Fluffy cake, creamy filling, and a legacy spanning nearly a century—Twinkies have been the epitome of “junk food” in the United States. But did you know that the original recipe had a banana filling? Or that they almost disappeared forever in 2012?
In this video, we dive into the complete history of Twinkies, from their origins during the Great Depression to their iconic place in pop culture, with appearances in movies like Ghostbusters. Discover how they survived ingredient shortages during World War II, the rise and fall of Hostess, and their incredible comeback after bankruptcy.
Have you ever wondered who invented TV Dinners and how they became an American cultural icon? What started as a solution to sell excess turkey in the 1950s turned into a revolution in the way we eat.
In this video, we dive into the fascinating history of TV Dinners—from their origins with Swanson to their impact on fast food and modern life. Discover how these frozen meals became a staple in American households, changing family dynamics and entertainment during the golden age of television.
Did you know that the Banana Split was invented in a small pharmacy in 1904? This iconic dessert, with its perfect combination of banana, ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry on top, has been a symbol of American culture for over a century. But its history hides disputes over its origin and an unexpected evolution.
In this video, we explore the origins of the Banana Split, how each ingredient traveled the world before coming together in this delicious treat, and the controversies over who really invented it. Discover how it went from being the creation of a young soda jerk to becoming a phenomenon in gastronomy and pop culture.
From the streets of New York to baseball stadiums, hot dogs have become one of the most iconic foods in the world. But where do they really come from? In this video, we dive into the fascinating history of hot dogs—from their roots in German sausages to their rise in the U.S. as a fast-food staple.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, lived a life filled with fame, excess, and pressures that shaped his destiny. Did you know that his last meal consisted of six chocolate chip cookies and four scoops of ice cream? In this video, we explore the shocking details of his final night, his extreme eating habits, and how his lifestyle contributed to his tragic end on August 16, 1977.Discover the fascinating origins of chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, along with the story of Elvis’s meteoric career, his personal struggles, and his lasting legacy in popular culture.
Did you know that Coca-Cola started as a medicinal syrup in a small pharmacy in Atlanta? In this video, we’ll tell you the incredible story of how this drink transformed into one of the most recognized brands in the world. Discover its origins, little-known curiosities, its evolution over the years, and the impact it has had on popular culture.
Ever wondered about the origins of that iconic, tangy Lemonhead candy? 🍋 Join us as we dive into the fascinating history of Lemonheads—from their creation by the Ferrara Candy Company in the 1960s to their rise as a beloved treat in American pop culture. Discover the sweet story behind the little yellow candy that packs a sour punch, and see how Lemonheads became a timeless favorite. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more delicious history!
While space ice cream is a fun novelty, it lacks authenticity and is often seen as a marketing scam. It serves as a reminder of how marketing can create a compelling narrative that doesn't always align with reality.
Froot Loops, the colorful and sugary cereal that has become a staple of American breakfast culture, was introduced by Kellogg's in 1963. Created to appeal to children with its vibrant colors and mascot, Toucan Sam, the cereal has a surprising and complex backstory linked to the controversial history of the Kellogg family itself. The company’s founder, John Harvey Kellogg, was a 19th-century physician and nutritionist known for his strict dietary principles and controversial beliefs, including his stance on purity, diet, and health. His eccentric ideas about nutrition were initially aimed at creating foods that discouraged unhealthy eating habits and even curbed certain “undesirable” behaviors. Ironically, as Kellogg's commercialized and evolved under his brother, Will Kellogg, it shifted from health-focused products to the sugary, artificial cereals like Froot Loops that we know today. Over the years, Kellogg's has been criticized for marketing Froot Loops as a “nutritious” breakfast despite its high sugar content and artificial additives. This evolution from strict dietary ideals to colorful, sugary indulgences makes the history of Froot Loops an intriguing reflection of the brand’s complex legacy.
Let's travel back in time to taste-test the world's most unusual food!
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1930s in Corbin, Kentucky. Sanders began by selling fried chicken at his roadside restaurant during the Great Depression, where he perfected his unique blend of 11 herbs and spices. His chicken became so popular that in 1952, he franchised the recipe to the first KFC in Salt Lake City, Utah. KFC's rapid growth in the 1960s turned it into one of the first fast-food chains to expand globally, symbolizing the rise of American fast food culture. Today, KFC operates in over 150 countries, renowned for its crispy fried chicken and iconic red-and-white branding.
