2024 2024

Weird History Food is getting into the Genetic Reasons Why You Like Certain Foods. Here's some good news for picky eaters: genetic dispositions cause you to enjoy the taste of certain foods but not others. If some cultural food choices seem baffling to you, that's normal. Why do people eat what they eat? Why does something you eat taste completely different to someone else of a different race or ethnicity? Of course, taste can also be influenced by things that happen during your upbringing or by disease risk factors coded into DNA. Mainly, though, it's a mixture of many of these.

Weird History Food is making a grocery list to show you the History of Trader Joe's. Founded in California, the Trader Joe's grocery store has grown in popularity, to almost cult-like status, over the past few decades. But what makes Trader Joe's so unique? Well, we hope you like sea-themed grocery shopping because we are tracing TJ's from its inception to how they got "Two-Buck Chuck" to become the iconic must-bring bottle of wine to any party. Ahoy!

Weird History Food is opening up a can of History on Crystal Pepsi. What’s better than regular Coke? Clear Coke, of course! Or, at least that’s what a majority of the top soda brands in the US thought back in the early '90s. Leading the "Clear Cola Craze" was PepsiCo., which released the first of many clear cola beverages, with their aspirational hit Crystal Pepsi. Anyone who grew up in the 1990s is likely to recall the suspiciously pure-looking soda, and its just-as-curious departure from stock shelves nationwide. So, what really happened to Crystal Pepsi, and the clear-cola movement that succeeded it?

Weird History Food is getting some hot and tasty history of the Easy Bake Oven. One of the most iconic toys in our history, the Easy Bake Oven has helped teach young children cooking and baking techniques. While the Easy Bake has had its share of highs and lows, nobody can deny its place in our cultural zeitgeist. Let's all have a nice treat with this video on the Easy Bake Oven.

Weird History is heading back to the 80's for some long lost snacks! Names like Famous Amos and his crazy good cookies, Jell-O Pudding Pops, and Smurf Berry Crunch were kid favorites during the era. So grab a snack to munch on as you take a trip down food memory lane!

Weird History Food is tapping some boxed wine history! For over 50 years, boxed wine has seemingly waterfalled endless fountains of booze into the mouths of college kids and concertgoers alike. Some of us may have hazy memories of drinking from the wine bladder, or grabbing a box on the way to a party. Franzia Boxed wine was at the heart of it all, and yet, over the years, many labels jumped into the boxed wine game.... growing he reputation from its party animal past, into a respectable commodiyy. Grab yourself a glass of boxed wine and visually imbibe our latest offering!

Today, Weird History Food is having a look at some of your most favorite dishes! ..But, when first created, how did they ACTUALLY taste? Our palettes have experienced ever evolving flavors through the centuries, and these foods are no exception. So grab your favorite bite to eat, and let Weird History guide you back in time to how it tasted when it was first created!

"Mountain Dew" used to refer to illegally distilled liquor, or moonshine. Today, though, the phrase is associated with a line of sweet, caffeinated beverages made and distributed by PepsiCo – and very much legally. The name comes from the inventors, a pair of Tennessee bottlers who were searching for the perfect mixer. In the years since they first concocted Mountain Dew, their citrus-flavored soft drink has become one of the most popular sodas in the world.

Hey Weird History Food lovers, think you know your favorite foods? Take a trip back with us in time, to the circumstances and situations which created the impetus for some of the most tasty dishes we devour today! From native America Fry bread, to the tastiest of crispy Fried Chicken, this Weird History Food Episode is sure to be an eye opener!

This episode of Weird History Food Is taking you back - WAY back to the beginnings of the every elusive McRib. Here today, gone tomorrow, with only the fading memories of hat sweet sweet taste etched into the brain. Maybe you were the biggest fan? Maybe not, but, we all have memories of seeing the ads, and many hoping for the return...

Will they, Won't they? Can McD's bring back such fun on a bun? The insane rib rack with no bones?? Tune in and get some backstory on one of the Golden Arches' most storied and elusive creations!

Take a trip with Weird History Food, to the very germ of an idea that was breakfast sandwhiches. Though we have all lost count of exactly how many delectable Egg McMuffins we have all consumed, is hard to imagine a world in which Egg McMuffins just did not exist. How did they even come about? What brilliance created this morning mainstay?

Grab yourself a McMuffin or two, and scarf down this video treat - its available ALL Day, every Day!

Here at Weird History Food we are taking you on a stroll down memory lane - way back to another era, remembering those favorite snacks from the 90s! ...Push Pops, Sprinkle Spangles, or Butterfinger BB's? What were some of your childhood cravings that have seemed to gone the way of the Dodo?

