picks.

A holly sprig is considered a traditional part of the garnish.

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?

Why Your Traditional Thanksgiving Should Include Oysters

The first Thanksgiving may not have even had turkey, but it almost certainly had oysters.

Getting Saucy: 13 Condiments From Around the World

These delicious sauces will have you shoving ketchup and mayonnaise aside.

All this sugar would have horrified the inventor of graham crackers.

Graham Crackers Were Invented to Combat the Evils of Coffee, Alcohol, and Masturbation

Social media users regularly joke about the origins of the simple graham cracker as a way to curtail sexual impulses. And while it might sound bizarre, this is one viral trend that is based in truth.

Blowing gray bubbles just wouldn’t feel as fun.

Why Is Bubblegum Pink?

We uncover why bubblegum is traditionally pink—and also explore what flavor bubblegum even is.

Apple pie is a classic fall treat for Americans.

How Did Apple Pie Become an Iconic American Dessert?

The phrase “American as apple pie“ leaves out the dish’s complicated history as an English dessert made of fruit that originated in Asia.

A Brief History of Bagels

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

80's Ads: Chef Boyardee Pac Man ABC's 123's Zooroni 1985

7 Discontinued Canned Foods That We’ll Probably Never See Again

From Pumpkin Spice SPAM to Chef Boyardee’s Zooroni, these discontinued canned foods are like a trip down memory lane, but chances are, you’ll never get your hands on them again.

The Origins of 10 LGBTQ+ Pride Flags

Many Pride flags have been created since Gilbert Baker made the first one in 1978. Here’s a rundown of the origins, evolution, and significance of just some of the LGBTQ+ Pride flags out there.

A small sampling of our 50+ regional dish selections.

55 Beloved Regional Dishes From Across the U.S.

Did your favorite dish make the list?

No One Is Buying Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Anymore

The once-popular flavor isn't on anyone's lips.

Ranch dressing: the highlight of any veggie tray.

How Ranch Dressing Became the All-American Condiment

Yes, Hidden Valley Ranch was a real place. But that isn't where Steve Henson first invented the iconic salad dressing.

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.