10 Strange Foods That Were Surprisingly Popular Decades Ago
In retrospect, many foods may appear strange or even disgusting, but they enjoyed unexpected success only a few decades ago. They are a window into a bygone era's fashions, ideas, and experiments in creativity.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
The most famous foods of yesteryear may now appear completely out of place due to the natural progression of culinary trends. This article explores 10 peculiar foods that were wildly popular in bygone eras. These bizarre culinary concoctions, ranging from meat-filled desserts to gelatin-covered main courses, are sure to confound you. Regardless, they provide an entertaining and interesting look at the development of cuisine and culture.
1. Jell-O Salads
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These weren’t just fruity desserts—people made entire meals suspended in Jell-O, including vegetables, meats, and even mayonnaise. Jell-O molds were seen as fancy and modern at the time. Today, they’re mostly remembered with confusion (and a little fear).
2. Liver and Onions
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Liver was once considered a superfood packed with vitamins and iron, often served with a heap of onions. It had a strong flavor but was a dinner table regular for many families. These days, it’s fallen far out of favor in most households.
3. Aspic (Meat in Gelatin)
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Aspic is a dish in which cooked meat, eggs, and veggies are set into a jelly made from meat stock. It was served as a cold appetizer and was considered elegant in its time. Today, the idea of wobbly meat jelly isn’t quite as appealing.
4. Banana and Mayonnaise Sandwiches
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Yes, this was a real thing—sliced banana with a thick smear of mayo on white bread. It was cheap, quick, and strangely popular in parts of the U.S. Most people now would think twice before taking a bite.
5. Tomato Soup Cake
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This dessert used a can of tomato soup to add moisture and color to a spice cake. It may sound weird, but many people swore by it for flavor and texture. You can still find recipes, but it’s far from mainstream.
6. Ham and Banana Hollandaise
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Bananas were wrapped in slices of ham and baked, then covered with Hollandaise sauce. This combo of sweet and savory was a popular dinner idea in the 1950s. Today, it mostly leaves people scratching their heads.
7. Canned Spaghetti on Toast
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People often served canned spaghetti directly on toasted white bread as a quick meal. It was especially popular with busy families or students. It’s still eaten in some places, but it’s no longer a go-to favorite.
8. Tuna Gelatin Molds
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Tuna, mayonnaise, and veggies were mixed and set in a gelatin mold, then served cold as a “salad.” These seafood creations were often made for parties or potlucks. Today, cold tuna jelly is not exactly trending.
9. Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwiches
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This protein-packed combo was praised for being hearty and filling. The mix of creamy peanut butter and salty bacon made it surprisingly appealing to many. It’s not entirely gone, but it’s much less common now.
10. Prune Whip
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Made by whipping stewed prunes with egg whites, this fluffy dessert was considered light and healthy. It was often served to kids and elderly people as a gentle treat. While nutritious, it’s not a dessert you see often these days.