16 Things Every Family Pantry Had in the 1950s That Are Gone Today

The article looked at 16 commonly used pantry goods from the 1950s that spoke volumes about the lifestyles of the people during those times. Lard cans, flour sacks, canned meat, and homemade preserves were some items among others that represented the mindset of families of those times regarding durability, reuse, and longevity of foods. With developments in technology and food production methods, pantries gradually shifted from old ways to more convenient and efficient ways. The role that some of the items played has now been assumed by other items. Some have disappeared completely while others can still be found in select homes.

1. Lard Tins

The lard tins were found in almost every kitchen cabinet, having been used long after the actual contents were consumed. Such brands as Armour and Swift filled metal cans with rendered pork fat that then housed anything from nails to buttons or even remnants of old meals. Lard was widely used for cooking, especially for frying, baking, and seasoning vegetables. Although less popular among women than the recently introduced vegetable fats, housewives preferred lard because of its proven efficiency. The tin can served as a household item, having been scratched and hammered during many years. With the improvement in people’s lifestyles, including new dietary preferences and refrigeration technology, lard gradually lost its popularity.

2. Powdered Milk Tins

Shelves were always filled with powdered milk tins in case the supply of fresh milk ran out. For instance, Carnation was one such brand that provided a convenient alternative. This product was used in places where people could not afford continuous refrigeration. It involved mixing the powder with water to make an adequate substitute for cooking, cereal, and coffee purposes. Even if it had a different taste, the use of the product was prioritized due to its benefits. Powdered milk tins would be kept for several months without opening. Thus, they were important during emergencies and financial hardships.

3. Glass Bottles of Soda Syrup

Before the rise of ready-to-drink beverages, people had glass bottles containing soda syrup, including brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which provided the concentrate for mixing into home soda fountains. Mixing syrup and carbonated water provided an interactive way to make drinks at home, making it a cost-effective option for larger families. The bottles featured colorful labels and reusable glass, enhancing the beauty of the kitchen shelves. With time, the cost of buying bottled or canned sodas fell, making the process of mixing soda obsolete.

4. Wax Paper-Wrapped Butter Blocks

Butter was packaged in plain old wax paper and was generally not branded or labeled. The family purchased the product in blocks rather than sticks, which were easy to measure. This packaging kept the butter fresh while allowing some airflow, preserving its natural consistency. There was always a subtle smell of the packaging material mixed with that of the refrigerator. Eventually, packages of measured sticks became standard, and butter lost its traditional package style altogether. Though butter is still widely used, this old type of packaging has become obsolete.

5. Metal Bread Boxes with Daily Loaves

Pantries used to house metal bread boxes, which contained freshly baked bread that was purchased on a daily basis. The bread went stale quickly due to a lack of preservatives, so it had to be bought frequently. The bread box stored the bread in a cool place, free from insects. Some of the most common bread brands included Wonder Bread; nevertheless, home-based bakeries could not be ignored either. Unpacking the bread box presented a variety of slices that were soft and perfect for making sandwiches or toast.

6. Canned Meat Products Like Spam and Deviled Ham

Canned meats like Spam and Underwood Deviled Ham lined the pantry shelves and were a reliable source of protein. They did not need refrigeration and could last for a long time. People would consume them on bread, in casseroles, or use them in quick cooking. The little key included with each can added to the ritual of unloading the contents, making it more enjoyable. Canned meats became popular during times of war, but continued to be common after the war. Eventually, people started having easy access to fresh meat at lower prices. Health concerns relating to salt content and preservatives also played a role.

7. Large Flour Sacks with Printed Patterns

The bags in which flour was sold were made out of fabric and came in many bright colors. After they were used up, they could be used to make dresses, aprons, or even dish towels. Pillsbury and Gold Medal were aware of this practice and ensured their packaging would look good once converted into clothing. Flour sacks stood side by side in the pantry, being simultaneously containers for food and fabric for clothes. However, the days when people reused the packaging have long gone. Flour can now be found in every home, but its dual purpose is just a relic of the past.

