Weird History Food

Once upon a time, almost every fast food place in America had a bar. A salad bar, that is. Heck, a bunch of them even had full on all-you-can-eat buffets, which feels a little more in line with cheeseburger culture. But then, without warning, those bars and buffets started vanishing just as quickly as they had appeared.

Whether you’re headed to McDonald’s for a Big Mac, a box of Chicken McNuggets, or a Filet o’Fish, odds are… you’re probably gonna have some fries with that. And that’s because -- all over the world -- pretty much everyone loves the taste of McDonald’s french fries. So what’s the secret?

Grilled, fried, or rare. Whole, sliced, or massaged and beer-fed… Americans love a good steak. But with a red meat scare on the rise, many steakhouse regulars face grave concerns. Is chowing down on all that beef truly unhealthy, or has steak simply been slandered for the last few decades?

If you were alive in the 1980s and '90s, then you remember the glory days of fruit snacks. Some of them were gummy. Some of them gushed. And some of them were oddly stringy. But the undisputed champion of fruity deliciousness was the snack that rolled. General Mills' legendary fruit roll-ups have been a part of kids' lunches and snack times since 1983, and over the years, they've had their sticky fingers on all sorts of triumphs and controversies. But how were they invented? And exactly how much "fruit" is rolled into that cellophane wrapper?

They say “you’ve gotta have heart.” But whoever they were, they clearly weren’t talking about Hart House, a Vegan Fast Food Restaurant founded by comedian Kevin Hart. Despite the best intentions, the chain was so short lived it’s likely you never even heard of it before it blinked out of existence forever. So what went wrong?

Unless you’ve been living on Mars, odds are you've heard the phrase “Snap into a Slim Jim!”. Probably from a professional wrestler. Slim Jims are a “meat snack” that is similar to, but legally distinct from beef jerky, and in the 1990s, they were everywhere. But all of a sudden, this once-dominant salty treat seemingly blinked out of existence, as if Thanos snapped into one. So, what happened?

The Flintstones was a sitcom that ran on A-B-C from 1960 to 1966, making history as the first animated show to air in primetime. While the show has been off the air for decades, the Flintstones are still a regular fixture in many of our lives thanks to the continued success of a certain brand of breakfast cereals. In fact, it’s possible some people only know them as grocery store mascots, and have no idea the show ever existed.

Picture it: you’re out to eat and the smell of loaded potato skins is strong. The walls are adorned with an attic’s worth of knick-knacks, the wait staff is cheery in their white and red striped uniforms, and you’re mesmerized by the tricks the bartender is performing in the background, because in here, it’s always Friday night.

Is dessert really dessert without Cool Whip? It’s practically against the law to serve pie or ice cream without a dollop of the light, fluffy spread - or an entire tub, if it’s your birthday. But while it feels as though it's always been there for us, Cool Whip is a fairly recent invention. And we’ve never really been sure what it actually is.

When it comes to casual dining, we all know the biggest players in the game. Fast food franchises like McDonald's and Taco Bell, or sit-down restaurants like Denny's and Cracker Barrel have dominated America for decades. But you can't hold onto market domination without a little market innovation, which is why many of these giants have tried to duplicate their success with spin-off restaurants!

Subway is one of the most well known submarine sandwich chain of all time. And for a while, they were cruising along like a train. But somewhere along the way, the ride got a little bumpy, and eventually the franchise all but derailed. So what happened, like , ASIDE from that whole fiasco with Jared Fogel?

Back in the 1980s, Domino’s Pizza encouraged their customers to “avoid the Noid” -- a strange claymation creature who starred in a series of popular ads for the chain. But the ads turned out to be a little too popular, leading to a dramatic crime that no one could have predicted. How did an animated mascot cause so much havoc?

Back in 2003, South Park premiered an episode about an outlandish Mexican restaurant with cliff diving, puppet shows and even a full-on cave system. For most people outside the Colorado area, it was their introduction to Lakewood local legend, Casa Bonita. The real-life, kid-focused plaza de comida has been lovingly described as “so bad, it's good,” and for 50 years has dazzled families with live entertainment, charming attractions and even fire breathers, before it became a violation of fire code. About the only thing people do not remember fondly was the food - that is, until South Park stepped in and saved it!

