They’re a must-have at the movies, a popular trick-or-treat snack, and good for just crunching away the stress of being an American. But did you know Licorice Allsorts has a fascinating history unparalleled among most other candy?
The idea for Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts was quite literally stumbled upon in 1899 when a fumbling company rep Charlie Thompson tripped over, sending rows of neatly separated sweets flying. On seeing the bright mix of shapes and colors jumbled together, a customer was inspired and immediately placed an order for a mixed delivery, which eventually snowballed into their success.
TV Dinners
Love 'em or hate 'em, TV dinners are a staple food in many American homes. From low-cost budget dishes to higher-end organic dinners, aisles are fully stocked with these pre-made, ready-to-eat meals. And while some evolved far beyond their humble meat-and-potato origins, some have remained true to their classic form.
Despite attempts in the early 1940s to break into the ready-meal market, it wasn't until Swanson Foods made a business blunder that left it with 520,000lbs of excess turkey after Thanksgiving in 1953 that TV dinners triumphantly made their way into households. Ticked-off bosses requested their staff to think up a way to avoid wasting it, and a ready-made meal that looked like a TV was the answer.
Soda Floats
Soda floats are a classic explosion of cold refreshment that we haven’t thought much about since we graduated high school. The most well-known story of the soda float dates back to the late 19th century. Robert Green, an owner of a soda shop in Philly, would use carbonated water, sugar syrup, and cream to make beverages.
However, one day he ran out of whipped cream and decided to used ice cream instead. But this story has a few contenders, one where George Guy, one of Robert Green’s employees, alleges he was the inventor.
Eton Mess
The generally accepted story of British dessert Eton mess is that a strawberry, meringue, and cream pudding was dropped at an Eton College vs. Harrow School cricket match in the late 19th century.
Rather than waste the food, it was simply scooped up off the floor and served as is in individual bowls. The first record of Eton mess ever published dates back to 1893.
Jelly Beans
There seems to be an agreement among jelly bean experts and other knowledgeable beings about this candy's origins. Many experts believe jelly beans are a descendant of a Middle Eastern treat known as Turkish Delight.
If you're not familiar with Turkish Delight, it is a Turkish delicacy with a gummy-like center that is a mixture of starch, sugar, and chopped fruit or nuts. It was also in the mid-1800s when an unknown candy maker in Boston reportedly took Turkish Delights and experimented with them; eventually, he created a smooth shell — to form jelly beans as we know them today.