Ten Foods With Surprising Royal Origins

Often associated with France, croissants were inspired by the Austrian kipferl, popularized in the French court by Queen Marie Antoinette.

This sparkling wine became a symbol of luxury and celebration thanks to French royalty, particularly King Louis XIV, who favored it at court.

A delicacy of fattened goose liver, foie gras was served at royal banquets as far back as ancient Egypt and later became synonymous with French aristocracy.

Mangoes were a favorite of Indian royalty, particularly the Mughal emperors, who cultivated them extensively in palace orchards.

Though its origins trace to ancient China, ice cream became a royal treat in Renaissance Europe, enjoyed by Catherine de' Medici and King Charles I of England.

This almond-based confection gained popularity in European royal courts, particularly during the reign of Frederick V of Denmark.

Cocoa beans were considered sacred by the Aztecs and used as a royal drink. When introduced to Europe, chocolate became a luxury item for the Spanish court.

This fragrant rice dish was developed in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire and remains a beloved delicacy in South Asia.

Wild truffles were a prized delicacy among European monarchs like Louis XIV, who had them hunted and served at elaborate feasts.

Once an exotic and rare fruit, pineapples were a status symbol in the 17th and 18th centuries, often adorning royal banquets and gardens.

These foods, many now accessible to all, were once indulgences reserved for royalty and the elite.