Mental Floss: Food History

How did gummy bears go from niche German sweet to the world's favorite gelatin candy? On today's episode, we're breaking down the history of gummy bears. From Turkish delight to Haribo to centuries of animal abuse, the path to gummy bears isn't always sweet.

The McDonald's Happy Meal is an iconic part of many people's childhoods. The toys, the box, the perfectly-sized portions... But did McDonald's steal the idea from another restaurant? On today's episode, we're breaking down the history of the Happy Meal. From million-dollar lawsuits to a brilliant experiment in Guatemala, the path to the famous McDonald's kid's meal can be a bit controversial.

Molecular gastronomy is the fusion of food, art, and science. But how did we go from respectable culinary scientists to exuberant table-side pyrotechnics? On today's episode, we're talking to author and historian Dr. Harold McGee about the fascinating history of molecular gastronomy. Was it an important part of food history, or an elitist misstep?

The history of pretzels is almost as twisted and delicious as the salty treats. Some say the origins of pretzels are rooted in Christianity, others in paganism. So... how did they end up as street food and baseball game fare? On today's episode, we're breaking down the history of the pretzel. From soft to hard, the twisted treats have a long and complicated journey to the street cart in Philadelphia.

Who really was Prince Ranji Smile? This mysterious chef dazzled America at the turn of the century with his delicious curry and bombastic personality. He was in newspapers all across America for his cooking AND gossip-fueled personal life. So why don't we know his name anymore?

California rolls are a well-known type of sushi in the United States, but how does it differ from Japanese cuisine?

Who was Eliza Acton? Who invented the modern cookbook? Acton was a struggling poet who went to revolutionize cookbooks. Her recipes aimed at the average home cook helped the culinary arts become more accessible, and allowed the cookbook to grow into what we know it as today. So why don't we know her name anymore?