Weird History Food Season 2, Episode 13: The Surprising Origins of Your Favorite Desserts

The History of the Microwave Oven

Weird History Food is going to radiate you with the history of the Microwave Oven.The microwave was invented accidentally by an engineer named Percy Spencer, who was leading a defense radar project. His invention would change the way Americans would eat forever. Peel off the plastic lid and set it on high for 14 minutes, and let's get micro-wavin'

14 min

Stories From The Torrid History Of Absinthe

Weird History Food is going to get you sauced on some absinthe. It’s the stuff of writers, poets, artists, and madmen . . . all of whom are, arguably, the same thing. There are few drinks that have the mystery, allure, and controversy of absinthe. Simultaneously touted as the hallmark of high society, and the downfall of the same, absinthe has had an unparalleled reputation.

14 min

The Flame-Broiled History of the Whopper

Weird History Food is taking you out for a Whopper. Burger King's highest-ranking burger, the Whopper, has a surprising history, making that delicious flame-broiled burger taste even better. Take a trip through Weird History Food's drive-thru for a delicious history on The Whopper.

14 min

The Not So Sweet Secrets of the Sugar Industry

Weird History Food is going to give you a spoonful of sugar with these sugar facts. We all know that sugar is delicious, but not the healthiest thing to eat. We’re starting to understand its role in weight gain and other health complications. But why has it taken so long? And why haven’t we found better, safer alternatives yet? Here are some reasons the sugar industry works so hard to keep you in the dark, and one thing you can do to counteract their power.

12 min

Important Advancements Because of Beer

Weird History Food is pouring you a frosty video on beer. As summed up by Homer Simpson, the most important philosopher of the 20th century: Beer is the cause of and solution to all of life’s problems. The amber liquid deserves a fair share of the credit for a lot of major changes and advances throughout humanity’s history.

15 min

The History of the Sloppy Joe

Weird History Food is going to get sloppy with this one talking about the history of the Sloppy Joe. Whether it came from Sioux City, Iowa, Key West, Florida or Havana, Cuba, the Sloppy Joe has left a deliciously large greasy imprint on the hearts of America. This loose-meat sandwich has been associated with school lunches, manly meals, and cheap, but delicious comfort food since the 1930s.

12 min

The Snack-Filled History of Little Debbie

Weird History Food is getting snacky with this history of Little Debbie. One of the most iconic logos in food, did you know that Little Debbie is an actual person? Founded in 1960, the McKee Baking Company changed one little girl's life forever when her face became the face of tasty snack cakes. Come find out just who Little Debbie really is...

13 min

The Surprising History of Taco Bell

Weird History Food is heading for the border for the history of Taco Bell. Everyone's favorite late-night drive-thru destination, Taco Bell had some humble beginnings starting in Southern California. Get your order ready because we are getting some Taco Bell to go. We would like 6 soft taco supremes, please.

13 min

Traditional Ice Cream Flavors Americans Have Never Heard Of

When it comes to food, what is a staple in one country may be considered bizarre in another. One country’s classic is another country’s exotic novelty treat. One’s hot trend is another’s time-honored tradition. For example, American classics like peanut butter and root beer are considered odd and even disgusting outside the US. On the other hand, ice cream is one food that seems to enjoy worldwide popularity. Yet, so endless are its variations, that there is always some new ingredient or flavor to discover.

10 min

The Thick and Tangy History of Ketchup

Weird History Food will hit the "57" on the side of this video to give you the History of Ketchup. You might be surprised to learn ketchup's true origins and the fact that the first ketchup had no tomatoes in it at all. Let's pour this video out in a nice, thick, ketchup-y way. Catchup on Ketchup history...

12 min

Foreign Foods That Are Banned In the U.S.

Weird History Food is getting banned. Americans love their food, and they are able to buy (almost) anything imaginable at restaurants, farms, markets, and other stores, but some foods are currently banned. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned many foods from being sold or eaten in the United States due to their not being safe for consumption. Here is a list of the top ten foods that are surprisingly banned in the US.

