America’s Eats

How did Jell-O go from an elaborate luxury to one of America’s most famous convenience foods—and eventually to tuna suspended in lime gelatin?

In this episode of America’s Eats, we trace the surprising history of Jell-O from Peter Cooper’s nineteenth-century gelatin experiments and Pearle Wait’s 1897 product through mass advertising, recipe booklets, home economics, electric refrigeration, savory Jell-O salads, Ring-Around-the-Tuna, and Bill Cosby’s long association with the brand.

Along the way, Jell-O reveals something larger about American food history: how our ideas about convenience, modernity, good cooking, and sophisticated taste can change completely from one generation to the next.

America’s Eats tells the surprising history of America through the food Americans eat. Follow the show for new episodes every Tuesday.

Ever wondered about the humble green bean casserole? This Thanksgiving staple has a fascinating history, and it all started with a humble Campbell's Soup employee named Dorcas Reilly. Join us as we delve into the story of this iconic dish, from its humble beginnings to its rise as a beloved Thanksgiving tradition.

Get ready to jiggle with delight as we dive into the wonderfully weird world of Jell-O! From its humble beginnings as a 19th-century flop to its mid-century reign as America's favorite dessert, we'll uncover the surprising history of this wobbly wonder. We'll explore Jell-O's rise to fame, its iconic flavors and molds, and those questionable "congealed salads" that thankfully faded into the past (mostly). So grab a spoon and join us for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we celebrate the jiggly, wiggly, and undeniably delicious history of Jell-O!

Turkeys have been the most iconic part of American dinner tables on Thanksgiving for well over a century now. But just how did they come to be there and did it really start with the first thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and American Indians in 1621? Listen to find out!

You'd be hard pressed to find a Chinese restaurant in the United States that does not serve some version of General Tso's Chicken. It might also be called General Gao's Chicken or another similar name. But who was General Tso, and why do American's eat a dish named after him? Listen to this episode to find out!

Candy Corn is one of the most controversial candies of Halloween. Some love it and other hate it. Whether you like it or not, it's certainly among the most recognizable of American candies with its history dating back to end of the nineteenth century. 

What came first, the chocolate chip cookie or the chocolate chip? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of America's Eats we explore the storied history of the chocolate chip cookie.

Discover the surprising origins of two beloved holiday traditions: eggnog and candy canes. From ancient English drinks to Victorian-era sweets, this episode delves into the fascinating history behind these festive favorites. Learn about the cultural significance, culinary evolution, and enduring appeal of eggnog and candy canes. Tune in for a delightful journey through time, exploring the sweet and savory stories that have shaped our holiday celebrations.

Hamburgers are a global food phenomenon enjoyed by billions of people each year. In this episode we explore the history of the hamburger and it went from rags to riches. 

Hot chocolate. It's warm, it's wonderful, but just how did this rich warm drink become an American wintertime favorite? Today, we explore the history of hot chocolate.