Ice cream trucks are a cornerstone of classic, nostalgic Americana… but where did they come from? How do they pick their routes? Don’t those drivers get sick of hearing “Pop Goes the Weasel” over and over again all day? And why are they more dangerous than you thought? Let us know in the comments of your most memorable Ice Cream truck experience growing up!

In the history of fruit flavored sodas, the almighty Fanta might just reign supreme. With a massive worldwide following and a long history of international production, this orange beverage has become a favorite for just about everyone on the planet…Unless you’re an American that is. As beloved as Fanta is by its diehard fans, U.S. sales for the citrus pop can’t even crack the top five. So what gives?

Everyone has a favorite flavor. Strawberry, or grape, or Pina Colada if you were the weird kid. However, there’s an unspoken agreement that every flavor is based on something you’d eat in the real world, and nothing throws a funky monkey wrench into the works like blue raspberry. This Frankenstein's Monster of sugary creations with its distinct electric color can’t be based on anything found in nature… can it?

When you’re on a road trip, late for work or just feeling the vibes and looking to chow down on some munchies, the green, orange and white glow of the 7-Eleven sign is ready to accept your rumbly tummy 24 hours a day. And we know it's not good for us, but how bad is it really?

From the overloaded cones of a crunchy temaki roll, to the sparse and delicately sliced slabs of nigiri, sushi comes in a variety of forms. While these bite-sized bundles of rice have been saddled with fresh fish for over two thousand years, sushi’s popularity in the West is a relatively recent phenomenon. But like many Japanese art forms, the craft of sushi requires immense skill and comes with a long list of strict rules. And when Americans first started taking a dip in the soy sauce, everything went to hell in a handroll.

Hot dogs are synonymous with America’s favorite pastime: baseball. But the delicious and savory treat is also commonly associated with a particular shade of pink in the heart of Hollywood. Pink’s Hot Dogs have been a Los Angeles institution for decades. So why do they have to cost as much as a trip to the west coast?

If you’re lucky enough to live near one, then you’ve probably heard that Raising Cane’s chicken is so good, it could make the Colonel fly the coop. The upstart chicken finger eatery with a youthful, fun vibe seemingly came out of nowhere to challenge KFC for the cluckin’ throne. But is there really one tender to rule them all?

The McDonald’s apple pie isn’t just a fast-food dessert—it’s a piece of pop culture history. Since its debut in 1968, this crispy, golden treat has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of customers worldwide, evolving over the decades from its beloved fried form to the controversial baked version. But how did it become such an iconic menu item? And why is it so damn lip-scorching?

Since the 1850s, this sweet, golden, bubbly beverage with a spicy kick has been refreshing soda lovers around the world. Ginger Ale is beloved as both the perfect drink mixer and upset tummy soother. Over the years, dozens of brands have put their own spin on the original formula. But which brand is the tastiest? The fizziest? The ginger-est? And which is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments!

It’s been said that the only things you can count on in this life are death and taxes. But whoever said that clearly didn’t realize that after all these years, a tall boy of Arizona Iced Tea still costs less than a dollar. How is that possible?

Hard-boiled. Soft-boiled. Poached. Raw. Over Easy. Sunny Side Up. Over Medium. No, these aren’t the names of award-winning Huskies. They are different ways you can prepare an egg. Eggs have been enjoyed on their own or in countless different recipes for centuries. So how did we end up eating these weird little orbs in the first place?

If you’re the kind of person who eats omelets for breakfast - or the kind of person who enjoys adventurous juggling - then you’ve probably noticed that eggs have gotten pretty pricey lately. It’s tempting to blame that cost increase on greedy chickens, but as it turns out, it’s actually the work of some vast and mysterious macro-economic forces that can be hard to predict and even harder to budget for.

Guy Fieri, the self-proclaimed "Mayor of Flavortown," is one of the most recognizable figures in American media. With his spiked blonde hair, flame shirt, and famous catchphrases, he has built a food empire that spans television, restaurants, and all of pop culture. Yet despite his success, Guy Fieri has experienced the ups and downs of public opinion, rising to fame as a beloved Food Network star before falling out of favor with the American public and becoming a punchline.

You probably know exactly when and where you first fell in love with Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza - a marvel of fast-food engineering so beloved that it's almost a cultural icon. But how did this crispy, cheesy, tomato-y masterpiece come to be? Why did it disappear? And is it back for good, or is it just back long enough to make us fall in love again before breaking out hearts like a store bought taco shell?