12 min

How White Castle Built Their Slyder Kingdom

Weird History Food is taking you to White Castle to learn all about the history of the Slyder. Yes, we spelled that right. White Castle was the first fast-food franchise, so we will indeed buy 'em by the sack. From its humble beginnings in Kansas, to finding those delicious burgers at the grocery store, we're covering the whole square patty.

14 min

The Heart-Stopping History of KFC's Double Down

Weird History Food is going to clog your heart with the history of Kentucky Fried Chicken's Double Down sandwich. KFC's viral offering flipped the sandwich and instead of offering bread, used two breaded chicken patties. This over-the-top menu item created reactions from both fans of KFC as well as critics. Check your cholesterol levels for this one, because we're going to get decadent with the Double Down.

13 min

Delicious Things You Didn’t Know About KFC

Weird History Food is going out for some KFC facts. Who hasn't fallen in love with the unique and mouthwatering flavor of KFC’s deep-fried chicken? At the very least, you might recognize the colonel and his famous red bucket of chicken. Let's enjoy this delicious bucket o' video about Kentucky Fried Chicken.

13 min

Reasons Why American Breakfasts Are the Way They Are

Weird History Food is serving you some breakfast. When you think of American breakfast food, what comes to mind? For many, it's likely things like cereal and milk, toast, eggs, and coffee. On weekends, there might be more elaborate dishes like French toast or pancakes accompanied by a tall glass of orange juice. When we step foot in a diner, we know what the menu will look like - to the point we might even tell the host we don't need to see one. But what is less known is how American breakfast food came to be.

14 min

Tastiest Things You Didn't Know About McDonalds

It’s no secret that McDonald’s food is unhealthy and the company is prone to scandals. But it might surprise you just how unhealthy it really is and how many scandals there truly are. The company—the single largest restaurant corporation in the world, and one of the largest in general—has a long history of mistreating its managers, employees, customers, and even the food itself. As a result, they’ve stacked up a lot of skeletons in their many closets around the globe.

15 min

The Surprising Real Origins Of Your Favorite Ethnic Foods

Weird History Food is giving you some food secrets. Every state has a food it is known for, and we often take pride in claiming that our home makes some of the best barbecue, seafood, or pies in the nation. Still, when Ranker asked readers which food they could eat for the rest of their lives, Chinese food, spaghetti, burritos, and sushi were some of the dishes that ranked at the very top of the list. Part of what makes these foods so appealing is that they seem special, helping us feel like we are experiencing ethnic foods without having to leave home.

12 min

Amazing Facts And Innovations About Pizza

Weird History Food is delivering some Pizza Innovations to your eyes. Immigrants to the United States brought their staple food with them, and pizza became a sensation in their new country, with the first pizzeria in the US opening for business in Manhattan in 1905. Pizza is now a favorite across the planet, though how it’s made varies greatly from place to place. As these ten tantalizing facts show, the dish is subject to innovation, research, study, and artistic interpretation.

13 min

Where Did Cracker Barrel Get Its Name?

Weird History Food is talking about the history of Cracker Barrel. We're pulling off on the next exit because we saw a billboard for the Cracker Barrel. Originally built as a filling station, we're going to show you how Cracker Barrel built its empire and explore why you see so many Cracker Barrels off the interstate. Let's not forget to visit Cracker Barrel's antique store as well.

12 min

How Mac And Cheese Became an All-American Dish

Weird History Food is serving you a big cheesy bowl of the history of Mac and Cheese. Macaroni and cheese goes back in history well beyond the Kraft Mac & Cheese that every kid in America grew up eating. From the 14th Century on, we'll follow the cheesy history of macaroni and cheese, all the way up to the current Easy Mac microwaveable dish. Now the real question is: Kraft Mac 'n Cheese, or, Velveeta shells and cheese?

13 min

Are Oreo Cookies Really a Knockoff Brand?

Weird History Food is opening up a bag of the history of Oreos. Oreo cookies are one of the most recognizable cookies in the world. We're going to show you the entire history of Oreo, not to mention its rival Hydrox, and explore every flavor combination that Oreos have to offer. Get yourself a glass of milk, because there are a lot of Oreos here to eat.

