A thermal indicator device is disclosed for providing an indication that an article of food is heated to a certain level of preparedness. The thermal indicator device comprises a stake and a marker secured to the stake. The stake comprises an end adapted for insertion into the food. The marker is adapted for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The marker is retained in the retracted position via a string, and actuated to the extended position via an internal spring. Accordingly, at a temperature below the melting temperature, the string maintains the marker in the retracted position, and when the internal temperature of the food rises to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature, the string melts to permit release of the marker into the extended position. Once the string melts, the internal spring actuates the marker into the extended position for visual indication.