If you’ve ever ordered a burger and asked them to hold the pickles, you’ve technically committed a “Menu Hack.” So-called secret menus have become increasingly popular in the social media age, with excited customers posting hours of content about how to access items that are “hidden” from the regular menu by altering dishes or inventing new ones entirely using the ingredients a restaurant has on-hand. Every so often, these hacks will be popular enough to become a legend in the kitchen, accessible only to a select few who know how to order them.

Root beer is a timeless American beverage. Its cold snap and delicious taste have engendered millions of devotees over the past 100 years. From coal mines to baseball diamonds, root beer has been beloved by people from basically every walk of life. And yet, there’s one brand that stands above the rest when it comes to this liquid confection. A&W. So how did one brand rise above all the others to remain at the top of the heap for more than a century?

New Jersey: The Garden State. Home to the first ever organized baseball game, the first boardwalk in the world, the first saltwater taffy, the first drive-in movie theater, the first brewery. They even cooked the first can of condensed soup! But the best thing New Jersey came out with, second only to Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, is the first submarine sandwich shop: Mike’s Subs. This little shop eventually grew into a national chain you know as Jersey Mike’s. So how did this humble sandwich artist become an icon?

Mister Donut is Japan’s biggest donut franchise; so big in fact, they ran Dunkin Donuts right out of the whole country back in the nineteen-nineties. It’s ok, Dunkies; you’ll always be welcome with Ben Affleck. Trouncing the biggest player in America’s donut industry at their own game is pretty impressive for a Japanese upstart, but turns out, Mister Donut isn’t actually Japanese.

Following in the footsteps of other great military leaders like General Tso and Colonel Sanders, Cap’n Crunch made himself a fortune in the food business. But despite the brand’s storied history and dedicated fanbase, even the Captain’s biggest supporters are willing to admit that his cereal is murder on the roof of your mouth. So why are we all OK with it? Have YOU ever ripped your mouth up with a bowl of Cap'n Crunch? Let us know in the comments!

McDonald’s is world famous for their fries, burgers and McNuggets. But when it comes to chicken sandwiches, Ronald McDonald has come off like a bit of a clown until very recently. How is it possible that the world’s most famous fast food franchise can get so many things so incredibly right while getting chicken sammies so incredibly wrong? Have you ever had a chicken sandwich from McDonald's? What Did you think about it? Let us know in the comments!

Whether it’s your go-to spot for a quick and easy bite, or if you’re having their noteworthy “Fourth” meal of the day, Taco Bell has a reputation of being quick, cheap, and delicious… as well as one of the worst things you could possibly put inside your body. Jokes about the quality of the food became so pervasive that the brand was actually sued in 2011 over claims of faking their beef. But is it truly bad enough to make you run from the border? And let us know in the comments wht you think of the 'meat'!

Soju, literally translating to “burned liquor”, is Korea’s most popular spirit. The clear, colorless beverage traditionally brewed from rice has experienced a boom in the U.S. in recent years, thanks in part to the popularity of Korean entertainment like the Netflix series Squid Game and K-pop groups like BTS. Unlike Scotch or bourbon, there are no specific legal rules for producing soju and there’s no precise definition of what soju is or has to be, but if you want to order a traditional round, there ARE rules to how you drink it. So… what is it?

Known for their chewy texture, bright colors and shiny wrappers, AirHeads candy evokes fond memories of childhood as well as the snack bar at the local public pool. Perhaps you remember the not quite sticky, not quite stretchy but 100% delicious candy treat from its prominence on candy shelves, its constantly varying line of products or those bizarre commercials where the kids' heads inflate like a balloon and float away. But what the heck are they? And how has the sweet treat stood the test of time for nearly 40 years?

Saint Patrick’s Day was originally created to honor the death of Patrick, a fifth century Romano-British cleric who became the patron saint of Ireland. Today, however, it’s most famous for being an excuse to binge drink… Shamrock Shakes from McDonald’s, that is. But how did this minty treat become an annual favorite? And why can’t we have it year-round?

Tony Roma's and their delicious ribs used to be everywhere from Times Square in New York City to Tokyo, Japan. But if you live in the United States, you might have noticed a distinct lack of Roma's ribs in your vicinity in recent years. This mysterious disappearance has led many barbecue fans to wonder what exactly happened to the once-prominent chain we all knew and loved.