Grab your current favorite snack, and take a stroll with us into the last century, to the time they called 'the ninties' and see what the kid's of the era craved!

We all know he feeling of craving our favorite mal, and not wanting to get off the couch. Maybe its raining outside? A blizzard? A full blown pandemic that kept everyone in their homes? Whatever the reason, the market of ordering by app, and 'food delivery' in general, has had a storied past!

Place an order on your favorite app, and as you wait for the food to arrive, have a look at the history which made that all possible!

You know them, you love them - the ever tasty Bagel Bites that exploded in popularity as the 80's became the 90s, and beyond! Sure, they have scorched a few mouths in their time, and yet it seems kids and adults alike just can't get enough of them! heat up some Bagel Bites and enjoy a taste of how they came to be - from their humble beginnings up to the behemoth snack we all know and love!

As the infectious jingle implies - you can have pizza any time!

Today we are taking a hazy trip through memory lane to our first time trying the good ol' 'hangover in a can'. 4Loko - a name that evokes all kinda of wild memories in hose who have partaken in its various forms. But how did this freaky concoction come to be? Who even dreamed this stuff up? And how has it managed to survive on shelves all this time?

Go get yourself a can of your favorite flavor, f you dare - have a sit n' sip and let us take you back in time to how this crazy premium malt beverage came to be. Cheers!

We've all been there - strolling into a 7-11 on a blazing hot Summer day, getting a large Slurpee and getting the biggest brain freeze ever! Great times, but, how did his place, eventually known as 7-11, come to be? Go get yourself a Big Gulp, or your favorite flavored Slurpee and join us as we walk through the past of what we now know as 7-11!

Today we are examining the clear, unfreezable liquor we all know as vodka! maybe you have memories of substituting vodka in a water bottle to imbibe at a festival, or, perhaps the memory of vodka still makes you break out in a cold sweat of hangovers past... come join us, with or without your favorite vodka cocktail, as we delve deep into the past of all things vodka!

Many would argue that there is nothing better than a chicken nugget. They're hot. They're crispy. They're undeniably delicious! But what exactly is the origin of this fried chicken goodness? And what mystery meat actually resides inside of them? Let's find out!

Today on Weird History we will delve deep into the past of everyone's beloved late night dining spot, Denny's. After a concert, having the munchies after a party, or whatever the reason, Denny's has always been a great all night option. Join us as we walk through to Denny's humble beginnings as a donut shop, and trace how it became the place we all know and love!

Ahh... the diet drink phase... Tab, Diet Rite, even Coca Cola got into the craze! Come join us as we trace the origins of diet soda, and how Diet Coke emerged and took over the minds of so many over the years! With so many flavors and options, what's yours?

We've all drank, and we've all had our own personal booze filled disasters, but, did you know that in history, two major 'booze disasters' eclipse them all? Take a mental stroll with us through history, and examine with us the great beer flood that happened in London, and the time the most unthinkable happened: That crazy fateful day that Russia ran out of Vodka!

Picture the scene - its a blazing hot summer day, or, maybe even just late lat night and you are restless..you drive out to a local McDonald's drive through only to be told once again, 'sorry, the machine is down'. In fact that situation didn't happen just to you - i happens many times, to many people all over the country! What does it happen so frequently? What is this Ice Cream machine curse that seems t have such a hold on McDona'd's nationwide? Come join us as we get down o what exactly plagues he golden arches to this day!

All throughout the 80s and 90s, one thing was clear - there was a battle on, and that battle raged between 7Up and Sprite. Join us as we walk through the past, seeing how these two titans came to be, and recounting the various marketing battles that were had! Which is your favorite? 7Up, or, Sprite?

Today on Weird History Food, we are looking at the phenomenon known as Crumble - maybe you've liked someon's post of a Crumbl cookie on Scuial Media? Maybe uoi were lucky enough to live near one of their brick and Mortar stores from the very beginning!COme with us as we look into how two college aged cousins had an idea that literally went viral, creating the sensation we all know today!

Today on Weird History Food we are examining how one of the world's BEST breath Fresheners got it start. Bad Breath has plagued everyone since the dawn of time, and various cultures had their own ways of dealing with it.... Until one day, and Italian company created the small powerhouse breath freshener we all know today!

In the battle of heavy hitters Gatorade and Powerade, the winner (by numbers) is clear. Today at Weird History Food, we are looking back at the genesis of he behemoth known as Gatorade, and how it forged a path for its more modern competitor, Powerade.

How did Gatorade come to be, and what of the battle of thirst quenchers? Join us as we get down into the dirty history of how all has played out!

