The food industry is a blend of old and new. While innovative startups are always emerging, many of today’s favorites have roots that stretch back to the 19th century. Brands like Heinz, Cadbury, and Campbell’s not only represent long-standing traditions but also hold historical significance that many might not be aware of.
Heinz
Heinz is synonymous with ketchup in America. In 2020, about 200 million people in the U.S. enjoyed this condiment (source: Statista). Surprisingly, Heinz’s journey began with horseradish in 1869. Henry John Heinz started small, selling horseradish and other products in Pennsylvania. By 1876, the company introduced its first tomato ketchup. Fast forward to 2015, Heinz merged with Kraft, creating one of the world’s largest food brands.
Cadbury
Cadbury’s roots trace back to 1824 when John Cadbury opened a shop in Birmingham, selling cocoa and drinking chocolate. Although it didn’t hit American shelves until the late 1980s, Cadbury became a household name, with products like Dairy Milk and Wispa being hugely popular today. The brand is now owned by Mondelēz International and sells in over 50 countries, preserving its rich heritage.
Oscar Mayer
Oscar Mayer has been a staple in American kitchens since 1883. Starting as a small butcher shop in Chicago, it quickly ascended to stardom with its iconic hot dogs and bologna. The company launched the famous Wienermobile—a marketing genius move. Now owned by Kraft Heinz, it continues to innovate, recently introducing plant-based hot dogs to meet rising consumer demands.
Dr. Oetker
This German brand made its mark with pizza. While it’s known for Pizza Ristorante now, Dr. Oetker actually began in 1891 with baking products. Dr. August Oetker sold baking powder from a pharmacy in Germany, and eventually expanded into pizza, becoming one of the first to introduce frozen pizzas in the country.
Campbell’s
In 1869, Joseph Campbell launched a fruit and vegetable canning company. It wasn’t until the invention of condensed soup by Dr. John T. Dorrance in 1897 that Campbell’s became a household name. This innovation allowed the soup to be packaged conveniently, leading to the popularization of iconic flavors like chicken noodle soup.
Hershey’s
Milton Hershey faced failures and challenges in the late 1800s before finding success with the Lancaster Caramel Company. By 1900, he turned his focus to chocolate, leading to the creation of the world-famous Hershey bar. Today, Hershey produces around 373 million chocolate bars a year and has expanded its offerings by acquiring various brands like Reese’s and Twizzlers.
Barilla
Barilla’s journey began in 1877 with Pietro Barilla opening a small shop in Parma, Italy. Although challenging at first, the family business grew significantly and now exports its pasta and sauces to over 100 countries. In the late 20th century, it became the largest pasta factory worldwide, producing upwards of 330,000 metric tons annually.
Quaker Oats
Quaker Oats traces its origins to the late 1800s, when it started as a small oat mill. By merging with other companies, it became Quaker Oats in the early 1900s and dominated the cereal market. It pioneered instant oatmeal in 1966 and now offers a wide range of breakfast products.
Del Monte
Known for its canned fruits and vegetables, Del Monte started as the California Fruit Canners Association in the 1800s. It was rebranded in 1916, and while it enjoyed substantial growth, the company is currently navigating financial difficulties, announcing plans for potential bankruptcy as of July 2025.
Kellogg’s
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes became a staple breakfast item primarily by accident. In 1898, W.K. Kellogg and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg were trying to create a wheat meal but ended up with flakes. By the 20th century, Kellogg’s expanded into a multitude of breakfast products and remains a giant globally, controlling a wide array of cereal brands.
Lindt
Founded in the 1840s, Lindt started when David Sprüngli and his son created the first solid chocolate bar in Switzerland. Their innovative spirit laid the foundation for what would become a leading global chocolate brand, now known for luxury chocolates like Lindor Truffles.
Colman’s Mustard
Colman’s, a beloved English mustard brand, has proud roots dating back to 1814. Jeremiah Colman initiated the brand in Norwich, and today, it’s a staple in many households. Colman’s remains popular in supermarkets, producing both prepared and dry mustard.
Pillsbury
Pillsbury was established in 1869 by Charles A. Pillsbury, who transformed a small mill into a flour empire. Known today for its baking products and the adorable Pillsbury Doughboy, it continues to be a beloved name in kitchens.
These brands have shaped our food culture in profound ways, some for over a century. Their enduring presence speaks to their ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to their roots.
