Sometimes, a genius and complex new form of gastronomy enters the food world. And sometimes, an incredibly simple idea is sold for millions. Here are the most basic food ideas that made people oh-so-wealthy.
1. Ketchup
Henry John Heinz came up with ketchup, and since then it’s been condiment history. He originally adapted a Chinese recipe for a sauce made from tomatoes in 1876. Now, who doesn’t have ketchup with their burger and fries?
2. Kentucky Fried Chicken
One of the most famous food franchises ever, KFC is worth over $8.5 billion. It was created by Col. Sanders back in 1939. In 1952, KFC was sold in restaurants, and when the Colonel was 60 he turned it into a franchise!
3. Beyond Meat
If Americans are good at one thing, it’s eating burgers. Now, they’re doing it a little healthier thanks to Ethan Brown, a food-entrepreneur who created “alternative meat” out of pea-protein.
4. Chocolate chip cookies
Ruth Graves of the Toll House Inn accidentally created Chocolate chip cookies when she prepared a batch one day, realizing too late that she had run out of baker’s chocolate. Then, she chopped a chocolate bar and although it didn’t blend with dough like she hoped, it became a crowd favorite.
5. Organic baby food
This is definitely a food item for the privileged, and it was created by Cat Gazzoli, a mom-to-be who was frustrated with the lack of baby food options out there. As a result, she created the all-natural brand Piccolo which uses real food only and makes over 6 million a year.
6. Seoul Taco
We’re so grateful for whoever created this fusion food, because it tastes like heaven. Mexican and Korean food as one was seated by David Choi, who started selling his tacos in food trucks. Now, his brand is worth over 5 million and he has 5 restaurants.
7. Popsicles
Popsicles were invented by Frank Epperson, who was just 11 when he blended lemonade with soda powder and accidentally left it in the fridge with the stirrer in it. After selling them in amusement parks, he sold his products rights to a company who then got very rich off it.
8. Pancake batter
This is quite a clever food invention that I’m sure we’ve all thought of, but somebody actually went out there and made it: the battery blaster. Thanks to Sean O’ Connor, we only have to spray and fry out pancakes.
9. The family cake recipe
This isn’t your grandma’s poundcake. it’s a smartly though out brand by Kim Nelson who opened Daisy Cakes. The company took off after Kim went on Shark Tank and her business exploded. Today, it’s worth millions.