We all have that one food that instantly transports us back to our childhoods. Hopefully, you’ll get to experience some of this nostalgia from reading this article. Let’s have a look at 17 common childhood foods and see what memories come flooding back!
Tater Tot Casserole
This beloved dinner staple combines crispy tater tots with a creamy filling and is known for being very versatile—often paired with ground beef or mixed vegetables. Many of you will likely remember tater tot casseroles as a comforting meal growing up!
TV Dinners
According to Smithsonian Magazine, TV dinners were invented to make use of the 260 tons of turkey that was left over after Thanksgiving. These frozen meals were originally designed to be heated up quickly in the oven. All in all, TV dinners are representative of mid-20th century America and are bound to bring back some memories!
Saturday Morning Breakfast
This may vary slightly from person to person, but a typical Saturday morning breakfast for most people as a child consisted of pancakes, waffles, cereals, or even Pop-Tarts. Do you remember stuffing your face with your family while watching cartoons?
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
This classic pairing is the epitome of comfort food and a meal you likely had time and time again as a child. Perfect for rainy days, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup typically involved American cheese and canned soup—the real basics.
Macaroni & Cheese
The warm, creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese makes it an American favorite for both solo and family dinners. Common in both boxed and homemade form, this meal is adored across America and has been a comfort food for decades. Hopefully, you’re not getting too hungry reading this!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches exploded in popularity after World War 2 according to the National Peanut Board, and have been present in American life ever since. Due to their simplicity, the sandwiches still make up many school lunches, and a bite of one is bound to bring you back to your childhood.
Hot Dogs
As a child, you probably chowed down on a hot dog at every sports match and barbecue you attended—a real American classic. You may have gotten more adventurous with the toppings over the years, but we bet you can’t help but feel nostalgic every time you see one!
Fruit Roll-Ups
A real favorite for 80s kids especially, these colorful, fruity snacks have had a place in America’s heart for a long time. Fruit Roll-Ups are a staple of packed lunches—so it’s no surprise if you have fond memories of them and their multitude of flavors.
SpaghettiOs
The instantly recognizable O-shaped tomato pasta has been devoured by children for years and years. SpaghettiOs are a long-standing brand and have maintained their popularity through multiple generations, so you’re certain to have some warm childhood memories associated with them.
Chicken Nuggets
As shared by History.com, chicken nuggets were first invented in a university laboratory by Robert C. Baker and then popularized by fast food chains such as McDonald’s. And we’re so thankful for them! Both tasty and easy to dip into sauces, chicken nuggets are (and always have been) a big hit with kids all over America.
Jell-O
Did you even have a childhood if you weren’t filling up on Jell-O for dessert? Sold either ready to eat or in a powder form with a variety of flavors to choose from, Jell-O is a gelatin dessert so popular that it has become the generic name for every other gelatin product.
S’mores
A must-have for outdoor gatherings around the campfire, as you likely know, S’mores consist of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, which are then roasted over an open fire. We bet you have tons of childhood memories camping, and no storytelling session around the fire is complete without S’mores.
Corn Dogs
Do you remember biting into a delicious corn dog at state fairs and carnivals? These classic American treats are made up of hot dogs coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter before being deep-fried and smothered in dips like ketchup or mustard. Our mouths are watering just thinking about them!
Rice Krispies Treats
So popular that “the original recipe remains on the side of the box to this day,” as per Battle Creek Enquirer, Rice Krispies treats graced many a childhood birthday party. In fact, they’re still a favorite amongst kids around the country. This one will stir up old memories for sure.
Animal Crackers
Ah, animal crackers! These iconic animal-themed snacks have charmed many generations of kids, delighting them at lunchtime. Animal crackers aren’t often eaten by adults, meaning that they have a special significance due to the nostalgia they invoke. Why not give them another go as an adult?
Popsicles
One of the strongest reminders of childhood summer vacations has to be the popsicle. These frozen treats come in a rainbow of different colors and flavors, with their delicious taste appealing to both kids and adults alike. Everyone has at least one memory of buying one from an ice cream truck!
Lunchables
The DIY fun of Lunchables is something all kids should enjoy at least once or twice. Ranging from crackers and cheese to mini pizzas, there’s a massive variety of Lunchables for sale in the United States, and as they’re also convenient to parents, we can bet you had many when you were younger.
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