Grocery shopping these days comes with an entire slew of items that were first made possible by Uncle Sam. Decades after their invention, however, those foods have stuck around for the masses to enjoy. Take a look at these popular food items that you never knew were first introduced by the U.S. Government.
Cheetos
Yes, Cheetos, as in the stain-your-hands orange crunchers that you either love or hate. The cheesy concoction has a much richer history than most realize. The U.S. military actually invented the powder that makes Cheetos possible during World War I. Looking for a way to preserve cheese, a dehydrated cheese “dust” was made.
Soon after, it was used on a wide range of foods for the military, including noodles, sandwiches, and main courses. The powder then made its way to Frito-Lay after the end of World War II, when it was used to coat puffed, crunchy corn, thus introducing the world to the Cheetos we all know and enjoy.
M&M Chocolates
Anyone who has mailed a care package during the summer knows that chocolate and heat do not mix. That was the very problem candy makers faced during WWII; they wanted to be able to distribute chocolate to soldiers (who definitely deserved a pick-me-up like a sweet treat!) without it melting and making a huge mess.
Enter Forrest Mars Sr., of MarsBars fame, who created a candy coating that could withstand much higher temperatures. As sugar was banned to the public during wartime, it was reserved for soldiers to enjoy. Once the rations were lifted, M&Ms were mass-produced and enjoyed by all.
Sliced Bread
Culinary Specialist Seaman James Fleming, from New York, prepares sandwiches aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is currently undergoing an operational training period in preparation for future deployments. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ignacio D. Perez/ Released)
It’s the greatest thing since … bread that wasn’t pre-sliced. Which was actually cut and then treated with an “anti-staling” ingredient that kept bread fresh enough to travel to soldiers, especially those stationed overseas. Before the new addition, bread would have gone moldy before it could be enjoyed by soldiers waiting for their nourishment. T
To combat this, the military hired professionals to increase its shelf life, therefore creating more food for its forces to eat. The rest of the world simply reaped the benefits.
Pre-Packaged Items
Once again, items were made shelf-stable due to the need for long-lasting food items. Through the process of high-pressure sealing, fresh foods were preserved to last for an extended period. This process is still used today for guacamole, deli meats, salsas, and hummus.
Instant Coffee
Soldiers have enjoyed coffee since before the country’s existence. However, it was hard to come by, and instead, they created subpar alternatives. That is, until it was made portable with the invention of instant coffee. By freeze-drying tiny grounds, coffee could be made quickly and without additional equipment.
