Eating Through History

You can tell a lot about a decade by the foods that were loved during it. As such, America has a rich history of rich and interesting foods, from the iconic TV dinners to the extravagant Jello mold salads. These foods tell a story, and it’s clear to see that no matter the time period, people love to eat. Which of these dishes would you try, and did we miss any of your favorites?

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1. 1910 Perfection Salad

Perfection salad was one of those molded gelatin salads that was something to behold. It was filled up with things like shredded cabbage, carrots, and even olives. The molds were often extravagant and decorative, and they would be served chilled. Although it was meant to impress guests, it was actually pretty cheap to make.

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2. 1920 Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

America was absolutely head-over-heels in love with pineapple upside-down cake. From the pineapple rings and cherries on the bottom to the golden crust on top, it was always fun to flip this one over. What helped it become so popular was the wide abundance of canned pineapples, as companies like Dole helped market the recipe.

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3. 1920 Wonder Bread

Wonder Bread is something we eat to this day, but it got its start in 1921 and became an instant hit. The convenience and uniformity it offered is why we have the saying “best thing since sliced bread.” National advertising helped build trust with the company, too, and people were quick to buy it up.

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4. 1930 Kraft Mac and Cheese

The 1930s are marked by the Great Depression, where many families struggled to afford basic food. To that end, Kraft products were very cheap, with one box of mac and cheese going for as little as 20 cents. Plus, it was shelf stable, so people didn’t have to worry about refrigerating it during these tough times.

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5. 1930 Spam

Similarly, Spam garnered its popularity after launching in 1937. It was used during World War II in military rations and was pretty versatile since it could be fried, baked, and even eaten cold if needed. As such, the pre-cooked product was a time-saver one couldn’t afford not to have.

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6. 1940 TV Dinners

TV dinners are something that is still enjoyed today and are considered the ultimate convenience. People flocked to these dinners in the 40s and 50s alike, as they were kept frozen and had individual compartments for everything from meats to veggies to desserts. Many women began working during and after the war, so this was a convenient way to balance their lifestyles.

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7. 1940 Cheerios

Cheerios cereal got its start in 1941, and interestingly enough, was called Cheerioats at first. The name was changed later due to a legal issue, but either way, the cereal was known for its ring shape and use of whole grain oats. It was a convenient and inexpensive way to enjoy a nutritious breakfast and fit in with the rationing mindset at the time.

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8. 1950 Jello Molds

You’ve probably seen those larger-than-life Jello molds. Women used them as a way to express their creativity and impress their guests. Lots of popular cookbooks even include them as a modern and fancy dish for big occasions. Essentially, the flavored Jell-O is filled with fruits, veggies, and marshmallows.

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9. 1950 Fish Sticks

Frozen foods were popular throughout this decade, and freezers were more abundant than ever. As such, breaded and frozen sticks of white fish were easy to bake or fry up. They were crunchy and had a mild flavor that kids loved, making mom’s job a breeze.

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10. 1960 Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts are still a popular toaster pastry to this day. They typically contain a sweet filling like fruit or cinnamon and are coated with icing. They were first released by Kellogg’s in 1964 and have since become a staple for busy American mornings.

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11. 1960 Meatloaf

When you think of the 60s, you probably think of meatloaf. What’s not to love? From the hearty beef to the textured breadcrumbs to the tangy ketchup glaze, this dish certainly delivers. It was popular throughout the 50s and 60s and was often a versatile way to use leftovers as add-ins.

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12. 1970 Fondue

Fondue was a fancy and fun way to liven up any dinner party. It became a trend during the 70s, where people would dip everything from bread to meat to fruit into hot cheese. The dish was inspired by imports from Switzerland and made gatherings more interactive.

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13. 1970 Hamburger Helper

The Hamburger Helper was a boxed mix of dry pasta and seasonings that worked alongside ground beef to make a meal feel more complete. They were introduced in 1971 and were considered a quick and easy way to start dinner. They also had great marketing success as a go-to family-friendly weeknight meal.

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14. 1980 Hot Pockets

By the 80s, people absolutely adored their microwaves and were eager to use them. As such, the Hot Pockets seemed to be the epitome of convenience. They would often be filled with meats, veggies, and cheese, and had a soft crust. They could be heated up in the microwave in mere minutes, which made them ideal for on-the-go lifestyles and school.

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15. 1980 Pesto

Pesto began to appear as a staple in trendy restaurants and cookbooks, leading many Americans to crave it. It was an Italian sauce that was made from blending ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. It felt sophisticated and became widely popular.

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16. 1990 Lunchables

Lunchables are still a fun choice for school meals, with many companies appearing to compete with them. Essentially, they were pre-packaged kits that contained things like crackers, cheese, deli meats, and desserts specifically targeting children. They seemed super fun and had a grab-and-go model that appealed to both kids and their busy parents.

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17. 1990 Molten Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake was both a decadent and dramatic dessert, making it a top pick for the decade. It was considered an indulgent date night option, and many chefs began introducing it in their restaurants. What made it so special was the lava-like center of melted chocolate within the cake.

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18. 2000 Avocado Toast

Coming into the 21st century, avocado toast gets a lot of slack for being a trendy food. While it got its initial start in the 2000s, it wouldn’t become a craze until the 2010s, where its aesthetically pleasing appearance led to numerous Instagram posts about the food. It was essentially a health-conscious snack and breakfast that included toast topped with mashed avocado and an egg.

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19. 2010 Bubble Tea

There are bubble tea bars all over America now, but the drink originated in Taiwan. What made it so unique was the use of chewy tapioca pearls that added a texture to the drinking experience. The drinks were also very customizable, making them widely popular among teens and college students.

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20. 2020 Beyond Meat

With many people turning to vegetarian and vegan diets, Beyond Meat products have been racing to fill the gaps in the market. Even fast-food giants like Burger King and McDonald’s have included plant-based items in their menus. Nowadays, you’d have a hard time going to a restaurant that doesn’t have a few meat-alternative options on the menu.

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