We Ate That? A Look Back at Food Trends That Didn’t Last
--- 1970s ---
Fondue: Serving as a social focal point, this Swiss dish of melted cheese for dipping epitomized friendly gatherings.
Jell-O Salads: These fruity gelatin blends, mixing fruits and vegetables, brought a touch of playfulness to meals.
Pineapple Craze: From Hawaiian pizzas to savory chicken dishes, pineapple emerged as a favored ingredient in a variety of culinary dishes.
--- 1980s ---
Quiche: Originating from France, this pastry filled with eggs and cheese became a common sight on menus, even popularizing the saying "real men don't eat quiche."
Wine Coolers: Effervescent and fruity, these easy-to-drink beverages had their moment before the surge of hard seltzers.
Pasta Salad: A ubiquitous presence at gatherings, typically tossed in tangy Italian dressing and packed with fresh vegetables.
Blackened Fish or Chicken: Introduced by Chef Paul Prudhomme, the Cajun-spiced blackened dishes became a culinary sensation.
Surf and Turf: A luxurious combination of steak and seafood epitomizing the era's love for extravagance.
--- 1990s ---
DIY Lunchables: A lunchbox essential for every 90s child, providing customizable snack trays with crackers, deli meats, and cheese.
Dunkaroos: Cookies dipped in sugary frosting that captured the hearts of many snack lovers.
Bagel Bites & Pizza Rolls: Convenient microwaveable treats serving as after-school snacks and party bites.
Stuffed Crust Pizza (Pizza Hut): A pizza innovation featuring cheese-filled crusts for an indulgent twist.
Squeeze Its & Capri Sun: Colorful and sweet drinks packaged in fun pouches and shapes.
Ranch Everything: From chips to dressings, the prevalence of ranch dressing was unmistakable.
Fat-Free Frenzy: Riding the wave of low-fat products, everything from cookies to yogurt underwent a "health-conscious" makeover.
--- 2000s ---
Cupcake Craze: Inspired by Manhattan's renowned Magnolia Bakery, cupcakes saw a surge in popularity as a trendy dessert choice.
Cake Pops: Small cake balls offering a whimsical twist on traditional desserts.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Overload: Mediterranean flavors like pesto and sun-dried tomatoes made their way into pasta, chicken dishes, and sandwiches.
Bacon Mania Begins: The rise of bacon-infused treats ranging from ice creams to cocktails.
--- 2010s ---
Kale: Initially just a garnish, this leafy green rose in popularity as a versatile and nutritious ingredient, with kale chips becoming a favored snack.
Avocado Toast: Symbolizing health-conscious eating, this breakfast dish topped with various ingredients became a hit on social media.
Sriracha: The fiery chili sauce known for its versatility and bold flavor profile became a sought-after condiment.
Matcha: This Japanese green tea powder, celebrated for its health benefits, gained popularity in the US, finding its way into lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.
--- 2020s ---
Acai Bowls: Representing healthy eating, these frozen smoothie bowls topped with fruits and granola gained popularity as a nutritious breakfast or snack choice.
Truffle: The esteemed and expensive mushroom known for its unique taste became a favored ingredient in a variety of culinary creations.
Air Fryer Creations: The popularity of air fryers led to the creation of crispy and healthier versions of fried foods.
Banana Bread: A comforting staple that gained popularity during the lockdown period, symbolizing solace and a favorite baking endeavor.
Crispy Chili Oil: This versatile condiment, valued for its smoky and spicy flavors, gained recognition for enhancing the taste of different dishes.