Food History

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.

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

Grapes have a long agricultural history.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

No One Is Buying Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Anymore

How Ranch Dressing Became the All-American Condiment

A Brief History of America's Sushi Obsession

Why Are Wendy’s Burgers Square?

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

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

The Surprising Origins of 15 Pasta Shapes

From Fries to Tots: A Delicious History of Fried Potatoes

How 10 Classic Foods Made Their Way to America

A Juicy History of the Hamburger

12 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals You Loved as a Kid

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

The Origins of 6 Ancient Herbs and Spices

The Origins of 10 Tasty Treats

An International History of Dumplings

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

Watch 100 Years of American Dinners in Three Minutes

A Brief History of Pizza

Why Artificial Banana Flavor Doesn’t Quite Taste Like Bananas

13 Fascinating Facts About Grapes

A Brief History of SPAM

The Delicious History of the Diner

A Delicious History of Red Velvet Cake

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