Food has always been a big deal in our lives, from way back in ancient times to today’s kitchens. Certain food facts are just too weird or surprising to pass up. In this article, we will look at some of the strangest tidbits about food from history and now. Prepare for some wild culinary revelations!
1. Microwave-Safe Doesn’t Mean Chemical-Free
If you see “microwave-safe” on plastic containers, all it means is that the container won’t melt or warp inside a microwave. But that says nothing about whether carcinogenic chemicals will leach into your food when heated. The better practice would be to transfer food, when possible, to glass or ceramic containers.
2. Kraft Dinner: Canada’s Comfort Food
There is just something so quintessentially Canadian about Kraft Macaroni and Cheese-what most Canadians refer to as “Kraft Dinner.” Invented in the Depression era, Kraft Dinner has grown to be a staple within Canadian households. Few people cook it precisely according to the box instructions; most have their own recipes that involve wieners or additional cheese. Some even refer to Kraft Dinner as Canada’s “True National Dish.”
3. The Largest Meal Ever Eaten
In 1983, a 23-year-old woman from the UK set a grim record after consuming a staggering 19 pounds of food in just four hours. This massive meal remains the largest ever documented, though it sadly resulted in her death.
4. Steve Jobs’ Bizarre Eating Habits
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs often went on extreme eating regimens, sticking to just one or two foods—like carrots or apples—for weeks. He even believed his all-fruit diet meant he didn’t need to shower, much to the dismay of his coworkers. Actor Ashton Kutcher tried copying this diet while preparing for his role as Jobs in a biopic and ended up in the hospital twice with pancreatitis!
5. Gerber’s Flop With Adult Baby Food
In the 1970s, Gerber, the baby food giant, tried marketing “Gerber Singles” for young adults and college students. These “meals in a jar,” with offerings like “Beef Burgundy,” failed miserably. Apparently, adults didn’t find the idea of eating pureed meals out of a jar quite as appealing as babies do.
6. Men and Women’s Very Different Eating Preferences
A study on food and gender revealed some surprising patterns. Men overwhelmingly prefer meat and tend to eat faster, while women gravitate toward vegetables, chocolate, and whole grains. Men often feel hungry before dinner, but women are more likely to snack throughout the day, especially in the morning.
7. Ancient Rome Had Take-Out
Long before the modern food delivery revolution, ancient Romans were enjoying their own version of takeout. Over 200 street-side restaurants in Pompeii offered meals to go. Most homes didn’t even have kitchens, suggesting that cooking at home was far from common.
These fun and quirky facts show just how deeply food is intertwined with culture, history, and even our personal habits. Maybe next time you sit down to eat, you might remember some of these strange food facts!
