The specific origin of the English  slang term "food snob" is not easily  

traceable in the historical  context of the word "snob".

Originally, "snob" in the early  19th century referred to "a  

person not belonging to the upper  classes; one not an aristocrat."

It then evolved to mean "one who  blatantly imitates, fawningly admires,  

or vulgarly seeks association with  those he regards as his superiors"​​.

The term "food snob" likely emerged from this  context, applied to those who show a pretentious  

or elitist approach to food, but its exact origin  in relation to food is not clearly documented.