Archive · 7 Sep 2025
Accidental Inventions: From Potato Chips to Tarte Tatin
Many popular foods started as mistakes.
Chocolate chip cookies came from Ruth Wakefield adding chocolate to cookies.
Potato chips were created by a chef who sliced potatoes too thin.
Popsicles were invented when Frank Epperson left a drink outside on a cold night.
Corn flakes were made when John Harvey Kellogg accidentally created flakes.
Tarte Tatin came about when the Tatin sisters overcooked apples.
These accidents resulted in delicious, globally loved foods.
Chocolate chip cookies resulted from a 1938 accident.
Potato chips originated in 1853 from a chef's mistake.
Popsicles were created in 1905 when a drink froze.
Corn flakes came from the late 19th century experiment.
Tarte Tatin came from overcooked apples.
- Who
- Ruth Wakefield, a chef in Saratoga Springs, Frank Epperson, the Tatin sisters, John Harvey Kellogg.
- What
- Accidental food creations that became popular.
- When
- 1853, 1905, 1938, and the late 19th century.
- Where
- Saratoga Springs, France.
- Why
- Because of accidents, leading to popular foods.
- Cookie Origin
- Chocolate chip cookies invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield.
- Chip Origin
- Potato chips invented in 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York.
- Popsicle Origin
- Popsicles invented in 1905 by Frank Epperson.
- Cereal Origin
- Corn flakes invented in the late 19th century by John Harvey Kellogg.
- Tart Origin
- Tarte Tatin invented in France by the Tatin sisters.