12 min

How Meatloaf Became an American Classic

Weird History Food is giving you a big piece of the History of Meatloaf. The meatloaf dish has been a staple on American dinner tables since the 1940s. But where did it start? Was it even in America? We're going to show the long history of meatloaf and where this delicious dish stands today. Grab your eating bib, you're gonna need it with this tangy video on this comfort food.

13 min

The Origins of Your Favorite Cocktails

Weird History Food is taking you out for a delicious cocktail history date. It’s hard to think of a more popular bar drink on a night out than a cocktail. Some mixed drinks are so well-known, they’ve essentially become household names with their own interesting origin stories.

13 min

The Speedy Rise of the Energy Drink

Weird History Food is gonna turn this up to 11 with the History of Energy Drinks. Energy drinks, namely Red Bull, Monster, and the always pleasant Four Loko are pretty well-known and popular brands, but they weren't the first energy drink. No, that actually happened way back in the 1960s in Japan. Try not to get the jitters as we cover all you need to know about the heart-pumping energy drink. This video may or may not give you wiiinnngggssss.

13 min

Fast Food Chains That Failed Outside the U.S.

Weird History Food is going worldwide. From greasy fried chicken and pizzas covered in cheese, to super sweet and sugary treats, Americans love their fast food. There's a McDonald's on the corner streets of even the smallest towns in the US, and few people have to drive more than a mile or two to reach their local Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. Because fast food chains are so prevalent across America, it can be difficult to imagine a place where well-recognized logos don't light up the night skies, promising tasty food and quick service at fair prices. However, these chains don't always go over as well in other countries as they do here in the United States.

13 min

The Rise and Fall of the Dollar Menu

Weird History Food is going to your favorite fast food drive-thru for the history of the Dollar Menu. The big three fast food chains, Mcdonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King have all introduced their version of the value menu. But when did it start? And more importantly, where did it go? Well, grab yourself a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and see the untold story of the Dollar Menu.

13 min

Why Is Food Packaged The Way It Is?

Weird History Food is getting into the packaging of your favorite foods. Sometimes, logical reasons exist for what seem to be frustrating package designs. Who knew that air in chip bags served a purpose? On the other hand, you might be disappointed to find out that some of the biggest grievances in the snacking product design world come down to a company being stuck in its ways - and not really wanting to innovate.

12 min

What Ever Happened to Surge? The '90s Most Extreme Soda

Weird History is taking you back to the '90s for a big ol' can of Surge. Have you ever been browsing the insufficiently extreme soda aisle at your local grocery store and found yourself wondering, "What ever happened to Surge, one of the most extreme caffeinated soft drinks of the 1990s?" Well, you're not alone. Surge was a popular but extremely short-lived carbonated phenomenon that embodied '90s-ness.

12 min

Fascinating Fried Facts About French Fries

Weird History Food is gonna give you fries with that. Crinkly cut or shaped into tots; eaten as a complete meal or as a side dish at a popular fast food chain - the world seems to have been fascinated with the many ways to enjoy a French fried potato since they were first introduced centuries ago. From its legendarily humble beginnings to its debut at White House dinners, and eventual adoption as a street food favorite, this list features everything we learned about how people eat french fries.

12 min

How Has SPAM Stayed So Popular?

Weird History Food is sending you a SPAM alert. No, not those annoying emails you get from Planet Fitness, but the delicious ham in a can. SPAM has a longer history than you would expect, but probably a little longer than a can of SPAM's typical shelf-life. Peel this video can back and get some mustard, we're going ham on you.

13 min

Saucy And Delicious Facts About Pasta

Weird History Food is serving you a big ol' bowl of pasta facts. For centuries, the production of pasta has been an art form in Italy. Pasta's story is also one of trade, culture, and migration on a global scale. Like the many different pizza styles littered across America, pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, ranging from slender spaghetti to squat rigatoni noodles. Pasta shapes are not just decorative; many chefs claim that the shape and texture of the pasta will impact the overall dining experience.

