Additional Coverage:
- 10 Once-Popular Foods That No One Eats Today (blog.cheapism.com)
Whatever Happened To These Retro Foods?
Some foods stand the test of time. Others… not so much.
We’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some culinary relics that once graced our kitchens, but now elicit more of a “what were we thinking?” than a “mmm, delicious.”
Franks and Beans: This dynamic duo reigned supreme in the ’60s and ’70s, fueling working families and campers alike. However, concerns about sodium and processed meats eventually relegated this once-beloved dish to the “emergency food” category.
Olive Loaf: Picture bologna attempting a makeover by incorporating green olives. This mid-century marvel briefly graced lunchboxes and deli counters before disappearing, likely due to a growing awareness of ingredient quality.
TV Dinners: Born from a turkey surplus in 1953, the TV dinner offered the futuristic thrill of enjoying a hot meal while watching television. Its compartmentalized tray and foil covering became iconic, but the rise of microwaves and faster meal options ultimately led to its decline.
Chicken à la King: This creamy concoction, featuring chicken, mushrooms, and peppers in a white sauce, enjoyed its heyday in the mid-20th century. Its fancy name and ease of preparation made it a popular choice for banquets and buffets. However, changing tastes and a move away from cream-of-mushroom-soup-based recipes led to its downfall.
Sloppy Joes: This messy marvel emerged in the 1930s, becoming a weeknight staple for families seeking a quick and affordable meal. The advent of Manwich in 1969 cemented its place in pantries nationwide. However, evolving preferences for leaner proteins and less messy meals eventually pushed Sloppy Joes aside.
Tang: Propelled to fame by its association with NASA in the 1960s, Tang briefly became the drink of choice for space-age families. Its vibrant orange hue and “vitamin C” content appealed to kids and parents alike. However, its popularity waned, and it’s now largely a nostalgic memory.
Watergate Salad: This fluffy, neon-green dessert “salad” materialized in the 1970s, featuring pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and Cool Whip. While a staple at potlucks and barbecues, particularly in the Midwest, it eventually lost its appeal, perhaps as people rediscovered the concept of vegetable-based salads.
Canned Spaghetti (and Other Canned Pasta): Canned pasta, popularized by brands like Chef Boyardee and SpaghettiOs, offered a convenient meal solution for busy families. However, the realization that cooking pasta isn’t rocket science, coupled with a desire for higher quality ingredients, led to a decline in canned pasta’s popularity.
Chicken Kiev: This breaded, deep-fried chicken breast filled with herbed garlic butter was a restaurant and freezer aisle staple in the ’70s and ’80s. Its perceived exoticism contributed to its appeal. However, it has since become a rarity, deemed too labor-intensive for home cooks and too retro for modern restaurant menus.
Canned Soup as Dinner: Canned soup was once a pantry staple, offering a quick and easy meal solution. Cream of mushroom even became a key ingredient in countless casserole recipes. However, the rise of frozen meals, instant ramen, and meal delivery services has relegated canned soup to a supporting role, rather than the star of the dinner table.
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Once-Popular Foods That No One Eats Today (blog.cheapism.com)