8. Homemade Canned Goods in Mason Jars

The shelves would often be lined with Mason jars filled with homemade jams, pickles, and vegetables prepared in anticipation of the coming year. This involved canning foods during the harvest season to sustain their availability throughout the year. It was an intensive process that required several hours of work and meticulous care. The jars were labeled by hand, with details on when and what had been canned inside. As a result, the pantry was a showcase of fruits and vegetables contained within jars of glass. However, with the advent of canned foods in grocery stores, it became more economical and convenient to purchase them.

9. Gelatin Dessert Boxes Like Jell-O

Colorful boxes of gelatin desserts, such as Jell-O, brought vibrancy to pantry shelves. They were employed in making elaborate molded desserts featuring fruits and whipped cream in various layers. Ads played a critical role in promoting creativity by using simple ingredients to create attractive dishes. Kids looked forward to these desserts during get-togethers. The packages may have been tiny, yet they were indispensable for hosting events. As the dessert industry transformed, prepackaged desserts became common choices. Gelatin desserts ceased to be an integral component of the family diet.

10. Evaporated and Condensed Milk Cans

Evaporated and condensed milk came in cans, which were found in every pantry, for cooking and baking. Cans of brands such as Carnation gave consumers a source of milk to use for various cooking purposes. This included making all types of sauces and cakes, among other foods. These cans did not require refrigeration since their contents had been dehydrated. They served to ensure that milk could be stored for long periods. However, with time, refrigeration improved, and there was an abundance of fresh dairy products.

11. Sugar Stored in Metal Tins

Sugar usually arrived in large quantities and was stored in metal boxes, ornamental or functional. They shielded it from any water or insect contamination. The tin can be easily found in an accessible place for regular use when preparing meals or adding sweetness to beverages. Some also had attractive images painted on them, giving the kitchen an individualistic touch. However, eventually, ready-made plastic bags and packaging became more common than the tins.

12. Instant Coffee Tins Like Nescafé

The trend of consuming instant coffee became widespread during the 1950s. Coffee such as Nescafé took the market by storm. Each household had a tin can full of instant coffee ready for quick consumption. The product was easier to make because only boiling water was needed. It made coffee more convenient, as opposed to the traditional means. The can was usually adorned with colorful labeling and came with a tightly screwed lid to preserve freshness. Time passed, and coffee brewing habits changed again. Instead of instant, ground coffee became commonplace.

13. Shortening Tins Like Crisco

The Crisco can was a pantry staple, used for baking and cooking. Shortening made the dough more consistent when making pies and pastry. The tin was useful even after the contents were used up since it served as storage space. Shortening was popular because housewives could get consistent outcomes using it in the recipe. Vegetable oil and butter became more preferred than shortening in the long run. In addition, health consciousness influenced ingredient choices, leading to reduced use of shortening.

14. Pickle Crocks and Bulk Pickles

Some families kept their pickles in big crocks and jars that were purchased in bulk form. These items could be found in a corner of a pantry where they would be full of brine and the vegetables themselves. They used the tongs to grab a few pickles for their meals and snacks from them. This was the age when freshness and bulk were preferred over any fancy packaging. With time, the individually packaged bottles came into use. They were much better for health and convenience. But they lacked the experience of grabbing food from the pack.

15. Baking Soda Boxes for Multiple Uses

The box of baking soda was useful for many things outside of cooking. Households used it to clean, deodorize, and even take care of themselves. The basic cardboard box was always kept within easy reach in the kitchen pantry. It became very valuable due to its multiple uses. As more products were created for specific purposes, there was no longer a need for the same product to serve many purposes at once. The marketing focus shifted to one-use products. However, the box of baking soda still existed, though for fewer purposes than before.

16. Dry Soup Mix Packets

Dried soup mixes like Lipton’s onion soup mix were an important pantry staple for most families. They were used either as a basis or as flavoring for meals like meatloaf. Preparation was not complicated for them, which made it convenient for them to use. Because they could be stored for an extended period, they were quite convenient. Fresh, prepared soups eventually gained popularity due to health concerns about sodium.

• Tags:
• pantries
• households
• families
• Nostalgia
• 1950s