The History of Bacon and Eggs (2024)

We're all familiar with the iconic breakfast duo, in fact the breakfast besties are so popular that bacon and eggs is our best selling sock design! But where did it all start? When did bacon and eggs become the quintessential breakfast food? Bacon and eggs as a morning staple is a relatively modern convention, only dating back to the 1920s. As with so many American customs it is simply the result of a compelling marketing scheme. However eggs and bacon separately have histories dating much further back. Keep reading to find out how the two foods came together, the history of morning meals, and a brief look at breakfast around the world!

A Brief History of Breakfast

As with most things, morning meals have fallen in and out of vogue throughout history. These changes in cuisine can be attributed to numerous things including societal norms, food security, and even moral panics (looking at you Kelloggs).

The first record of a daily morning meal comes from Ancient Egypt. Peasants would consume beer, bread, and onions in the morning before going to work. It was typically a heavy meal as they would not eat again until the end of the day.

During the Middle Ages breakfast was not commonly eaten as it was seen as gluttonous by the Catholic Church. Typically only the old, sick, children, and labouring men ate breakfast as they did not have the strength to make it to the typically large midday meal.

The term breakfast originated in 15th century Europe but eating in the morning didn't become a daily ritual in Europe until the 1600's as this is when many people began going to work each day.

Bacon and Eggs Before They Got Together

According to food historians, humans have been eating eggs for about 6 million years, originally eating them raw from the nests of wild birds. Jungle birds were domesticated for egg production in India by 3200 BC, and it is thought that Ancient Egypt and Ancient China were the first societies to domesticate hens.

Bacon can be dated back to 1500 BC, making it one of the oldest cuts of meat. The phrase 'bringing home the bacon' originated in 12th century England. If a married man could testify in front of God that he had not argued with his wife in a year he would be awarded a side of bacon. It was a great honour to 'bring home the bacon'.

When Did Bacon and Eggs Become Breakfast?

Funnily enough, bacon and eggs for breakfast can all be traced back to the founding father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. He just really has a way of inserting himself in American culture. His nephew, Edward Bernays, inspired by his uncle's work was a founder of propaganda and public relations and is credited with the introduction of bacon and eggs into the American breakfast.

In the 1920's Americans typically ate light breakfasts of coffee, orange juice, rolls. In order to increase bacon sales Bernays wrote to 5,000 physicians asking whether a heavy breakfast was better for health than a light breakfast. 4,500 physicians wrote back confirming that a heavy breakfast was better for health as the body is depleted of nutrients after a night of sleep. He had this 'study' published in newspapers across America, conveniently presenting bacon and eggs as the ideal choice.

Breakfast Around the World

While bacon and eggs can now be found almost anywhere, it is not the first thing that comes to mind as breakfast in most countries.

In Japan miso soup, white rice, and fish are common breakfast items. Breakfast is usually a light meal and is often accompanied with green tea.

Breakfast cuisine in India varies by region but is typically similar to foods eaten at lunch or dinner and may include roti, dosa, spiced potatoes, or various chutneys.

Nordic countries typically eat open faced sandwiches for breakfast with cold meats, fish, cheese, or vegetables.

Shakshuka is a breakfast dish originating in Northern Africa which is now popular throughout the middle east. It consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce and is typically served with warm pita or naan.

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The History of Bacon and Eggs (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the bacon and egg roll? ›

The origins of the bacon and egg roll

There are links to bap sandwiches made by British street vendors in the 1800s, though these were generally just a type of meat and egg. The more recent versions with bacon, egg and sometimes the addition of cheese cropped up around the late 1900s.

What is the origin of bacon and eggs? ›

His nephew, Edward Bernays, inspired by his uncle's work was a founder of propaganda and public relations and is credited with the introduction of bacon and eggs into the American breakfast. In the 1920's Americans typically ate light breakfasts of coffee, orange juice, rolls.

Did people eat breakfast 100 years ago? ›

In the early 1900's many people ate heavy breakfasts. By 1920 there was a focus on lighter breakfasts for those who did less strenuous labor. The January, 1920 issue of American Cookery magazine contained several breakfast menus. The menus ranged for very light breakfast options to calorie-laden options.

What did Americans eat for breakfast in the 1800s? ›

As you might wonder, hoecakes and johnny cakes – otherwise known as corn bread – were also breakfast staples. In the Northeast, baked beans took the place of corn, and baked beans were eaten with almost every meal. In fact, thick baked bean dishes were even frozen solid and pieces cut up and taken as food for journeys.

What was bacon originally called? ›

It originated in Ancient Rome, where it was made from pork bellies known as “petaso”. The pork was salted, smoked, and eaten with other staples of the Roman diet such as bread and cheese. From there, bacon made its way to England in the Middle Ages, where it quickly became a very popular dish.

Who invented the eggroll? ›

Andrew Coe, author of Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States, has stated that the modern American egg roll was probably invented at a Chinese restaurant in New York City in the early 1930s, by one of two chefs who both later claimed credit for the creation: Lung Fong of Lung Fong's, or Henry ...

Did early humans eat 3 meals a day? ›

Several hundred years ago, people didn't follow the three meals a day rule. In fact, Native Americans employed a practical approach to food. They ate when they were hungry. The three meals per day concept originated with Englanders who achieved financial prosperity.

What the oldest people eat every day? ›

They primarily eat a variety of in-season fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and beans. Eat animal foods sparingly – When they do eat animal-based foods, such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy, they are used to flavor dishes rather than being the main focus of the meal or are enjoyed as celebratory foods.

How many meals a day did ancient humans eat? ›

That's because fasting actually changes how your body gets its energy. Looking back through history, breakfast was not a common meal for most people. Our ancestors typically ate one substantial meal each day, supplemented with nuts and fruits as snacks.

Why do Americans drink orange juice in the morning? ›

Why is orange the most popular breakfast juice? Because it's been aggressively marketed to be. Starting in the 1920s one Albert Lasker worked a successful ad campaign for Sunkist which allowed California orange growers to stop cutting down trees and actually sell their surplus.

What did rich colonists eat for breakfast? ›

For breakfast colonist might have eaten porridge or mush, which is a warm cereal and could have been made with cornmeal, oats or beans. They may have had bread with butter and jam, but one thing they would not have had was milk!

Where did the egg rolling tradition come from? ›

According to tradition, Dolley Madison, the wife of President James Madison, began the event in 1814. Hundreds of children brought their decorated eggs to join in games. Rolling Easter eggs was a popular annual custom in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia, as early as the 1850s.

What is the origin of eggs and bacon bay? ›

The unusual name is said to be based on the yellow and streaky red eggs-and-bacon flowers that grow in the area from the pea family of Fabaceae. An alternative, though likely untrue, story is that Lady Jane Franklin, wife of the 18th century governor John Franklin, ate bacon and eggs there around 1840.

Where did the bacon craze come from? ›

Bacon mania is passionate enthusiasm for bacon in the United States and Canada. Novelty bacon dishes and other bacon-related items have been popularized rapidly via the internet. The movement has been traced to the late 1990s when high-protein foods became a more prominent diet focus due in part to the Atkins diet.

Why do bacon and eggs go together? ›

In short, the umami synergy between the two ingredients when they're paired delivers a richly savory taste that's much greater than when they're served separately. The scientific umami synergy principle is what makes so many of our favorite culinary pairings work so well, beyond bacon and eggs.

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