12 min

Every Style of French Fry Cut We Could Find

Weird History Food is serving you every hot style of French Fry cut out there that we could find. When you think about it, you might know Shoestring, Steak, or even Curly, but we will show you the 18 cuts you can do with a French Fry. Get your favorite bottle of ketchup, maybe some Malt Vinegar, and some salt, some fry styles are comin' in pipin' hot.

13 min

Most Bizarre Beverages From Around the World

Weird History Food is showing you some really weird drinks and beverages from around the globe. From rainbow-colored beer to “Viagra” made from frogs, there’s an unusual beverage to delight—or disgust—just about every taste. If you dare, crack open this video and get ready to guzzle some really strange brew.

14 min

How Hidden Valley Ranch Became America's Favorite Condiment

Weird History Food would like to know if you want some Ranch with that. The flavor of ranch seems as though it's been around forever. But, it had to come from somewhere. That somewhere was a self-described cowboy from Nebraska who came west in the hope of making his fortune. Steve Henson invented what is known today as ranch dressing when he was looking for a way to keep a bunch of hungry construction workers happy.

13 min

Whatever Happened to the George Foreman Grill?

Weird History Food is going heavyweight on the history of the George Foreman Grill. To many, George Foreman is the 2-time Heavyweight Champion of the World. But to those with an appetite, Foreman was known more for his eponymous grill. We're going to look at the history of Foreman and his famous grill.

13 min

Fun Facts About Your Favorite 90s Foods

Weird History is taking you back to the 90s for your favorite foods. When it comes to the 1990s, everyone enjoyed many bodacious goodies we wouldn't have wanted to be without. Those staple foods we associate with the decade include snacks, meals, desserts, and even beverages. We ate them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner - or maybe all of the above. They were yummy, and they bring back memories with every bite.

13 min

How Did Little Caesar's Become a Big Big Pizza Chain?

Weird History Food has got a Hot-n-Ready pizza video on Little Caesar's waiting for you. The company was started in the late 60s by Mike Illitch who took Little Ceasar's from a small mom-and-pop pizza parlor to a global phenomenon. Grab a slice and watch the rise of Little Caesar's pizza pizza through the years.

13 min

Popular Foods That Have Been Around Longer Than We Thought

Weird History Food is going to shock you with some news about the age of your favorite food brands. Some of the most common foods you see on grocery store shelves have been around for decades - if not centuries. These items have been staples in the diets of people around the world for much longer than you realize, perhaps gracing the palates of international celebrities, political leaders, or your own ancestors from days gone by.

17 min

The Fiery History of Benihana

Weird History Food will flip a shrimp tail in your pocket as we discover the History of Benihana. The Benihana restaurant chain was founded by Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki, part entrepreneur, and part daredevil. We'll follow this iconic hibachi chain's meteoric rise, and Behihana's path to the present day. Can you hear the clang of a spatula on the Hibachi grill? Mmm mmm

14 min

Fanatical Food Laws From Around The World

Weird History Food is taking you around the world to see some International Food Laws. If you want to get to know another country, check out its food laws, which determine everything from what products are available on store shelves to how and where people can enjoy a meal. Some countries have very strict regulations about the food people can consume, taking into consideration everything from nutrition to the safety of the ingredients. As a result, these nations may limit the availability of certain products to promote healthy consumption or cultural eating habits. What is considered safe in the US may not be considered that way elsewhere.

12 min

How the Backyard BBQ Became an American Pastime

Weird History Food is going to fire up the grill with the history of bbq grills. Almost every American loves that time of the year when they open up the trusty outdoor grill, throw some charcoal in, and make some delicious bbq. But when did this practice begin? Well, get some brats, burgers, and bbq chicken, because we're going to dive into the history and evolution of the backyard barbeque.

13 min

Food Festivals From Around the World

Weird History Food is taking you around the World in 15 minutes to see World Food Festivals. Whether spoken or implied, people often have a set of food rules they live by. We learn from a young age to not throw our food, share our meals with animals, or play with the veggies, fruits, and proteins on our plates. However, these same rules that seem pretty standard when it comes to dinnertime etiquette sometimes get completely thrown into the metaphorical food waste bin when it comes to festivals.

15 min

Why Does Coke At McDonald's Taste Different?

