Food History

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

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.

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.

Did your favorite dish make the list?

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

Ranch dressing: the highlight of any veggie tray.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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)

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.

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

Cupcakes are older than you might think.

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.

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

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

‘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?

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.

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.