Fri Sep 20 07:01:00 UTC 2024: ## From Syllabub to Freakshakes: A History of Food Fads
**Jamie, founder of Listverse and a published author, delves into the fascinating history of food trends, showcasing how these culinary crazes have captivated societies for centuries.**
While social media has undeniably amplified the spread of food fads, these trends are far from a modern phenomenon. From colonial Williamsburg’s obsession with syllabub in the 18th century to the “congealed salads” that brought a glimmer of joy to Depression-era families, the article explores ten captivating examples of food fads that emerged, swept across continents, and ultimately faded away.
**The article highlights a diverse range of trends, including:**
* **The “Jell-O” craze of the 1930s:** Congealed salads offered a cheap and cheerful way for families to enjoy a treat during the Great Depression.
* **Wheatgrass’s unexpected rise to stardom in the 1950s:** A woman named Ann Wigmore promoted the benefits of wheatgrass, claiming it held mystical healing powers, despite its lack of scientific evidence.
* **The “Space Age” obsession with freeze-dried food in the 1960s:** Fueled by the Space Race, Americans sought to emulate the astronauts’ diet, leading to a surge in the consumption of freeze-dried meals.
* **The bizarre trend of “dirt” garnishes in the late 1990s and early 2000s:** Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant, renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy, sparked a trend with its “dirt” garnish – a concoction of dried malt and beer resembling soil.
* **The global domination of cheese tea in the early 2000s:** This unique beverage, combining iced tea and cheese, swept across Asia and even made its way to the US and Europe, though it never reached the same level of popularity.
* **The provocative “nyotaimori” sushi trend in Japan:** Restaurants in Japan began serving sushi on naked female models, a practice that drew attention but remained primarily a Japanese phenomenon.
* **The deep-fried food frenzy of the 2010s:** From deep-fried crocodiles to tarantulas, the trend took hold in American state fairs, fueled by social media and a love for the unusual.
* **The rise of the “freakshake” in the 2010s:** This milkshake on steroids, overloaded with sweets, captured attention through its visually appealing, albeit overly indulgent, presentation.
* **The fleeting popularity of glitter cappuccinos in 2017:** Coffee houses embraced the trend, adding edible glitter to their creations, but concerns about its safety ultimately led to its downfall.
The article serves as a reminder that food fads, though fleeting, often reflect the societal values, anxieties, and aspirations of their time. They offer a glimpse into how people sought to express themselves, connect with others, and experience novelty in their culinary choices.
First Piper 