Weird History Food is going to McDonald's for some of its delicious Coca-Cola. If you've ever debated someone over whether or not the Coca-Cola served at McDonald's tastes different than the Coke did at other places, you're not crazy. McDonald's Coke has a unique flavor, and some say it's better than canned Coke or Coke from other restaurants.

12 min

What Animals Looked Like Before We Started Breeding Them for Food

Weird History Food is taking a look at the animals we use for our food. Around 11,000 years ago when humans first began trading nomadic lifestyles for permanent communities, they also began to domesticate animals. Species like sheep, cattle, and goats were among the first to be tamed based on their usefulness to human survival. This was only the beginning of the millennia of selective breeding, changing what were once wild animals into the domestic creatures commonly recognized today.

14 min

The White-Gloved History of Hamburger Helper

Weird History Food is serving you up some delicious nostalgia with the history of Hamburger Helper. If you remember this creepy little mascot finger-tipping across your TV set, you'll remember Hamburger Helper was a way cash-strapped American families looked for ways to stretch their meals further than ever before. Let's take a look back at this classic boxed food product.

12 min

Bizarre Things You Didn't Know About Sausage

Weird History Food is going to sit down and have a plate of Sausage Facts with you. The humble sausage, or “banger” as the British have fondly named it, is eaten and enjoyed by millions worldwide. Sometimes people do more with sausages than just eat them, though—to the point where it becomes bizarre and entertaining.

11 min

What Food Lovers Ate Through the Decades

Weird History Food is taking you through the decades to examine some popular foods and dishes. From one decade to the next, the country experienced rapidly changing food trends, from the tasty to the healthy to the bizarre. The well-off usually decided what was fashionable - on plates and otherwise - for better or worse. The times we live in influence how we perceive beauty, and they affect the foods we love, too. It's impossible to predict a culinary trend, but once it hits, the whole country just has to try it.

14 min

The Cold Truth Behind Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Success

Weird History is going to cool off with some history about Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. Founded in Burlington, Vermont, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were childhood friends who decided to make an ice cream business happen. And man did it ever. Ben & Jerry's has become one of the most recognizable and fan-favorite ice creams across America. Sit back with a pint of Half Baked and enjoy this delicious video.

11 min

Who Really Created the Buffalo Chicken Wing?

Weird History Food is going to get messy with this saucy history of the Buffalo Wing. Nobody needs to dispute that Buffalo Wings started in Buffalo, New York, but really who was the first person to create the Buffalo Wing? Get some extra napkins and maybe a wet wipe, but this spicy video has all you need to know about hot wings and more.

12 min

Craziest Themed Restaurants From the 90s

Weird History Food is taking you back to the 1990s to see all the sweet, themed restaurants of the decade. The '90s were the era of tight-rolled jeans, grunge rock, and Beanie Babies, but the decade was also home to the themed restaurant craze. Many were short-lived enterprises, despite the presence of celebrity entrepreneurs. But a few still carry on today, even if they feel like something of a throwback to a different time.

14 min

How Big Business Built the Food Pyramid

Weird History Food will tell you who exactly built the Food Pyramid. While the Egyptian Pyramids have created vast conspiracies about who made them, the American Food Pyramid is pretty obvious - Big Food Business. Get your veggies, fruits, bread, meat, and butter (yes, butter) sit back and enjoy this video on the History of the Food Pyramid.

14 min

Discontinued Foods We Wished They Would Bring Back

Weird History Food is gonna make you nostalgic for some discontinued foods that we'd all want back. The food and beverage industry is a tricky one. For something that's so essential to human life - eating and drinking - it's still difficult to create and market a successful product. That's to be expected. Eating and drinking are highly personal acts, and creating a product that appeals to millions of people takes exhaustive work. Occasionally, some companies beat the odds and introduce an edible or potable that connects with the public. It's more likely, however, that such products will fail, even with the expertise and marketing budget of a multinational corporation.

