The Truth About Breakfast in the 18th Century

🥣Breakfast in the 18th century was centered around oatmeal, which was also known as milk porridge or pottage.

🍞Bread and cheese were staple breakfast foods for both the working class and the wealthy.

🍺Beer, both small beer and strong beer, was commonly consumed during breakfast in the 18th century.

🧀Cheese, especially bread and cheese, was a popular breakfast choice for many people in the 18th century.

🥛Milk, whether as milk pottage or simply warm milk, was a common drink during breakfast in the 18th century.

What did breakfast in the 18th century typically consist of?

—Breakfast in the 18th century typically consisted of oatmeal, bread, cheese, and milk.

Did everyone eat the same breakfast in the 18th century?

—No, breakfast varied depending on social status. Both working-class and wealthy individuals enjoyed similar basic breakfasts with oatmeal, bread, cheese, and milk.

Why was oatmeal such a popular breakfast choice?

—Oatmeal was a popular breakfast choice due to its affordability, simplicity, and nutritional value.

Did people in the 18th century eat eggs and bacon for breakfast?

—While eggs and bacon were consumed for breakfast on special occasions or in social settings, they were not the typical everyday breakfast for most people in the 18th century.

What beverages were commonly consumed during breakfast in the 18th century?

—Common beverages consumed during breakfast in the 18th century included beer, milk, and water.

00:00The concept of breakfast in the 18th century was very different from what we think of today.

02:30Working-class individuals focused on having a filling breakfast to sustain them until lunch.

03:45Even wealthy individuals often enjoyed a simple breakfast of boiled milk.

05:06Breakfast options for prisoners and farm workers were also basic.

05:38Breakfast for the upper class could be more lavish on special occasions.

06:15Some breakfasts mentioned in 18th century texts included mulled wine and cakes.

08:32Oatmeal, also known as milk pottage or gruel, was a common breakfast dish.

09:16Oatmeal boiled in water or milk and topped with butter was a simple yet nutritious breakfast.