1920-1930
Gummi Bears - 1920
Specifically the rubbery-textured, jelly baby-like, bear-shaped
candy was invented by candy maker Johannes Peter "Hans" Riegel
(b. March 10, 1923).
Wonder Bread-1921
In 1921, the Taggert Baking Company of Indianapolis was
planning to launch its 1.5 pound loaf of bread. Elmer Cline was
charged with finding a name for the new bread.
Girl Scout Cookies - 1922
In the 1920s and 1930s, Girl Scouts in different parts of the
country continued to bake their own simple sugar cookies with
their mothers. These cookies were packaged in wax paper
bags, sealed with a sticker, and sold door to door for 25 to 35
cents per dozen.
Popsicles - 1923
These treats were often hawked by people of Italian descent,
who were versed in the fine art of granita.
Frozen Foods - 1924
When we crave fresh fruits and vegetables in the middle of winter,
we can thank Clarence Birdseye for the next best thing. Clarence
Birdseye invented, developed, and commercialized a method for
quick-freezing food products in convenient packages and without
altering the original taste. While Clarence Birdseye has become
a household name, his process has evolved into a multi-billion
dollar industry.
Jujyfruit Candy - 1925
Classic example of ancient fruit valued for medicinal properties
now consumed as movie candy. The jujubes we enjoy today
descend from a long and venerable tradition of fruit gums and
pastes. Most of us are surprised to learn this candy's name is
not a fanciful imaginary word. It actually comes from a real fruit,
native to the Old World. About Jujube trees.
Ice Cream Sandwiches - 1926
The history of the ice cream sandwich can be traced to Renaissance-era
English trifles and 18th century Charlottes, rich compositions of
sweet cream and biscuits. Advances in freezer technology made
ice cream available to many Europeans and Americans by the 18th century
Kool-Aid - 1927
Kool-Aid-a name simple but catchy, a product unprepossessing but
salable. Today, a household word for millions. The Kool-Aid story is
the American dream come true, the classic tale of a young man with
brains, imagination, a strong work ethic and merchandising ability
who was able to parlay a few simple chemicals into a multi-million
dollar business--rising from sodhouse to mansion in one lifetime.
Gerber's Babyfood - 1928
In 1867 a pharmacist named Henri Nestlé was asked to look in on
a neighbor’s child who couldn’t breastfeed. The baby thrived on the
special mixture Henri created. Soon Nestlé’s innovation—the world’s
first infant food—was being sold throughout Europe, and the first
infant food company, Farine Lactée Henri Nestlé, was launched.
Twizzlers - 1929
Y&S Candies, the manufacturers of TWIZZLER candy, was one
of the first confectionery firms in North America. The company was
established in 1845 as Young and Smylie and adopted Y&S as its
trade-mark in 1870. National Licorice Company was created in 1902
through the merger of three small firms: Young & Smylie, S.V. & F.P.
Schudder and H.W. Petherbridge.
Twinkies - 1930
The “Twinkie” cake was invented in the 1930s in the Midwest, but the
deep-fried Twinkie was invented in Brooklyn. Christopher Sell (originally from
England) opened a Brooklyn fish & chips restaurant called the Chip Shop.
He experimented with frying other foods and the deep-fried Twinkie was born.