Pop culture has a knack for turning everyday things into icons, and food is no exception. From the humble sandwich to exotic dishes, certain foods have gained cult status because they were featured in movies, TV shows, or became associated with a particular moment in pop culture.
Here’s a look at 10 foods that owe their fame to their appearances in pop culture.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme doughnuts are undeniably linked to the beloved animated TV series The Simpsons. Homer Simpson’s insatiable love for these glazed rings of heaven turned the brand into a household name.
While Krispy Kreme had been around for decades, it was the show’s frequent references that boosted its popularity, making it a must-try for fans who wanted to feel like Homer.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Who could forget the iconic scene in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, where the two dogs share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs?
This charming moment turned this Italian classic into a romantic symbol, forever linking the dish to love and companionship. Since then, spaghetti and meatballs have held a special place in the hearts of moviegoers and food lovers alike.
Turducken
While turducken (a chicken stuffed into a duck, which is then stuffed into a turkey) was invented long ago, its rise to fame owes much to pop culture.
Thanks to the New York Times and appearances on shows like Top Chef and Man v. Food, turducken has become a Thanksgiving extravagance. It’s no longer just a novelty; it’s a culinary challenge that intrigues both amateur chefs and foodies.
The Cronut
The cronut, a cross between a croissant and a doughnut, took the world by storm in 2013 after French pastry chef Dominique Ansel introduced it in New York City.
This pastry went viral thanks to the hype surrounding its creation, with food bloggers and social media users flocking to the bakery to try the latest food trend. The cronut became a symbol of indulgence and innovation in the world of pastries.
Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt owes much of its fame to the hit ’90s sitcom Seinfeld. The show’s 1994 “Yogurt Shop” episode introduced the world to the frozen treat as a trendy, healthy alternative to ice cream.
From that point on, frozen yogurt shops popped up everywhere, and the food became synonymous with health-conscious yet indulgent snacking.
Big Kahuna Burger
In Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, the infamous “Big Kahuna Burger” becomes the backdrop to one of the film’s most memorable scenes. Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Jules, nonchalantly devours the Hawaiian burger while giving his philosophical sermon to the bad guys.
Since then, the Big Kahuna Burger has become a symbol of Pulp Fiction’s offbeat coolness, often referenced by fans and even a staple of pop culture.
Jell-O
Jell-O, the wobbly, colorful dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, became famous in the roaring ’20s, especially through The Great Gatsby.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, Jell-O was a symbol of excess and party culture, perfectly in line with the opulent world of Gatsby. Even today, Jell-O is synonymous with festive occasions, thanks to its association with lavish parties.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger, a beloved West Coast fast-food chain, gained additional fame thanks to The Big Lebowski. Jeff Bridges’ character, “The Dude,” orders a burger from In-N-Out during one of the film’s memorable scenes.
The film’s cult status and the food’s high quality created an iconic moment that forever linked the two in the public’s mind, with fans craving the signature burger and fries.
Cereal
Cereal was already a popular breakfast food before The Breakfast Club hit theaters in 1985. However, the film’s iconic scene where the characters bond over cereal took this humble dish to a whole new level.
Cereal became a symbol of teenage rebellion, nostalgia, and comfort food. Over the years, cereal has become a pop culture icon, appearing in countless references and even inspiring its own spinoffs.
Sushi
Sushi had been around for centuries, but Kill Bill brought this Japanese delicacy into the global spotlight. In one memorable scene, Uma Thurman’s character, The Bride, devours a plate of sushi in the midst of her vengeance.
The sushi in this scene wasn’t just about eating—it became a symbol of quiet intensity and calculated precision. Since then, sushi has gained a reputation as a trendy, upscale food, synonymous with sophistication and culinary adventure.
