Hormel Foods introduced Spam in 1937 as processed canned pork and ham. Product gained popularity during World War II as military rationed meat. Over 150 million pounds of Spam were purchased by U.S. military. Product reached 41 countries by 2003, with 100+ trademarked products
Created by Cornell University professor Robert C. Baker in 1950s. Initially called "Chicken Crispies" and solved meat clumping problems. First dinosaur-shaped nuggets trademarked by Perdue Farms in 1991
Solid chocolate was consumed by Aztecs before European arrival. Chocolate was initially sold as ground cocoa for drinking. First mass-produced chocolate bars appeared in late 18th century
Taffy was invented in the United States around 1817. Made by stretching and pulling a soft base candy until aerated. Word "taffy" first appeared in US around 1817
First hamburger likely originated in Hamburg, Germany as ground beef patty. Hamburg steak became popular in New York port restaurants in late 19th century. Meat grinder invention in early 19th century facilitated hamburger production. Hamburg steak became affordable and accessible to working class
Humans have hunted and farmed animals since prehistory. Neolithic Revolution enabled domestication of vertebrates 11,000 years ago. Modern meat production increased from 30% to 40% of world meat by 2005. Meat production uses 40% of global land surface