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Urbanization and Industrialization
During the 19th centuries Americans were leaving rural areas and moving to urban areas due to the Industrial revolution. To meet the demands of these groaning urban cities, food producers began using the industrialized methods of mass production. Preservatives were added to foods during this process which caused controversy with some people, like Harvey Wiley who’s work went on to contribute to the Pure Food and Drug Act. -
The Great Depression
The effects of the depression not only affected the lives of Americans but it affected American agriculture as well, this was because Dust Bowl was occurring at the same time. The cost of food production and food was at an all time high. -
World War II
During this time the military came out with a new type of food for soldiers so they wouldn’t have to search out food. Examples of these new foods are: Spam, dehydrated potato’s, powered orange juice, and more. But, once the war had ended and there was no longer soldiers to feed, the food industry needed a new market and began marketing towards the American housewife. -
Counterculture
This movement brought a more ecological agenda to the table, this new hippie way of eating included going natural instead of plastic, white over brown grains, processed vs from scratch. This movement eventually became more mainstream and certain elements of it still live on in the industry today. -
Rise in Nutrition
This turning point in American diets was due to the very first Dietary Guide for Americans being published in 1980. This guide promoted the nutrition of specific things instead of foods in whole. Because of this movement many processed foods began to market as “healthy,” like Diet Pepsi. Today this “rise” has caused distance from Americans and their knowledge of food and nutrition.