Blog
Darlene Murphy
May 8, 2025
What do warriors from Greece, traders from the Middle East, and foodies from Wisconsin have in common? Each has embraced one of the greatest culinary inventions known to humankind: the wrap. This unassuming handheld meal has evolved throughout decades and across multiple continents, from ancient survival food to modern-day meal options like burritos. The wrap remains timeless, not just because it's a convenient to-go meal, but also because this versatile food format illustrates time-honored shifts in our lifestyles, tastes, cultural exchanges, and food inventions over time.
Get ready to unwrap the origins of wraps, exploring their ancient origins and global evolutions, and learn how Forage Kitchen has turned this classic meal into a modern favorite.
In ancient times, wraps were a convenient and practical food choice before they became a modern meal. Let's see how wraps started in ancient times as convenience and cuisine creatively came together..
Long before the convenience of fast food or meal prep, ancient Greeks had the ingenious idea of portable meals using flatbreads like plakous or pita as edible vessels— perfect for busy workers and warriors. Filled with olives, vegetables, and simple proteins, these precursors to modern wraps were the original grab-and-go meal solution.
As trade routes expanded, the idea of wrapped meals spread across the Middle East. Cooks in the Levant improved the idea of flatbreads like lavash and khubz to wrap savory fillings like falafel and shawarma. As these wraps spread from one region to another, they became cultural staples that borrowed some of their flavor profiles from the regional cooks who had wrapped them, while maintaining a certain level of flavor association with their packaged interiors—just as travelers have done between civilizations for ages before.
The brilliance of these early wraps was their authenticity to what was available. They were ideal for merchants, travelers, and laborers, embracing regional flavors and practicality.
Wraps evolved globally, with different cultures adding their own signature twists. This is how some global variations have influenced the wraps we enjoy today:
In northern Mexico, the burrito emerged as a distinctive wrap, traditionally filled with beans, meat, and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla.
When this concept crossed the border, it underwent a dramatic evolution. Burritos on the other side of the Mexican border set the stage for the wrap explosion. They expanded beyond simple meat fillings to incorporate many more flavors and textures.
Throughout Asia, wraps take the form of delicate rice paper rolls, often filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and proteins. Vietnamese spring rolls and Korean Ssam are prime examples of how wraps can be light, fresh, and vibrant.
With lighter, healthier fillings, Asian wraps emphasize texture and freshness, influencing Western interpretations of the wrap. Most recently, fun cross-cultural wraps, like the Sushi Burrito, a Japanese-Mexican mashup, have given this old format a playful, global twist.
As health-conscious consumers looked for lighter, portable meal options, wraps gained popularity in the US.
During the 1990s wellness movement, Americans grew more health-savvy. Wraps offered a lighter alternative to traditional sandwiches. Easy to customize and quick to eat, they became the go-to for busy professionals and health-conscious individuals.
Wraps became the perfect solution for a nutritious lunch, allowing for a variety of dietary needs to be met without sacrificing flavor.
From simple street food to gourmet creations, wraps have evolved to include high-quality, seasonal vegetables, ancient grains, and artisanal sauces. This allowed chefs to experiment with bold flavors and unique combinations.
This evolution gave rise to gourmet wraps, making them a popular item in both upscale cafes and fast-casual restaurants.
We believe healthy food should be exciting, accessible, and nourishing for all. Our wraps represent what we're all about—simple, wholesome ingredients combined in ways that make nutritious eating genuinely enjoyable
At Forage Kitchen, we’ve embraced the wrap's potential as a nutritious meal and a celebration of local, fresh flavors. Our philosophy is rooted in transparency, sustainability, and community, and we showcase these values through our thoughtfully crafted wraps made with locally sourced, Wisconsin-grown ingredients.
Discover the benefits of locally sourced food.
Our seasonal menu currently features several standout wraps that showcase our commitment to fresh, flavorful combinations:
From ancient Greece to the Midwest, wraps have surprisingly remained one of the most flexible and functional meals. What started as a practical solution for portable food has evolved into a modern-day culinary canvas. Today's wraps combine cultural flavors, nutritional wisdom, and gastronomic creativity—all wrapped up in a convenient, handheld meal.
Next time you enjoy a wrap, take a moment to appreciate the rich food history of portable meals, paired with today’s focus on balanced nutrition and fresh ingredients.
Hungry to taste this evolution? Come on over to your favorite Forage Kitchen location and wrap up your day with fresh, flavorful goodness.
Darlene is the co-owner of Forage and an expert in restaurant and food marketing, brand development, and public relations for small businesses. She specializes in creating compelling marketing materials, including ad copy, websites, and catalogs, to help brands connect with their audience.
