Nostalgic Foods We All Remember
It isn't just photo albums or old toys that bring back childhood memories—food can also take you on a nostalgic trip. From beloved snacks like Dunkaroos to savory dishes like Chef Boyardee, here are 20 eats that might make you reminisce.
Sarah Mahala Photography & Makeup Artistry from Oshkosh, WI, United States
1. YanYan
A playful treat, YanYan was the kind of snack that every kid wanted packed in their lunch boxes. While there weren't many flavors to choose from—the originals being strawberry or chocolate—they were all tasty and fun to dip into with the stick-shaped biscuits. It was also a bonus if you snagged a tube that had two flavors so you can mix and match.
2. Dunkaroos
Sure, there might be a new, semi-rebranded one on the shelves now, but nothing beats the old Dunkaroos. Another type of dipping snack, these mini graham cookies paired with creamy frosting remain beloved—and nostalgic.
:kirsch: from Raleigh, US on Wikimedia
3. Smarties (Rockets)
No, not the colorful candy-coated chocolates—we’re referring to the chalky-sweet tablet ones. Also known as Rockets, these were a frequent find in any trick-or-treat bag at the end of a Halloween night. Kids loved how easy it was to just unwrap and pop one into their mouths.
4. Baby Bottle Pop
Back to the topic of dippable sweet treats, Baby Bottle Pops were just as adored by kids as Push Pops or Ring Pops were. Lollipops are already great on their own, but when they come with powdery, flavored sugar? Not to mention the variety of flavors to choose from, like blue raspberry and watermelon. It's no wonder these were a hit!
5. Popeye Candy Sticks
These little addictive packets of candy sticks were all the rage back in the day (and maybe still are, if you manage to find some). Not too sweet and easy to just let melt in your mouth, this was the perfect pastime treat to share or snack on your own.
King Features Syndicate, Inc. on Wikimedia
6. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup might be most known as a cold remedy, but this comfort dish is a nostalgic staple that dates back thousands of years. The broth has always been the main star of the show and was believed to have therapeutic effects, but its popularity was ultimately brought to light by Campbell's Noodle with Chicken in 1934.
7. Sidekicks
Delicious and easy to make, Sidekicks pasta packets are likely still stocked in every household's pantry featuring classic flavors like Butter and Herb and White Cheddar and Broccoli. Plus, who could forget the salt and pepper shakers that stole everyone's hearts back then?
8. Rice Krispies Treats
Another beloved sweet treat, Rice Krispies, with their familiar blue packaging, are a great go-to snack. But while these sugar squares are perfect for kids, they might be a little too sweet for an adult's palate—though it doesn't hurt to indulge every now and then.
9. Chef Boyardee
These pasta cans of mini ravioli or spaghetti and meatballs bring back instant memories. Easy to prepare for a quick, warm meal, Chef Boyardee remains a delight.
10. Kraft Dinner Mac & Cheese
Just like Chef Boyardee, Kraft Dinner is another go-to favorite. Mac and cheese on its own is a comfort dish, but something about Kraft Dinner makes it all the more nostalgic.
11. Lunchables
Whether it was building your own mini pizzas or stacking crackers and ham, Lunchables were fun and enjoyable to eat. After all, who says you can't play with your food and eat it too?
12. Lucky Charms
Lucky Charms, with its colorful marshmallows and cereal shaped like lucky symbols, has remained a favorite for years. Along with other well-known cereals, such as Fruit Loops or Frosted Flakes, this makes you nostalgic the moment you spoon some up.
13. Eggo Waffles
Eggo Waffles are a breakfast food that encourages having fun with your meal as you enjoy it. Back in the day, these crispy snacks also featured cartoon characters printed right on the waffles, making them even more playful.
14. Pop Tarts
Besides cereal or waffles, these were another (sugary) morning snack kids enjoyed. Crisp, light, and filled with different flavors from grape to confetti, it's no surprise these were—and still are—popular.
15. Welch's
These small gummies offered real fruit juice and different flavors in every pouch, which made it a (sort of) healthy snack for kids. Plus, each one would be shaped as the fruit that it's flavored after, which made it all the more fun to devour.
16. Mashed potatoes
While mashed potatoes might not seem like a nostalgic dish, to some, it brings back memories of family dinners during the holidays. When everyone's crowded around the table and heaping bowls of steaming hot mashed potatoes, followed by gravy, are passed around, you know the holidays have started!
17. Pumpkin Pie
Reminiscent of the holidays, pumpkin pie—arguably the best dessert to eat during fall and Halloween—feels rather nostalgic especially if made from scratch. Homemade pumpkin pies meant carving, which is a core memory for many kids.
18. Corn Dogs
An all-time classic, corn dogs have always been a delicious savory treat that's sometimes even more satisfying than a regular hot dog. Maybe it's the fluffy breading or the additional condiments you can top it with, but it's scrumptious either way.
19. Pizza Minis
Though unfortunately discontinued, Pizza Minis were a great snack that came in various flavors like Pepperoni & Bacon and Deluxe, which included a sprinkle of green peppers. Since they're no longer on the market, reach for a box of Pizza Pops which are just as tasty and nostalgic.
20. Freeze Pops
Freeze Pops, or Freezies, are the ultimate summer treat—and many will probably remember snacking on these as kids after field day during the tail end of the school year. These flavorful ice-cold sweets felt especially rewarding after a long day of races, sports, and tug-of-war!
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