Today on Weird History Food We Are Delving Deep into the coolest lunch kit ever - Lunchables! They were ubiquitous during lunchtime gin the 90s, all the way to today, boasting a huge variety of combinations. Perhaps you remember having one at lunchtime in the 90s, or even more recently, and take a trip with us to found out how this phenomenon came to be!

Today On Weird History we re diving deep into that most incredible food invention, the burrito - travel around with us as we go into the history and origins of some of the most favorite types of burritos we have all chowed down on at one point or another. Whether late night after the bar, 1st thing in the AM or at high noon - burritos are great at ay time day or night! ....Which is YOUR favorite, and where can WE find it?

Ahh... malls... Depicted in 80s films, they were a huge pasttime for MANY people, young and old, since the 1960s.... One major draw was the incredible addition of food courts - Who even Dreamed up this concept? Maybe you have many memories of a bygone era spending weekends hanging with friends at the mall, or, maybe your only impression is watching explorers on youtube traverse mall carcasses.Whatever your experience, join us today as we examine how these all came to be, and what exactly happened to them!

Sunny Delight - that ndiscribable orange bottle of sunshine that we all remember was chosen over 'some purple stuff' in a fridge. The 90s were Sunny Delights era to shine for sure, but, it was create many moons before. Come take a trip to a time when this concoction was fisrst developed, and ride the wave with us on the pah to the modern Sunny D, which now comes in many colors, and even with alcohol!

Today We at Weird History Food dive deep ino to the beginnings of Dairy Queen - home of the one and only Blizzard! Maybe you have one near you? Maybe you live in a 'Dairy Queen Desert' only to dream you had one nearby. Whatever the case, come with us as we explore how a certain concoction took hold in Southern California and never let go!

Oh, the ups and downs of being Jack in the Box... Through the years, Jack has been part of the birth of a business, death of an ego, and rebirth into the modern mascot we are all so familiar with! Join us as we delve into the life and times of 'The other' Clown, Mr. Jack I. Box, moving through the history of Jack in the Box!

Coscto has been doing everyone a solid for nearly 40 years - if you have been to the Cosco Food Court in he last decades, you have noticed a remarkable feat - he cos of the Costco hotdog has NEVER budged! How are they able to do this? What sort of 'anti inflation' magic is happening here? ...and how did this all begin? Come ake a trip to understand how all came to be..

Today on Weird History Food, we delve deep into the tart world of Pop Tarts! Whether they are the first thing you scarf down in the AM, or the last thing you eat late a night, these warm toasty wonders have been a staple favorite for decades! Exactly who made them? Where did the name come from? How did they evolve into the wonders we know today? ...and, finally, why ARE there two in each package?

Grab 'em if you got 'em, and enjoy this video with us - just don't burn the roof of your mouth!

Today on Weird History we are taking you on a mental walkabout to the Outback Steakhouse! How exactly did this kitschy 'Australian' dining experience come about, and did it seriously originate in Australia, or, somewhere entirely different? ...and what is with that bloomin' onion, anyway?

Maybe you have eaten there once, twice, or more - if you hav, tell us in the comments what is YOUR favorite outback steakhouse offering!

Today on Weird History Food we are examining the 2004 breakout film 'Supersize Me' by Morgan Spurlock. For a 'documentary', this expose took the country by storm, even being nominated for an Oscar. The film rooted itself deep into the public consciousness for a number of years, until skeptics began to try and replicate Spurlock's claims. Ever since its release, more and people have begun to question its claims, and various legal woes have further dispelled the connection between the physical effects Spurlock experienced and his diet of McDonald's food. Maybe you have seen the film, or maybe you know of these controversies that have erupted in the years since its release!

Today on Weird History Food, we dive deep into the feasting and pageantry of the one and only 'Medieval Times' dinner theater! The Chivalrous History Of Medieval Times spans all the way back to an event held in the 1770s, which at that time harkened back to the glorious Medieval times of England... Over time, new American interest in European medieval games took hold, eventually spawning what we now know as Medieval Times Restaurant. Maybe you've been? Maybe you've always wanted to go? Whatever the case, come take a trip in time with us and see how this way of knight life came to be.

Today on Weird History food, we check out 'The Heart Attack Grill'. Many years ago, one man had an idea for the ultimate restaurant that had food literally 'to die for'. As an ex 'Jenny Craig' dealer, Dr. Jon Basso decided that he wanted to do something different.. What transpired was the only dining establishment where the owner HIMSELF will tell you - the food served should be avoided at all costs! ...But, does anyone listen? And who dares attempt eating the Octuple bypass burger? Come with us as we explore the history of the Heart Attack Grill!!

