We Ate That? A Look Back at Food Trends That Didn’t Last
From convenience-driven snacks to brightly colored novelty drinks, food trends reflect the culture, economy, and pop icons of their time. Whether you grew up in the Jello mold era or were a 90s kid who couldn’t get enough Dunkaroos, there’s something nostalgic (and sometimes cringeworthy) about the foods that defined each generation.
Let’s take a tasty(?) trip down memory lane and revisit the iconic bites that made the past decades so deliciously unforgettable.
------------ 1970s ------------
Fondue:
This Swiss dish, involving melting cheese and dipping food, became a symbol of social gatherings and fun.
Jell-O Salads:
These gelatin-based dishes, often incorporating fruits and vegetables, were a popular and affordable way to add some variety to meals.
Pineapple on Everything:
From Hawaiian pizza to chicken dishes, pineapple was a popular addition to various foods.
------------ 1980s ------------
Quiche: This French pastry, often filled with cheese and eggs, became a staple on many menus, even inspiring the saying "real men don't eat quiche".
Wine Coolers: Fruity, fizzy, and easy to drink, wine coolers were huge before hard seltzers took the spotlight decades later.
Pasta Salad: A must-have at every potluck and BBQ, usually dressed in Italian dressing and loaded with veggies.
Blackened Fish or Chicken: Thanks to Chef Paul Prudhomme, Cajun seasoning and blackened dishes became trendy.
Surf and Turf: A flashy, indulgent combo of steak and seafood—perfect for the era of excess.
------------ 1990s ------------
Lunchables: A staple of every 90s kid's lunchbox—DIY snack trays with crackers, meat, and cheese.
Dunkaroos: Cookies with sugary frosting for dipping—need we say more?
Bagel Bites & Pizza Rolls: Quick, microwavable after-school snacks that doubled as party food.
Stuffed Crust Pizza (Pizza Hut): Pizza innovation at its finest—cheese in the crust!
Squeeze Its & Capri Sun: Brightly packaged, sugary drinks in fun shapes and pouches.
Everything-Ranch: From chips to dressing, ranch was everywhere.
Fat-Free Everything: Thanks to the low-fat craze, everything from cookies to yogurt got a "healthier" makeover.
------------ 2000s ------------
Cupcakes:
Inspired by the popularity of Magnolia Bakery in Sex and the City, cupcakes experienced a surge in popularity.
Cake Pops:
These bite-sized cake balls became a popular alternative to traditional cupcakes and other desserts.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Everything
Mediterranean ingredients were all the rage—pasta, chicken, and even sandwiches came loaded with pesto and sun-dried tomato flavor.
Bacon Craze Begins
The 2000s marked the start of bacon-on-everything—ice cream, chocolate, donuts, and even cocktails.
------------ 2010s ------------
Kale:
This leafy green, initially seen as a garnish, gained popularity as a healthy and versatile ingredient, with recipes like kale chips gaining traction.
Avocado Toast:
This breakfast item, often adorned with other toppings like avocado, chili flakes, or salt, became a symbol of health-conscious eating and a popular social media trend.
Sriracha:
This spicy chili sauce, known for its flavor and versatility, became a popular condiment and ingredient in various dishes.
Matcha:
This Japanese green tea powder, known for its health benefits, gained popularity in the US for its use in lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.
------------ 2020s ------------
Acai Bowls:
This frozen smoothie bowl, often topped with fruits and granola, became a symbol of healthy eating and a popular breakfast or snack item.
Truffle:
This expensive mushroom, known for its unique flavor, became a popular ingredient in various dishes, from pasta to fries.
Air Fryer-Made Foods:
These small kitchen appliances became popular for their ability to create crispy and healthy versions of fried foods.
Banana Bread:
This popular loaf, often made during the lockdown era, became a symbol of comfort and a go-to baking project.
Crispy Chili Oil:
This popular condiment, known for its smoky and spicy flavor, gained popularity as a versatile ingredient for adding a punch of flavor to various dishes.