Everyone has a favorite snack. Whether it’s a savory treat like Lay’s potato chips or something sweet like Milky Way bars, each of these foods has a unique history.
Have you ever thought about the role that your favorite snacks play in defining different cities and towns? Not everyone knows about Dayton, OH, the birthplace of the Cheez-It, but what American hasn’t tried these tasty cheese crackers at some point in their life?
Now, you can find out about the humble origins of your favorite snack foods. Have fun learning about where these tasty treats come from, and bon appétit!
Cheez-Its – Dayton, OH
The very first Cheez-It was baked in Dayton, OH, in 1921 by the Green & Green Company. At that time, Cheez-Its were being marketed as “baked rarebit squares.” While the name didn’t stick, the cracker itself went on to become one of the world’s favorite snacks.
Lay’s Potato Chips – Nashville, TN
Most people know Nashville, TN, as the Music City. However, it’s also the original home of the ever-popular Lay’s potato chip. Herman Lay began selling his chips during the Great Depression, and by 1939, Lay’s was a well-known brand nationwide.
Planters Peanuts – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Planters peanuts are one of the quintessential American snack foods, so it comes as a surprise to some people that a 14-year-old Italian immigrant founded the company. Amedeo Obici, a Wilkes-Barre resident, invented the brand in 1906, but it gained widespread popularity in 1916 with the introduction of Mr. Peanut.
Milky Way – Minneapolis, MN
Inspired by the flavor of milkshakes, Frank Mars made the first Milky Way bar in 1923 in Minneapolis, MN. While the Milky Way was Mars’ first stab at confectionary greatness, he then went on to create other popular sweets, including the Snickers bar and 3 Musketeers.
Cracker Jack – Chicago, IL
Cracker Jack is one of the longest-lasting snack food brands in the United States. The delicious caramel-coated popcorn and peanut product was first introduced to the public at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The snack became a beloved family favorite thanks to the toy prizes that came in every box.
Cheetos – San Antonio, TX
When most people think of Cheetos, they’re imagining the puffed variety that is most popular today. The original Cheetos, invented in the 1940s by a San Antonio resident named Charles Elmer Doolin, were crunchy. However, the American people have spoken, and most are saying that puffed Cheetos are the way to go.
Snyder’s Pretzels – Hanover, PA
Not far from Wilkes-Barre, Hanover, PA, is also home to one of America’s most famous snacks. Snyder’s of Hanover began as a local company with roots dating back to the early 1900s. Over time, it beat out the competition and evolved into one of the country’s largest and best-known pretzel companies.
Pez Candy – Orange, CT
Technically, Pez candy was invented in Austria. However, it’s largely considered an iconic American snack food thanks to the Pez Visitor Center in Orange, CT. The Pez Visitor Center is located at the company’s US headquarters and acts as an homage to the candy’s cult following.
Famous Amos Cookies – Los Angeles, CA
Famous Amos cookies don’t have quite the pedigree associated with most of the snacks on this list. They were invented in 1975 by Wally Amos, who used a borrowed recipe. This LA-based treat makes the list because it helped to pioneer the upscale packaged snacks we now know and love.
Moon Pies – Chattanooga, TN
Most people know what Moon Pies are. Few are aware of the chocolate-coated marshmallow sandwich’s humble origins, though. Moon Pies were initially developed in 1917 by the Chattanooga Bakery and marketed as a filling snack for local coal miners. Since then, their reach has spread, and they’re now a popular treat across the South.
