23 Overlooked Food Trends From More Than 50 Years Ago
Let’s dive into a captivating journey through the past! Food trends have an uncanny ability to come and go, and it's truly intriguing to witness how certain dishes that were once beloved staples for one generation can seem utterly alien to the next. Reminiscing about these culinary trends can evoke feelings of nostalgia, transporting us back to simpler times.
Recently, we reached out to the BuzzFeed Community, inviting them to share the food trends that they believe have vanished completely from our tables. Get ready for a wave of nostalgia, because the responses are simply delightful!
"Chicken Cordon Bleu was once a popular dish found in both restaurants and frozen food aisles. Nowadays, it seems to have disappeared entirely. There was even a broccoli-filled variation that I can't recall the name of, but both types have faded into obscurity over the years."
—Anonymous, 47, Illinois"When I was unwell, my mother would prepare ‘milk toast’ for me: a slice of buttered bread soaked in warm milk. It was soft, gentle on the stomach, and incredibly comforting. I can still taste it!"
—Anonymous"Tapioca pudding was a personal favorite of mine, but it seems to have all but vanished from store shelves now."
—Anonymous, 77, Texas
"I remember chocolate tapioca pudding too! I hated the long minutes spent stirring at the stove until those tiny dark chocolate bits appeared, but it was so worth it!"
—Anonymous"Those pinwheel sandwiches were ubiquitous during my childhood! I remember my mom frequently buying them from this particular grocery store, but when I returned as an adult, they were nowhere to be found. I think I spotted them at a funeral recently, but otherwise, they seem to have disappeared. I used to love those little bites!"
—Anonymous, 32, Canada"Deviled eggs are a classic! As someone who enjoys cooking, I've experimented with various yolk filling recipes, but I always revert back to my grandmother's simple version. Just a few ingredients are needed to let the egg shine!"
—Anonymous"Remember braised steak and onion from a can? It used to be a camping essential and a delicious meal. Now, looking back, I can’t believe we considered it appetizing!"
—Anonymous"Loaded baked potatoes were the ultimate comfort food, topped with everything from cheese to bacon to mushrooms. However, mashed potatoes just can’t compare to the joy of a fully loaded baked potato!"
—Anonymous, 33, USA"It’s rare to find tutti-frutti flavored items these days, especially not in that vibrant sunset orange color that was all the rage in the '90s. And what happened to Panda Pops?"
"Also, Crunchables fish fingers, particularly the salt and vinegar variety, were huge and absolutely delicious! They still linger in my thoughts nearly three decades later."
—Anonymous, 38, England"During my childhood in the '90s, fish sticks and hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls were staples. But I hardly hear about either nowadays."
—Anonymous, 40, Pennsylvania"Mondays meant hash at our house, made from leftover roast beef and potatoes from Sunday dinner. My mom would toss in onions and perhaps carrots if they were left over, cooking it all in a big cast iron pan. We would top it with butter, as gravy wasn’t usually an option. Real hash seems to be a thing of the past now."
—smartwitch66"Party rye pizza snacks were a hit! My mom would whip them up using little slices of party rye bread, topped with crumbled sausage, Velveeta, ketchup, and oregano, then baked to perfection. They were incredible!"
—Anonymous, 44, Wisconsin"Chex snack mix is a nostalgic recipe featuring garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pretzels. Lollipop Cookies were like cake pops, but made with cookies instead. And Watergate salad, made with green jello, Cool Whip, and marshmallows, was often a request from our home economics class that we’d ask our moms to recreate."
—Anonymous, 60, Florida"Meatloaf with a stuffing layer in the middle is something you must try! My mom prepared it during tight budget times around Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a weekly favorite."
—Anonymous, 68, Pittsburgh"I still enjoy making stuffed bell peppers, but I know it’s considered outdated and you rarely see it on menus anymore."
—Anonymous"Did anyone else have Swiss steak as a childhood staple? I personally disliked it, yet I hardly see it anywhere today."
—pazna213"Any variety of canned onion soup seems extinct! Now, only dry mixes are available, which means I can no longer use five recipes that relied on the canned version."
—Anonymous, 74, Virginia"Underwood deviled ham mixed with some mayonnaise and chopped hard-boiled eggs was a favorite. I also miss sandwiches made with cream cheese and diced green olives blended with mayo."
—casualhawk464"Seven-layer salad was a dish I adored! It’s such a shame that you rarely see it anymore."
—Anonymous"Brazilian coconut pudding with canned plums has become almost nonexistent in Brazil these days."
—Anonymous, 36, Canada"Bread bowls were a fun way to enjoy soup, where you’d hollow out a loaf and serve the soup right inside!"
—Anonymous, 37, Canada"‘Worms in dirt’ was a fun treat — chocolate pudding layered with crushed cookies and topped with gummy worms."
—Anonymous, Massachusetts"In my childhood, everyone seemed to be baking apple pies using Ritz crackers as a key ingredient."
—AnonymousLastly, "Chicken croquettes, whether fried or baked rolls of ground chicken, served with gravy, are another food trend that seems to have vanished."
—Anonymous, 66, New York
For those over 35, what food trend from your youth do you feel has completely disappeared? We’d love to hear your memories — share your thoughts through this quick form!
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