Fanta was invented in Nazi Germany during World War II due to a trade embargo that cut off Coca-Cola's supply of ingredients needed to produce its flagship drink. As a result, Max Keith, the head of Coca-Cola's operations in Germany, developed a new soft drink using available ingredients such as whey and apple pomace, leftovers from food production. Launched in 1940, this new beverage was named "Fanta," derived from the German word "Fantasie" (imagination). Fanta became quite popular in wartime Germany, and after the war, Coca-Cola regained control of the brand, eventually turning it into a globally recognized product.
Prison food has a long and often grim history, reflecting the punitive nature of incarceration. In the early days, prisoners were typically given meager, nutritionally inadequate meals, often consisting of bread and water, to reinforce the hardship of their punishment. Over time, as prison reform movements gained momentum in the 19th and 20th centuries, the quality of prison food gradually improved, though it remained far from ideal. "Foodloaf," also known as "nutraloaf," emerged as a controversial form of punishment within prisons. It is a dense, flavorless loaf made from a mixture of various food items, such as vegetables, meat, and grains, and is served to inmates who violate prison rules. Designed to be nutritionally sufficient but intentionally unappetizing, foodloaf is often criticized as inhumane and is seen by many as a modern form of cruel and unusual punishment. Its use has sparked legal challenges and debates over the ethical treatment of prisoners.
Doritos, the popular tortilla chips, have an interesting origin story tied to Disneyland. In the early 1960s, a restaurant in Disneyland called Casa de Fritos was known for its Mexican-inspired snacks. To reduce food waste, the staff began repurposing stale tortillas by cutting them into triangles, frying them, and seasoning them instead of discarding them. These crispy creations became so popular with customers that the restaurant began producing them regularly. The snack caught the attention of Frito-Lay, which eventually refined the recipe and launched Doritos nationally in 1966, transforming a waste-reduction idea into a global snack sensation.
In this episode of "Eats History," host Ryan Soash takes viewers on a journey through the origins and rise of the iconic candy brand Jolly Rancher. Starting from humble beginnings in a small Colorado farmhouse, we explore how a struggling ice cream shop, founded by Dorothy and Bill Harmsen in 1949, pivoted to create the beloved hard candies we know today. Facing challenges like fluctuating sugar prices and stiff competition, the Harmsens' ingenuity and perseverance led to a sweet success story, culminating in their brand's widespread acclaim. This episode reveals why Jolly Rancher remains a cherished name in the confection industry, from local favorites like Fire Sticks to the classic flavors enjoyed worldwide.
Dairy Queen, an iconic American fast-food chain, was founded by John Fremont "J.F." McCullough and his son Alex in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. The McCulloughs, alongside their friend and franchisee Sherb Noble, introduced a soft-serve ice cream product, which became a huge hit, leading to the opening of the first Dairy Queen store. The concept quickly expanded, thanks to the franchise model, growing into an international chain renowned for its ice cream treats, like the Blizzard, and a variety of fast-food items. Over the years, Dairy Queen has become synonymous with soft-serve ice cream and has grown into a beloved brand with thousands of locations worldwide.
Adolf Hitler's last meal is shrouded in the grim context of the final days of World War II. On April 30, 1945, in his bunker in Berlin, Hitler had a modest final meal before taking his own life alongside his wife, Eva Braun. The meal reportedly consisted of spaghetti with a light sauce, reflecting his preference for simple vegetarian dishes. Hitler's dietary choices had been influenced by his personal beliefs and health concerns for many years. As the Allied forces closed in on Berlin, Hitler's last moments were marked by a sense of impending defeat, making his final meal a somber prelude to his demise.
Pop-Tarts, a popular toaster pastry, were introduced by Kellogg's in 1964, revolutionizing the breakfast food market with their convenience and sweet appeal. Initially created as a way to compete with Post's unreleased "Country Squares," Pop-Tarts were originally unfrosted due to concerns about frosting surviving the toaster. However, frosted versions quickly followed due to popular demand. The first flavors included Strawberry, Blueberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Apple-Currant, with the latter soon replaced by Apple. Pop-Tarts became a cultural phenomenon, expanding into a wide variety of flavors and even limited-edition runs, capturing the imagination and taste buds of multiple generations.
Reese's Pieces, a popular candy product by Hershey, debuted in 1978 as an extension of the beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Initially envisioned as a chocolate-coated product, manufacturing challenges led to the final version featuring a candy shell similar to M&M's but with a peanut butter filling. Reese's Pieces gained significant popularity in the early 1980s, notably boosted by their prominent placement in the 1982 blockbuster film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," which sparked a surge in sales and cultural relevance. This success solidified Reese's Pieces as a staple in the American confectionery market, celebrated for their unique combination of a crunchy shell and creamy peanut butter center.