Today on Weird History Food, we are going into the murky origins of Shasta. Some (or many) might call it an imposter of sorts, but, how well do you really KNOW Shasta soft drinks? Sure, many of its flavors tasted EERILY similar to the classics, but, they sure didn't start out that way... Take a journey with us to the humble bubbling water origins in Siskiyou County, California - in the shadow of Mount Shasta.. Tracing the patchy history of how Shasta 'growth hacked' its way into what we know today!

Today on Weird History Food, we are going back in time to the iconic Jelly Bean company's beginnings... Oh, what a storied road Jelly Belly has taken to get to our modern age - from candy dishes at the White House itself to partnering up with the Harry Potter franchise, how exactly did it become the candy we all know and love today? How did it develop flavors that became a sort of 'tasty roulette' in the form of a board game?

Today on Weird History Food we are looking ino a long standing question - as old as bagels and donuts themselves! ...Exactly why IS i that Bagels and Donuts have holes? Who decided that, and what is the reason for it? Many theories and ideas abund, but, join us as we uncover the abesolute tasty truth of both!

Today n Weird History Food, we are going deep into the past of hat restaurant we all know with the big red roof.. and that great personal pan Pizza... Stroll into the past with us as we look at how two brothers took a risk with heir mom's money, and it paid off... From the people ht fought hard during h 90s Pizza Wars, and gave us all the 'Big Foot Pizza', find out why nobody outpizzas the hut!

Today on Weird History Food, we are delving into the history of Wonka Candy Company! Which came first? Willy Wonka or the Real Life Wonka Candy Company? The film or the chocolate bar? SO many questions! Join us through fascinating tale of life imitating art, a major food company decided to take the reigns on the candy, tethering itself to what amounted to a box office failure. Throughout time, and twists of fate, Wonka Candy endured and gave us some of our favorites!

Today on Weird History Food we travel the globe to check out all the many ic cream styles that were spawned from various places! Ice cream is that incredible invention that can almost NOT go wrong. Do you like your Italian Gelato? Your Thai I-Tim-Pad? Or how about midwestern frozen custard (with chunks of cookies or candy thrown in)? This shout out of history is for all you Ice Cream lovers out there! Let us know what YOUR favorite is!

You scream, I scream We ALL Scream for Ice Cream!

Today on Weird History Food we are examining that fast food phenomenon that involves a patty made of fish. Once considered a risky endeavor, the Filet-o-Fish became so sought after on Fridays, particularly during the season of Lent, that all competing fast food joints jumped on the boat and created their own version of the Filet--o-Fish sandwich!

Join us us as we explore how this fish sandwich found its way onto fast food menus across the board!

Bread is the stuff of life, and i has a LOONG and storied role in the story of humans. Today on Weird History Food, we are going back in time to he beginnings of bread! Form ancient Mesopotamia all the way up to a most favorite 2020 Pandemic Era pasttime. Do you bake bread? What is your favorite kind of bread to eat? Let us know in the comments!

Today on Weird History Food, we are examining the definition of a sandwich. Is it an age old question, or an internet generated spark for the battle royale of keyboard warriors the world over? In the interest of convenience, people have always been looking to wrap up ingredients for easier eating. Was it the Earl of Sandwich that gave the sandwich its the name? ...And what of 'so called' hot dogs, wraps, and even those odd open faced 'sandwiches'? Well, go ahead, tell us what you think, and why!

Today on Weird History we delve deep into that favorite concoction, the margarita! The source of many of our BEST nights, and possibly worst 'mornings after'! But, who was the first person to get drunk off a margarita? And who may have made that first mixer elixir? Join us as we go back in time, down Mexico way, to explore the invention of frozen margaritas, and who my have been he first to create, and imbibe, this glorious concoction. And while you're at it, let us know in the comments which is YOUR favorite kind of margarita to get tipsy on! Cheers!

Today on Weird History Food wqe are delving deep into the McDonald's menu. Evern deeper than Morgan Spurlock in his investigative film 'Super Size Me!'. We've seen how he meticulously ate everything on the McMenu, but, how exactly did that menu evolve through the years? How did their most famous sandwiches and burgers come to be, and who started it all? Join us as we trace the beginnings of the Big Bac, the Filet-o-fish, and the very humble menu of offerings that McDonald's gave to the world at the very sart!

Today on Weird History food, we are talking about something so good it even has a day of the week dedicated to it. Today we are talkin' tacos!! Hard tacos, soft tacos, and all manner of recipes!! Come with us as we dive deep into where the first tacos were likely made, and trace the history of hw this beloved dish conquered the world!! We all may have a favorite kind... tells us what yours is, and where if can be found! Long Live Taco Tuesdays!!