11 min

The Sad History of McDonald's Happy Meal

Weird History Food is going to make you giddy with the History of the Happy Meal. McDonald's Happy Meal started, in 1974, in of all places, Guatemala, which was its first McDonald’s franchise by Yolanda Fernández de Cofiño. You'll get a good prize when you watch this video on every kid's favorite meal, the Happy Meal.

14 min

Crazy Deep Fried Food Facts

Weird History Food is getting out the fryer for this one on Fried Foods. People worldwide have enjoyed various fried foods for centuries. Deep-frying is thought to date back to ancient Egyptian times; the process was meant to help preserve foods. The invention of the frying pan has been credited to ancient Mesopotamians.

12 min

Why the 80s Was the Golden Age for Sugary Cereals

Weird History Food is gonna get a bowl and some milk for this look back at the History of 80s Sugary Cereals. Thanks to some deregulation in the early 80s, kids saw a flood of delicious sugary cereals, often with movie or toy tie-ins, make their way onto the shelves of grocery stores across the United States. This Cereal History video is not going to get soggy. Dig in!

14 min

Kitschy Facts About Our Favorite Kitchen Gadgets

Weird History Food is going to the kitchen to get into the History of kitchen gadgets. Americans are all about making life easier through innovative ideas and inventions, and the kitchen is one of our favorite places to collect items equipped with cutting-edge technology to make our time cooking meals more enjoyable and efficient. Whether we love to prepare food or consider it a chore, something as simple as having the latest and greatest gadgets in our culinary toolboxes can completely transform our experiences.

12 min

What Exactly Is Jägermeister?

Weird History Food is getting some shot glasses ready for The History of Jägermeister. Originally from the German town, Wolfenbüttel, Jagermeister has seen a lot of variations in its history. Jager started as a vinegar, but since then has become every college student's go-to shot of choice. Get some Red Bull handy, if that's your thing, and drop into this video on Jagermeister. Cheers

13 min

Some Frothy Facts About the History of Beer

Weird History Food is gonna pour you a fresh fact video about the History of Beer. Beer is more than just a beverage. The history of beer dates back thousands of years, and it has helped shape the course of civilization. At times, beer has even saved lives. There are so many amazing facts about beer that you probably don't know - and they'll definitely give you a deeper appreciation for this magical elixir.

11 min

The Soft-Served History of Carvel Ice Cream

Weird History Food is going to give you a frosty treat this summer with History of Carvel Ice Cream. Founded by a Greek Immigrant, Tom Carvel, he is considered to be the creator of soft-serve ice cream. If you grew up on the East Coast, you know who Fudgie the Whale, Cookie Puss, and a host of other ice cream cake characters are. Get to this video before it melts, and explore the history of Carvel's.

15 min

People We Never Realized Shaped How We Eat

Weird History Food is going to get into the real foodies who have shaped how and what we eat. Though we eat out of necessity, the evolution of the way food is prepared and served has also made it an incredibly enjoyable experience that we look forward to every few hours. And while we often sit down to enjoy a home-cooked dinner inspired by our favorite TV chefs, run through the drive-thru to get a hearty meal from our favorite fast-food joint, or get dressed to celebrate an occasion at our favorite restaurant, we rarely stop to consider exactly how the foods we love ended up on our plates.

12 min

Why Isn't The Best Burger Stand a Nationwide Chain?

Weird History is ordering a Double Double telling you the History of In-n-Out Burger. The famous burger chain was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder. Harry first visited a local market to buy fresh ingredients for his 10-square-foot-wide hamburger stand. From there, In-n-Out has exploded in the West and Southwest with a rabid, almost cult-like following. You're gonna want this video Animal-Style, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.

13 min

Some Flamin' Hot Facts About Spicy Foods

Weird History Food is gonna burn your tongue with some Facts About Spicy Foods. Whether sitting down to enjoy an authentically made dish, or grabbing a quick snack, those who love the thrill of a tingly palate accompanied by a runny nose tend to include spicy foods as part of their daily intake. Over the years, foodies have begun to expect the flavors of jalapeños in their favorite Tex-Mex dishes, a piquant “traditional” curry at their favorite Indian restaurants, and to be asked if they can handle the heat incorporated into Thai food.

12 min

Who Was the Doctor Behind Dr. Pepper?

