12 School Lunches from the Past That Kids Today Wouldn’t Eat
A look at school lunches from the past that would probably make today's kids turn up their noses.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
School lunches used to look a lot different. Some meals were strange, mushy, or just plain unappetizing. Kids back then had no choice but to eat them, buy today’s students won’t touch these meals.
1. Mystery Meat Surprise
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Back in the day, students were served an unidentifiable slab meat covered in thick gravy. It was often called “mystery meat” because no one really knew what was inside. While it may have filling, today’s kids would not be thrilled about eating something so questionable.
2. Canned Spinach Slop
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A mushy, overcooked pile of canned spinach was a staple on lunch trays. It lacked seasoning, smelled unpleasant, and had a slimy texture that turned kids away. Today’s students, who are used to fresh or lightly cooked vegetables, would likely refuse to eat it.
3. Bologna and Mayo Sandwich
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A plain bologna and mayo sandwich on white bread was once a cafeteria classic. While it was quick and cheap, it was also bland and rubbery. Today’s kids, being accustomed to more flavorful sandwiches, would probably find this lunch unappealing.
4. Liver and Onions
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Some schools thought serving liver and onions was a good idea to provide iron-rich meals. However, the strong smell and bitter taste made it a dreaded lunch option. Kids today would be horrified to find this on their trays.
5. Jell-O with Suspicious Add-Ins
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Gelatin dishes were not just desserts in the past. Some had vegetables floating inside. The odd mix of wobbly texture and unexpected crunch would make today’s kids think twice before taking a bite.
6. Powdered Mashed Potatoes
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These mashed potatoes were made from powder and had a glue-like texture. They were often served with gravy, which did little to improve their appeal. While they may have been convenient, today’s kids would prefer real potatoes.
7. Hot Dog in a Blanket (Soggy Edition)
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This cafeteria classic was meant to be a fun twist on a hot dog, but it often ended up soggy and unappetizing. The breading was either too doughy or hard, making it challenging to eat. Today’s kids, who are used to crispier versions, would not be impressed.
8. Peanut Butter and Banana on White Bread
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A peanut butter and banana sandwich was a cafeteria attempt at a nutritious meal. While some kids liked it, the mushy bananas often turned others off. With so many better sandwich options available today, this one would likely be left untouched.
9. Sloppy Joe Disaster
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Sloppy Joes were messy and greasy, and depending on how they were made, they often had an odd taste. The meat-to-bun ratio was always off, making it impossible to eat neatly. While some still enjoy them, today’s kids would likely complain about the mess.
10. School-Style Fish Sticks
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These fish sticks were dry on the inside and soggy on the outside, thanks to mass production. The fishy smell alone made some kids avoid them. Given the fresh seafood options available today, most kids would pass on these.
11. Cold Cheese Pizza Squares
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School pizza often had a dry, cardboard-like crust and barely melted cheese. It was served lukewarm at best, far from the cheesy, gooey pizza kids love today. Given the many better pizza options now, this one would not make the cut.
12. Overcooked Mac and Cheese
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School mac and cheese often suffered from overcooked pasta and watery, artificial cheese sauce. Instead of creamy comfort food, it was often clumpy or runny. Today’s kids would not settle for anything less than the real deal.