In the book "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson details the experiences of visitors at the World’s Fair, highlighting their encounters with new food products that were introduced during this era. Among the notable items that captured the attention of fairgoers were Cracker Jack, a sweet popcorn and peanut snack, and Shredded Wheat, a new breakfast cereal. These innovations reflect the changing culinary landscape of the time.

The introduction of these snacks symbolizes the excitement of the 1893 World’s Fair, where attendees not only marveled at technological advancements and architectural feats but also experienced novel tastes that would influence American food culture. Such products exemplified the spirit of ingenuity and novelty characteristic of this transformative period in history.