Weird History Food is going to crack open a can and tell you the History of Dr. Pepper. While maybe not quite as popular as Coca-Cola or Pepsi, Dr. Pepper has been around just as long as its bigger rivals. But how did Dr. Pepper start? And when did America want to start wanting to become a Pepper too? Well, served hot or cold, this video has got the crisp and refreshing Dr. P news you need.

14 min

Incredible Things Coffee Does To Your Body

Weird History Food is going to pour you a video on What Coffee Does To Your Body. Coffee gets a bad rap. Maybe because it tastes so good. Things that taste good are almost always bad for us. There are some less-than-awesome things that can be rightfully blamed on our favorite morning brew, like insomnia, jitters, and heartburn. But people tend to overlook the truly incredible things that coffee does for us.

10 min

How Campbell's Soup Has Stood The Test of Time

Weird History Food is giving you a warm bowl of nostalgia with the History of Campbell's Soup. Probably one of the most recognizable food designs, the Campbell's Soup can is both part of modern pop culture and in just about every American pantry. But where did the company get its start? And how has Campbell's stayed a relevant brand for over 150 years? Get some crackers and pepper ready, we're going soup to nuts on Campbell's.

14 min

How Has Coca-Cola Kept It's Formula a Secret for All These Years?

Weird History Food is giving you the secrets to the Coca-Cola formula. Since its invention by John Pemberton in 1886, Coca-Cola has become the most well-known soft drink in the world. Yet who actually knows the Coca-Cola recipe? On its website, Coca-Cola claims the company's "secret formula for making Coca-Cola has remained a trade secret for 130 years." Shrouding the drink's ingredients in secrecy "creates a natural curiosity about the product itself," according to social psychologist and marketing expert Ben Voyer.

11 min

How Did Starbucks Coffee Get So Big?

Weird History Food is giving you a pick-me-up with the History of Starbucks Coffee. Founders Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl sought to open up a coffee store. They knew they wanted it to reflect both the culture of the Northwest and the seafaring coffee traders who first brought coffee to the United States. What they didn't expect was how big Starbucks would become. Bring some creamer to this video.

14 min

Why the Hell Do People Love Pumpkin Spice So Much?

Weird History Food is getting you Fall-ready with the History of Pumpkin Spice. Now, seemingly everywhere, Pumpkin Spice has a surprisingly long history. Pumpkin spice—also known as pumpkin pie spice—is typically made from a combination of Southeast Asian spices: ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger. But how did Pumpkin Spice become an option in about every food or drink during the fall season? Get your latte or SPAM ready and find out.

13 min

Do You Remember McDonald's Hot Coffee Lawsuit From the 90s?

Weird History Food is taking you back to the 90s for McDonald's Hot Coffee Lawsuit.| Over the years, the McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit has become heavily associated with the supposed epidemic of frivolous lawsuits in the United States. Most people see the case as the story of a woman who clumsily spilled coffee on her own lap and sued McDonald's in retaliation. However, that is largely untrue and only a fraction of the story.

11 min

How the Hostess and The Twinkie Almost Died

Weird History Food is getting snacky with the History of Hostess. Maker of some of our favorite cakes and snacks, including Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Cup Cakes, and Ho Ho's, Hostess has been the mainstay of America's cupboards for decades. But where did Hostess begin? Well, get ready for a sugar high, we're going unwrap Hostess' long, sweet, and sometimes bitter, history.

12 min

Facts About ‘90s Lunch Box Items That Make Us Kinda Miss School

Weird History is going back to the 90s for some Snacks!| Many '90s snacks did not survive long after their titular decade and were ultimately discontinued in later years. That's left millennials nostalgic for a time when they could trade their favorite snacks over the cafeteria table. These facts about '90s lunch box foods may whet your appetite - or make you question why you loved them so much in the first place

13 min

What Was the First Girl Scout Cookie?

Weird History Food is giving into temptation by giving you the History Girl Scout Cookies.| While you may see these delicious Girl Scout Cookies being sold around town or your co-worker is sending around the order sheet at the office, when did this usually between January and April tradition begin? And who started it? Well, crack open a box of Samoas or Do-Si-Dos, sit back and enjoy this Explainer video.

