Let's travel back in time to taste-test the world's most unusual food!

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1930s in Corbin, Kentucky. Sanders began by selling fried chicken at his roadside restaurant during the Great Depression, where he perfected his unique blend of 11 herbs and spices. His chicken became so popular that in 1952, he franchised the recipe to the first KFC in Salt Lake City, Utah. KFC's rapid growth in the 1960s turned it into one of the first fast-food chains to expand globally, symbolizing the rise of American fast food culture. Today, KFC operates in over 150 countries, renowned for its crispy fried chicken and iconic red-and-white branding.

Fanta was invented in Nazi Germany during World War II due to a trade embargo that cut off Coca-Cola's supply of ingredients needed to produce its flagship drink. As a result, Max Keith, the head of Coca-Cola's operations in Germany, developed a new soft drink using available ingredients such as whey and apple pomace, leftovers from food production. Launched in 1940, this new beverage was named "Fanta," derived from the German word "Fantasie" (imagination). Fanta became quite popular in wartime Germany, and after the war, Coca-Cola regained control of the brand, eventually turning it into a globally recognized product.

Prison food has a long and often grim history, reflecting the punitive nature of incarceration. In the early days, prisoners were typically given meager, nutritionally inadequate meals, often consisting of bread and water, to reinforce the hardship of their punishment. Over time, as prison reform movements gained momentum in the 19th and 20th centuries, the quality of prison food gradually improved, though it remained far from ideal. "Foodloaf," also known as "nutraloaf," emerged as a controversial form of punishment within prisons. It is a dense, flavorless loaf made from a mixture of various food items, such as vegetables, meat, and grains, and is served to inmates who violate prison rules. Designed to be nutritionally sufficient but intentionally unappetizing, foodloaf is often criticized as inhumane and is seen by many as a modern form of cruel and unusual punishment. Its use has sparked legal challenges and debates over the ethical treatment of prisoners.

Doritos, the popular tortilla chips, have an interesting origin story tied to Disneyland. In the early 1960s, a restaurant in Disneyland called Casa de Fritos was known for its Mexican-inspired snacks. To reduce food waste, the staff began repurposing stale tortillas by cutting them into triangles, frying them, and seasoning them instead of discarding them. These crispy creations became so popular with customers that the restaurant began producing them regularly. The snack caught the attention of Frito-Lay, which eventually refined the recipe and launched Doritos nationally in 1966, transforming a waste-reduction idea into a global snack sensation.

In this episode of "Eats History," host Ryan Soash takes viewers on a journey through the origins and rise of the iconic candy brand Jolly Rancher. Starting from humble beginnings in a small Colorado farmhouse, we explore how a struggling ice cream shop, founded by Dorothy and Bill Harmsen in 1949, pivoted to create the beloved hard candies we know today. Facing challenges like fluctuating sugar prices and stiff competition, the Harmsens' ingenuity and perseverance led to a sweet success story, culminating in their brand's widespread acclaim. This episode reveals why Jolly Rancher remains a cherished name in the confection industry, from local favorites like Fire Sticks to the classic flavors enjoyed worldwide.

Dairy Queen, an iconic American fast-food chain, was founded by John Fremont "J.F." McCullough and his son Alex in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. The McCulloughs, alongside their friend and franchisee Sherb Noble, introduced a soft-serve ice cream product, which became a huge hit, leading to the opening of the first Dairy Queen store. The concept quickly expanded, thanks to the franchise model, growing into an international chain renowned for its ice cream treats, like the Blizzard, and a variety of fast-food items. Over the years, Dairy Queen has become synonymous with soft-serve ice cream and has grown into a beloved brand with thousands of locations worldwide.

Adolf Hitler's last meal is shrouded in the grim context of the final days of World War II. On April 30, 1945, in his bunker in Berlin, Hitler had a modest final meal before taking his own life alongside his wife, Eva Braun. The meal reportedly consisted of spaghetti with a light sauce, reflecting his preference for simple vegetarian dishes. Hitler's dietary choices had been influenced by his personal beliefs and health concerns for many years. As the Allied forces closed in on Berlin, Hitler's last moments were marked by a sense of impending defeat, making his final meal a somber prelude to his demise.

Pop-Tarts, a popular toaster pastry, were introduced by Kellogg's in 1964, revolutionizing the breakfast food market with their convenience and sweet appeal. Initially created as a way to compete with Post's unreleased "Country Squares," Pop-Tarts were originally unfrosted due to concerns about frosting surviving the toaster. However, frosted versions quickly followed due to popular demand. The first flavors included Strawberry, Blueberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Apple-Currant, with the latter soon replaced by Apple. Pop-Tarts became a cultural phenomenon, expanding into a wide variety of flavors and even limited-edition runs, capturing the imagination and taste buds of multiple generations.

Reese's Pieces, a popular candy product by Hershey, debuted in 1978 as an extension of the beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Initially envisioned as a chocolate-coated product, manufacturing challenges led to the final version featuring a candy shell similar to M&M's but with a peanut butter filling. Reese's Pieces gained significant popularity in the early 1980s, notably boosted by their prominent placement in the 1982 blockbuster film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," which sparked a surge in sales and cultural relevance. This success solidified Reese's Pieces as a staple in the American confectionery market, celebrated for their unique combination of a crunchy shell and creamy peanut butter center.