If you were ever a kid, then odds are, you know what bubble gum tastes like. Its flavor has been used in everything from jelly beans to ice cream to lip balm, but most of us would still be hard pressed to explain what that flavor is. Go ahead - try and describe it without using the words "bubble gum." So, what the heck is it supposed to taste like? And where did it come from anyway?

Ever felt like you needed a second mortgage just to satisfy your burger craving at a Shake Shack? The posh patty palace is one of America’s most popular fast food chains, despite charging considerably more than its competitors. And while customers have little complaints about the food, is it really worth shaking out your wallet?

There’s always room for Jell-O. It’s the only food that somehow exists in equal abundance at preschools, hospitals, jails, and frat parties. But before it became a college drinking tradition or the mysterious side dish at your grandma’s Thanksgiving table, it was a simple, affordable dessert that promised elegance without the effort. So how did this tremulous treat become one of the most popular products in the history of… well, ever?

Umami Burger burst onto the scene in 2009, offering customers a unique fusion menu combining Japanese spices and ingredients with gourmet American burgers. The chain quickly expanded to become one of the biggest culinary success stories of the day, poised to take burgers to the next level, until it all came tumbling down like a triple stack with no toothpick. So what happened?

During the middle of the 20th century, it seemed you couldn’t walk into a single establishment without seeing a familiar red and chrome machine with a glass dome PACKED with colored balls in every color of the rainbow. Who was putting them there? Where did they come from? And when is the last time you remember even buying a gumball from a machine, let alone seeing one in person?

When you think of pizza, you think of a hut, or a domino, possibly a little caesar, and maybe even a Shaq. What you don’t think of is McDonald’s. So it will probably surprise you to hear that not too long ago, McDonald’s tried really hard to add pizza to its menu. While it existed, did YOU ever try it? If you were able to sample this unicorn, what did you think about it? Let us know in the comments!

If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s that at one time or another every one of us has dreamed about poking The Pillsbury Doughboy in the belly. The friendly little mascot has been repping the Pillsbury Company for over half a century. But who is The Pillsbury Doughboy? How did he come to be one of the most recognizable mascots in America for generations?

For the past five decades, the Filipino fast food chain Jollibee has rapidly expanded around the world to compete with the heavyweights, even toppling McDonald’s two-to-one in its home country. But how did a pair of humble ice cream stands grow big enough to snatch Ronald’s crown? Have YOU eaten at a Jollibee? What did you have? Let us know in the comments!

Back when shopping malls were all the rage, you couldn’t walk through the various stores and stands without seeing at least one person carrying a clear, plastic cup of Orange Julius. Despite just about every shopping mall worth its salt boasting an Orange Julius somewhere in its twisty halls, you could rarely find someone who had ever tried one, even fewer who actually liked it, and no one who could tell you what the hell it was. Have you ever had an Orange Julius? Let us know in the comments!

If you’ve driven anywhere in America, you’ve probably seen the neon “Hot Now!” signs hanging in the window of every Krispy Kreme. The chain is famous for its hot glazed donuts, a niche it rolled out for itself like so much pastry dough to stand out from its competitors. How did the once-struggling chain rise up to challenge Dunkin?

One area where Burger King has always had an edge over McDonald’s are its uniquely weird commercials; in particular, a series of ads in the mid-aughts featuring a perpetually-smiling King that briefly pushed the fast food chain into the spotlight. Despite an initial explosion in sales, and the King becoming so popular he starred in a trio of Xbox games, Burger King couldn’t deliver a dining experience that matched the fun of the character. In fact, they seem to have always had this problem. So what gives?

Whether it was Coke, Pepsi, or a supermarket brand, at some point or another pretty much everyone has tasted a cola flavored beverage. But have you ever tried to describe what Coke or Pepsi tastes like? Go ahead, give it a shot. It can’t be done. Despite being regularly consumed by billions of people all over the world, “cola” isn’t a flavor with a widely-accepted definition, or even one that’s widely known. So what’s the big secret?

No matter where you are on the planet, you’re bound to see those iconic Golden Arches. McDonald's has become a global phenomenon by adapting its menu to local tastes and preferences around the world. This tastebud localization strategy has led to a wide array of unique and sometimes shocking menu items that are very different from the stuff you’d find at a Mickey D’s in America. So what ARE they serving across the pond and beyond?