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Food is a major part of Gilmore Girls. The eating habits of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) are mentioned in practically every episode of the series. They grab Pop-Tarts on their way out the door or meet up for burgers at Luke’s Diner. Every Friday night they go to Emily (Kelly Bishop) and Richard Gilmore’s (Edward Herrmann) house for dinner. So what are some of the mother-daughter duo’s most memorable food moments? 

Lauren Graham (right) and Alexis Bledel of 'Gilmore Girls'
Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham at the premiere of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life | Amanda Edwards/WireImage

1. When Rory steals corn starch after having her first kiss

Food or not, this is one of Rory’s most memorable moments ever on Gilmore Girls. Dean Forester (Jared Padalecki), who later becomes Rory’s first boyfriend, kisses her at Doose’s Market. Rory’s so surprised all she says is “thank you” before running away. She goes straight to her best friend, Lane Kim (Keiko Agena), announcing she “got kissed” and shoplifted a box of cornstarch. 

Rory keeps the cornstarch on her dresser throughout her entire relationship with Dean. When Rory and Dean cross paths in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life they meet up in Doose’s Market of all places. Rory, of course, points out the cornstarch and Dean tells her to “pay for it this time.” 

2. When Dean watches ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ with Rory and Lorelai

Lorelai invites Dean over to watch a movie in the same episode he kisses Rory. They turn Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on while the coffee table’s filled with practically every treat imaginable.

As Lorelai says, “You can’t watch Willy Wonka without massive amounts of junk food! It’s not right. I won’t allow it.” The trio watches the movie while slowly working their way through pizza, raw cookie dough, jelly beans, marshmallows, and more. 

3. When Luke makes a Santa burger for Lorelai

This is another memorable food moment from season 1. Lorelai gets uninvited from her parents’ annual Christmas party in the first-ever holiday episode of Gilmore Girls.

Lorelai heads to Luke’s Diner alone while Rory’s at the party. Bummed she’s missing out, she asks for a festive meal. Luke Danes (Scott Patterson) doesn’t want to oblige. Giving Lorelai what she thinks is a plain old burger, Luke presents her with a Santa burger.

4. When Rory and Lorelai go to four Thanksgiving dinners

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In Gilmore Girls Season 3, the Gilmore girls attempt to go to four Thanksgiving dinners. What are they if not champion eaters, Lorelai muses. Concerned they’re not going to be able to eat everything, they decide to skip the rolls. 

The Kim family serves them “tofurkey.” Rory and Lorelai sit with Sookie St. James (Melissa McCarthy) as she watches her turkey get deep-fried. The girls go to Luke’s Diner for a meal with Jess Mariano (Milo Ventimiglia) and Luke. Finally, they head to the Gilmore house for their fourth and final Thanksgiving dinner. 

5. When Jason gets Lorelai potato chips


Lorelai’s first date with her boyfriend, Jason Stiles (Chris Eigeman), winds up with them at a grocery store. They make a meal from the stuff in the prepared food section. Along the way, they do some shopping.

When Lorelai discovers there are no more snack-sized containers of Pringles — perfect for putting in her purse — Jason convinces an employee to let them in the stock room. He gets Lorelai the Pringles she likes and they continue on with their date.

These are just a few of Rory and Lorelai’s best food moments on Gilmore Girls.

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