2016 was full release 1.9, called the "combat update" where food was turned into a fundamental component of the combat rather than just a background chore, shields were added, attack cooldowns were added, and axes were turned into a viable alternative weapon.
Nah no way it was far earlier than that.
Beta 1.8, released September 2011. https://minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition_Beta_1.8 you can see hunger under additions
Fuck this game is old now
2016 was full release 1.9, called the "combat update" where food was turned into a fundamental component of the combat rather than just a background chore, shields were added, attack cooldowns were added, and axes were turned into a viable alternative weapon.