More Than Just What's For Dinner
Some foods do far more than satisfy hunger because they can influence agriculture, trade, technology, culture, and even the way meals fit into everyday life. Ingredients and dishes that seem completely ordinary now have sometimes transformed entire eating habits, whether by making food easier to preserve, introducing new flavors across continents, or creating entirely new ways to dine. From potatoes and tomatoes to frozen dinners and fast food, these 20 foods helped change what people eat and how they eat it.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes quickly became one of the most significant staple foods in the world. Easy to grow and produce in high quantities, potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways and are useful for both farmers and urban citizens. The widespread cultivation of potatoes also greatly impacted Europe's population growth and stability.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes spread across the world and became a core ingredient in cuisines everywhere they went. In Europe, people couldn't have imagined Italian, Spanish, and Mediterranean dishes without tomatoes. Today, tomatoes can be used in sauces, soups, pizzas, salads, and more.
3. Corn
Corn has been enjoyed for thousands of years in the Americas and impacted food culture worldwide. Corn can be consumed as a vegetable or processed into corn flour, tortillas, or even corn syrup. Modern cultures also use corn to produce sweeteners, starch, oil, and cattle feed.
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4. Wheat
The cultivation of wheat allowed for the development of bread, pasta, pastries, and so much more. Wheat could be ground into flour, allowing civilizations to create fillings and food that could last for a long time and be easily transported. Wheat continues to be one of the world's leading crops today.
5. Rice
Asia is home to some of the largest rice producers. It has been used for thousands of years to feed large populations across the continent. Whether it's served on the side, blended into a dessert, or used to make sushi or rice noodles, rice can do it all.
6. Sugar
Sugar made sweet treats more accessible than ever before. After sugar production began in earnest and prices went down, sugar was found in desserts, drinks, sauces, and processed foods regularly. Its growing availability helped reshape what consumers expected food to taste like.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate is enjoyed worldwide, but it started out as a bitter drink in Mesoamerica. When Europeans colonized the region, they turned the snack into a sweet treat by mixing the cocoa with sugar and other ingredients. Chocolate is now used to make chocolate bars, candies, cakes, cookies, and more.
8. Salt
Salt has been used by civilizations for thousands of years. It was one of the most important ingredients for preservation. People could keep meat, fish, and vegetables edible for much longer by salting them. Its role eventually expanded beyond preservation, making salt one of the most fundamental seasonings in virtually every cuisine.
9. Soybeans
Soybeans are responsible for some of the most famous Chinese foods, including tofu, soy sauce, miso, and tempeh. Like peanut butter, soybeans are versatile and can be used in many dishes. Soy is used regularly to make meat alternatives and is used in many processed foods.
10. Coffee
Whether they start their day with coffee or reach for a cup while working, people around the globe consume caffeine daily. Coffee has become associated with friends and conversations while drinking at cafes or coffee shops. It wasn't always consumed this way, but coffee did change how people socialized with one another.
11. Tea
Tea is now one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It originated in Asia and spread throughout the world over time. Many different cultures have their own way of preparing tea and unique customs surrounding their tea.
12. Bread
The creation of bread dates back to roughly 8000 B.C. In ancient times, people would grind grain and mix it with water. Now we have breadcrumbs, sandwich bread, flatbread, pita, rolls, and so much more. It doesn't matter where you look; bread is likely a staple diet of some kind.
13. Pasta
Pasta made it possible for people to take their grains and turn them into delicious meals. Pasta could be combined with anything under the sun, creating Italian classics like tomato sauce and meatballs. Not only did pasta allow for creativity in the kitchen, but it could also be dried and saved for later.
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14. Canned Food
Canned food allows food to be preserved for months or even years at a time. There are so many types of canned food, from vegetables and fruits to soup and soup mixes. Canned food allowed people to travel without having to worry about fresh produce spoiling on long trips.
15. Ice Cream
Ice cream made having dessert after dinner a daily possibility for many. Unlike treats that need to be baked, ice cream can be stored if there are leftovers. Companies began to mass-produce ice cream once freezing technology became more advanced.
16. Pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. With its Italian roots, pizza has made its way around the world and can be found just about anywhere. The rise of pizzerias, delivery services, and frozen versions also helped pizza become a routine meal rather than a specialty dish.
17. Hamburgers
Contrary to popular belief, hamburgers did not originate in Hamburg. Instead, they are another one of America's creations. Hamburgers changed how people thought about fast food because they could now eat with their hands. Nowadays, hamburgers can be found at restaurants and fast food chains all over the world.
18. French Fries
French fries are one of the leading side orders to accompany a meal. Whether they're seasoned or served plain, fries can be eaten by just about anyone. French fries go great with hamburgers, sandwiches, chicken, salads, and much more.
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19. Breakfast Cereal
Cereal is one of those things that everyone should keep in their pantry. Not only is it a great hearty breakfast, but it can be really fun to eat. Cereal eventually became a standard pantry item for households looking for a fast breakfast.
20. Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners allow you to heat up a meal instead of preparing it yourself. There are frozen meals for every occasion. Whether you're eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, companies have made frozen dinners that provide you with a well-rounded meal. Frozen dinners are quick and easy, giving you more time to do things you enjoy.
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