13 min

Thirst-Quenching Facts About Your Favorite Beverages

What's your favorite beverage?| Something carbonated? What about a nice warm treat? Or maybe you're content with a fruity drink? Even if you don't have a favorite beverage, you've probably had coffee, tea, beer, or any variety of popular liquid refreshments to quench your thirst. But how much do you really know about that drink?

12 min

How the Cup Noodles Empire Was Built

12 min

Discontinued McDonalds Items That We Want Back

13 min

Is Malt Liquor Really Quicker?

Weird History Food is crackin' open a 40-ouncer and pouring out some Malt Liquor History. Some of us might have flashbacks to college and drink either Olde English, St. Ides, or some smooth Colt 45. But is malt liquor actually beer? Do people still drink malt liquor? Some of our favorite musicians from the 90s were definitely singing the praises of this tasty beverage. Oh, the 90s, it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

13 min

Breweries That Couldn't Be Stopped By Prohibition

13 min

How "Unlimited" Are Olive Garden's Unlimited Breadsticks?

Weird History Food is getting the family together and going down to get the History of Olive Garden. Originally called "The" Olive Garden, everyone's favorite destination for unlimited breadsticks and salads was actually a creation of corporate behemoth General Mills. So how has Olive Garden stayed so popular and relevant for decades? Let's carb-load this video on the OG.

13 min

Facts About Our Favorite Chain Restaurants

Weird History Food is going to pick up the check on this one with some Chain Restaurant Facts. There's a certain level of comfort when diners walk into a popular American food chain. No matter where patrons travel throughout the US, they know that entering a chain restaurant titan will provide them with the same menu, food, and service they experience back home. Establishments like Olive Garden, Waffle House, Applebee's, T.G.I. Friday's, Outback Steakhouse, and others take pride in providing diners with consistent atmospheres no matter where life takes them.

14 min

How Orville Redenbacher Became a Popcorn Pimp

Weird History Food is popping up a good one with the History of Orville Redenbacher. Orville wasn't always the iconic bespectacled popcorn-shucking spokesperson, he dedicated his life to finding the perfect corn to pop into perfection. Born in Indiana, Orville was always into popping corn and eventually became a global corporate icon. Get some butter and salt for this video and enjoy.

12 min

The Strangest Food Marketing Campaigns Companies Have Ever Made

Weird History Food is going to get you into the Strangest Food Marketing Campaigns. Commercials and ads are no longer enough in a world habituated to shift its attention in the first three seconds of watching videos. Many companies have ditched standard marketing campaigns for the unconventional, relying on surprise experiences to create buzz, drive publicity, and increase revenue.

12 min

Why Do We Eat Turkey On Thanksgiving?

12 min

Why Coke at McDonald's Tastes Different

12 min

Every Regional Style of Hamburger We Could Find Across the United States

17 min

10 Misconceptions Around Popular Foods

11 min

How Arby's Has Endured Through the Years

12 min

The Worst Food-Related Catastrophes In History

14 min

How America Runs On Dunkin' Donuts

Weird History Food is goin' for some Dunkin' Donuts History. Whether you’re into coffee, donuts, munchkins, or any one of the bazillion breakfast sandwiches they sling every morning, Dunkin Donuts has something for everyone. Get some coffee for this, we're going into where Dunkin' was started and how Dunkin' Donuts has been doing.

14 min

Great Weird Holiday Food Gadget Gift Ideas

10 min

Why Do We Drink Eggnog During the Holidays?

13 min

13 Alleged Bizarre Food Laws In The United States

13 min

Our Favorite Nostalgic Holiday Food-Related Commercials

9 min

How American Is the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet?

Weird History Food is grabbing an extra plate to show you the History of Buffets. The term "Buffet" may bring back memories of going to your local restaurant and gorging yourself while creating cooky culinary concoctions. But where did the buffet start? Was it even in America? Well, good thing you've come here because we'll uncover the history as well as how buffets even stay in business. Bring your appetite for this smorgasbord of a video.

14 min