7 Food and Drink Kickstarters You Never Knew You Needed But Definitely Do

Crowdfunding phenom Kickstarter has helped indie projects raise more than $50 million, launching everything from debut albums and documentaries to pop-up cupcake shops and European vacations. They have also brought the world 7 amazing foodie inventions we never knew we needed but definitely do.

7. Microwave Popcorn That’s Not Gross

When you think about it, microwave popcorn is really a quite ingenious invention. But why does it have to taste like licking the top of a paint can? The Quinn Popcorn Kickstarter came up with a way to make micro popcorn that strips it of all that chemical crap and covers it in natural flavors like parmesan-rosemary and lemon-sea salt.
Result: Success! $27,880 raised. Au natural popcorn to hit shelves soon.

6. Edible Jello Cups

Death to plastic cups at keg parties. One day, every disposable cup will be an edible, disposable vehicle made out of Jello.
Result: Raised $10,429; Edible cup molds currently in testing stage.

5. Pedal-Operated Butter Churner

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting in the kitchen, struggling with my appliances and wondering, why isn’t there one simple machine that allows you to pedal a bike that powers a toaster AND churns butter to put on the toast?
Result: Success! $1,505 raised. Butter bike officially invented.

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Holiday Redux: J-E-L-L-EWWWW

jello

Congratulations, we all survived Thanksgiving.

More surprising are the strange traditions that continue to survive year after year. I recounted some of my family’s non-food traditions over at my blog, but I (of course) saved the best for ES. Admitting this tradition is strange and embarrassing. But here it goes.

My family never let go of the Jello mold fad.

Jello molds haven’t been popular for decades; some adults I know have never even tried one (or seen one). I didn’t realize quite how obscure they are until I mentioned it to some friends last week and I almost had one of them vomiting. The worst part of this strange tradition is that my family has not one Jello mold recipe…but let’s say…several.

Different molds surface every year, most of them savory, to be eaten with dinner, not after. The most valued is the green jello with cucumber and onions, and there was a lot of yelling and screaming when I accidentally placed it on a side table and nobody could find it (I can’t believe I just owned up to the misplacement of the beloved Jello). I’m sorry everyone.

If you’re still reading, what strange foods have an eternal place at your family’s table?

Pic: Blurry lime-cucumber-onion jello, courtesy of a drunk ML