Have you noticed that some things that once seemed reserved for the wealthy are now far more accessible? Products like certain exotic ingredients and high-end treats have become everyday staples thanks to changes in production, accessibility, and consumer demand.
Let’s take a look at a few items that used to be considered indulgent but are now a regular part of grocery shopping.
Organic Produce
Not too long ago, organic fruits and vegetables could only be found in specialty stores and came with a hefty price tag to boot. Today, nearly every supermarket comes with an organic section full of all sorts of high-quality options. While they’re still slightly more expensive than conventional produce, their availability has made organic options a whole lot more accessible.
Sushi
You may remember a time when sushi was thought of as a high-end dining experience reserved for fancy restaurants. But while it may not be quite as fancy, now, pre-packaged sushi trays can be found in the vast majority of supermarket deli sections.
Sure, it doesn’t rival a top-tier sushi bar, but it’s a convenient option for anyone craving a quick California roll or sashimi.
Plant-Based Milk
Vegetarians and vegans were a lot rarer a few decades ago, so it’s not too surprising that soy, almond, oat, and other plant-based milks were once niche products found only in health food stores. Thankfully, as more and more people are turning to plant-based options, they line plenty of supermarket shelves alongside traditional dairy.
Freshly Baked Artisan Bread
There’s something wonderfully indulgent and charming about crusty, handmade-style bread, but it used to be something you’d only find in boutique bakeries. Now, though, even basic grocery stores offer artisan-style loaves like sourdough, ciabatta, and baguettes in their bakery sections.
Gourmet Cheese
If you think of yourself as a bit of a cheese connoisseur, you certainly wouldn’t want to be limited to the basics of cheddar and mozzarella, but gourmet options were once rare in supermarkets. Thankfully, brie, gouda, camembert, and aged cheddar are all common sights in most stores today.
Fresh Herbs
While it’s hard to imagine today, fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and rosemary were once pretty difficult to find unless you grew them yourself or visited a specialty market. Today, they’re a staple in supermarket produce sections, allowing home cooks around the country to elevate their dishes with ease.
Pre-Packaged Salads
Believe it or not, salad kits with gourmet greens and dressings were once seen as a luxury convenience. Now, nearly every supermarket offers a wide selection to choose from, including options like Caesar and spinach salads and kale mixes with exotic add-ins like dried cranberries and quinoa.
Craft Beer
If you’ve been around for a few decades, you might remember that craft beer used to require a trip to a specialty shop or brewery. These days, supermarkets offer a vast array of craft brews, often showcasing their local and regional options.
Dark Chocolate
Not all that long ago, dark chocolate, especially kinds with high cocoa content, was considered a premium indulgence that could only be found in gourmet stores. Now, it’s readily available in supermarkets, with brands offering plenty of variations infused with sea salt, caramel, or chili.
Gluten-Free Products
In the past, people weren’t as informed about gluten intolerance, so it’s not that surprising that gluten-free foods were limited to health food stores and came at a high price. Thankfully, things have changed a lot since then, as supermarkets now carry an extensive range of gluten-free options, including bread, pasta, snacks, and many different baked goods.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is super popular today for its creamy texture and high protein content, but you may be surprised to hear that it used to be a specialty item. After all, today, it dominates the yogurt aisle, with countless brands, flavors, and styles to choose from.
Avocados
Avocados were once seen as very exotic and hard to find outside specialty stores. But today, they’re a grocery staple, celebrated by many Americans for their versatility and wide array of nutritional benefits.
Avocado toast has become especially popular in recent years, making this fruit a regular part of many households’ diets.
Coconut Water
While it used to be marketed as an exclusive health drink, coconut water is now a mainstream refreshment that can be found in supermarket aisles across America. There are also plenty of brands and flavors to pick from, so it’s become a refreshing alternative to traditional sports drinks.
Pre-Cut Fruit
As some people will remember, buying pre-cut fruit used to be a rare convenience that was available only at upscale grocery stores. These days, we’re glad to see that supermarkets regularly offer containers of pre-cut melon, pineapple, or mixed fruit, all of which are especially convenient options for busy shoppers looking for healthy snacks.
Spices and Seasonings
“Fancy” spices like saffron, smoked paprika, and Himalayan pink salt were once considered luxuries reserved only for high-end cooking. Now, they’ve become widely available in the spice aisles of most supermarkets.
This is great news for home cooks, who can now experiment with flavors that were once out of reach.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been around for a long time, but extra virgin olive oil was viewed as a high-end item that required a visit to a specialty store. Today, it’s a pantry staple for many health-conscious Americans, available in various price ranges and flavors in every supermarket.
Ice Cream Alternatives
If you were vegan or had a dairy intolerance a few decades ago, you might’ve had to skip out on ice cream altogether. But not anymore, as supermarkets now stock a variety of plant-based frozen treats made from plant-based ingredients like almond, coconut, or oat milk.
Ready-Made Hummus
Hummus has transformed from a Middle Eastern specialty to a household favorite throughout the West. Most supermarkets sell a wide range of hummus flavors, from roasted garlic to red pepper, making it an easy and affordable snack option.