Why Are S'mores Called S'mores and Other Fun Facts About These Tasty Treats

We all know the recipe: Sandwich a toasted marshmallow and a hefty square of chocolate between two graham crackers. Eat and repeat. Craving one already? While s’mores are fit for any occasion, National S’mores Day—Sunday, August 10—provides the perfect excuse. While celebrating, impress your campfire companions with some little-known facts about s’mores, including why s'mores are called s'mores in the first place.

The Dictionary Tells All

The Merriam-Webster dictionary, which defines s’mores as “a dessert usually consisting of toasted marshmallow and pieces of chocolate bar sandwiched between two graham crackers,” suggests the first known use of the word was in 1974.

Girl Scouts Started the S'mores Trend

It appears the treat was a campfire staple long before the dictionary officially recognized it: The first known s'mores recipe was published in the Girl Scouts handbook Tramping and Trailing With the Girl Scouts in 1927. The snack was originally called “some mores.”

The World's Largest S'more Weighed Over 200 Pounds

Campers at Deer Run Camping Resort in Gardners, Pennsylvania recently built what could just be the world’s largest s’more. Weighing in at 267 pounds, the supersized sweet was comprised of 140 pounds of marshmallows, 90 pounds of chocolate, and 90 pounds of graham crackers.

Americans Eat a Lot of S'mores

According to The S’mores Cookbook, Americans buy 90 million pounds of marshmallows every year. It’s estimated that, during the summer, approximately 50 percent of marshmallows sold are roasted for s’mores.

You Don't Need a Campfire to Make S'mores

If you don’t have access to an open fire, there are still plenty of ways to make s’mores. The S’mores Cookbook explains how to cook the tasty treat on the grill, in the broiler, with a kitchen torch, in a microwave, or over a gas stove, candle, or Sterno.

Marshmallows Cook Better On Metal

Perfect your technique: According to S'mores: Gourmet Treats for Every Occasion, marshmallows cook faster on a metal rod or coat hanger than on a wooden one, and coals tend to cook the snack faster and more consistently than flames.

Food Companies Are Getting Creative

The popularity of the original s’more has inspired American food manufacturers to create other chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker treats, including Pop-Tarts, cereal, ice cream, and even Goldfish.

So Are Restaurants

Restaurants are also trying to capitalize on the dessert’s popularity with some downright unique iterations, like s’mores French fries, martinis, macarons, and more.

People Thought Eating Graham Crackers Had Added "Benefits"

Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham invented the graham cracker in 1829 in Bound Brook, New Jersey. The original graham cracker was a health food recommended as part of a diet intended to help suppress sexual desire, which Graham believed to be unhealthy.

S'mores Are a Big Business

According to a release from The Hershey Company, the company produces more than 373 million milk chocolate bars each year, enough to make 746 million s’mores.

To satisfy your craving, try Raspberry S'mores, Ice Cream S'mores, and more.