Remember the '70s?
If you grew up in the 1970s, you probably remember walking into your mom’s kitchen and seeing a mix of quirky, colorful, and sometimes mysterious things in the pantry. Those things form the basis for a lot of nostalgia today. We’ve come a long way in terms of nutrition, but remember when these were the main things you ate every night?
Spam
That little rectangular can of Spam found its way into every pantry. Moms could slice it, fry it, or dice it into casseroles when money was tight. It had a reputation for being too salty, and some kids were never quite sure what meat it was, but it stretched meals and kept well in the cupboard for ages.
Jell-O
Every 1970s kitchen had some boxes of Jell-O in bright colors. Whether it was served as a simple dessert, layered in molds, or filled with fruit (or, more questionably, vegetables), it was a staple, plus cheap and easy to make.
Kool-Aid
With its famous “Oh Yeah!” commercials during people in, Kool-Aid was the drink mix of choice for many families in the ‘70s. Moms could whip up a whole pitcher without spending much, making it the go-to for neighborhood gatherings (remember when we still had those?) and hot summer days.
Bisquick
This yellow box was a miracle worker in the kitchen. Pancakes, biscuits, muffins, even quick casseroles - Bisquick made it easy for moms to whip up comfort food for their kids. It was all about convenience during a time when more women were juggling work and family.
Canned Pineapple
Canned pineapple rings were a must-have in the ‘70s. There was this sudden wave of pineapple love, with pineapple upside-down cake and pineapple Jell-O everywhere, plus pizzas getting in on the action. Having canned fruit on hand meant moms could add a little tropical flair to dinner any night.
Campbell’s Soup
Campbell’s soups were delicious, especially if you weren’t feeling so great. They were versatile as well, and moms used them for casseroles and sauces and all sorts. Plus, of course, they kept for a long time. They were so good they’ve survived to the present day.
Shake ’n Bake
If you wanted crispy chicken without the fryer, Shake ’n Bake was the ticket. Moms loved the “and I helped!” commercials because kids could actually get involved by shaking the bag. Many a bonding moment was had over Shake ‘n Bake.
Crisco
Before olive oil became trendy, Crisco was the go-to fat for frying, baking, and greasing pans. It came in that big blue tub and seemed to last forever. Moms swore by it for flaky pie crusts, fried chicken and cookies, and it was better for you than butter.
Velveeta
Velveeta wasn’t really cheese, but it sure did a good job of pretending it was. That smooth, melty block worked its way into all sorts of after-school dishes. Moms loved how it melted perfectly without clumping, making it the secret ingredient in many a family dinner. Non-Americans are consistently baffled by it though.
Tang
If you grew up in the ’70s, there was a good chance you had some Tang in the kitchen at all times. It was marketed as the drink astronauts took to space, so it was seriously popular. Moms loved it for its convenience and kids loved it for the sugar. No, it wasn’t good for you, but nobody cared back then.
Hamburger Helper
When dinner needed to be quick and filling, Hamburger Helper was a lifesaver. Moms could stretch a single pound of ground beef into a full family meal. It also came in many tasty flavors, meaning the meal could be different each time.
Miracle Whip
Every '70s fridge had a jar of Miracle Whip, whether you liked it or not. It wasn’t quite mayonnaise, but it had that tangy-sweet flavor moms used in sandwiches and potato salad a lot. It sparked debates - some swore by it, others wouldn’t touch it - but it was undeniably popular back then.
Nestlé Quik
Nestlé Quik, eventually renamed to Nesquik, turned plain milk into a treat. Kids stirred in a spoonful (or three), and suddenly it was sugar high time. Moms liked keeping it on hand because it was inexpensive and lasted forever. Also, it made a nice dessert topping when sprinkled over ice cream.
Frozen TV Dinners
Pull off the foil, pop it in the oven, and ta-da! Dinner was served. TV dinners – which included things like turkey with stuffing, Salisbury steak, and fried chicken - were quick and easy, even if they weren’t healthy. Moms relied on them for busy nights, and kids loved eating in front of the TV.
Noodles
Noodles were a pantry must, because moms used them in all sorts of dishes. They were cheap, filling, and versatile, making them a go-to when you needed to feed the family without breaking the budget. One simple bag of noodles could stretch into multiple meals.
Canned Green Beans
Fresh wasn’t always an option, so canned vegetables were the norm in the ‘70s. Green beans showed up in everything from side dishes to the famous green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. You can still find them on shelves today.
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese was a staple for good reason - it was fast, easy, and cheesy. Moms relied on it for lunches or quick dinners, and kids begged for it constantly. Sure, it came out looking not very appetizing, but that was part of the charm.
Jiffy Cornbread Mix
That little box of Jiffy mix was a favorite for quick breads and muffins. Grown-ups loved how cheap and easy it was - just add an egg and milk. It paired perfectly with chili, soups, or fried chicken.
Peanut Butter
No kitchen in the ’70s was complete without a jar of peanut butter, be it creamy or chunky. Moms loved it because it was inexpensive and packed with protein. Kids loved it for all the reasons they still do – it’s just so good.
Chef Boyardee
Cans of ravioli and random spaghetti shapes under the Chef Boyardee name were everywhere in the ‘70s. Moms could heat them up in minutes, making them a handy backup meal. Kids didn’t mind the slightly mushy pasta because it was tasty and fun.
Marshmallows
Bags of marshmallows weren’t just for campfires - they were used in ambrosia salad, Rice Krispies treats, and even some questionable Jell-O creations. Moms loved keeping them on hand for baking or entertaining. They were so incredibly unhealthy, but oh so tasty.
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes without peeling, boiling, or mashing? Instant mashed potatoes were a dream come true for busy moms! They weren’t quite the same as homemade, but everyone loved the convenience. With a little butter and milk, they were a quick side dish for meatloaf.
Canned Tuna
Tuna salad, tuna casserole, tuna melts – canned tuna could do so much. Moms could stretch one can into sandwiches for the whole family or toss it with noodles for dinner. It was affordable, filling, and unlike a lot of things on this list, actually good for you as well.
Cool Whip
Speaking of things that aren’t good for you… Cool Whip was up there. It was used to top things like pie and (there it is again) Jell-O, and kids loved it. It’s still the most popular brand of topping in the United States, so it must be doing something right.
Ritz Crackers
Ritz crackers have held pride of place in American pantries since the 1930s, and they were especially popular during the ever-changing ‘70s. They could be used in meals as well as for snacking, and people never got bored of them.
Carnation Evaporated Milk
A little can of evaporated milk went a long way in the ’70s kitchen. It was shelf-stable, affordable, and gave recipes a rich, smooth texture. Many a pumpkin pie or casserole wouldn’t have been the same without it.
Ovaltine
Not just chocolate milk mix, Ovaltine was marketed as the “healthy” choice with vitamins and minerals. Parents liked feeling good about giving it to kids, while kids enjoyed the sweet, malty flavor. There’s many an adult walking around today who still has an Ovaltine before bed.
Swanson Broth
Before boxed stock became a thing, Swanson was the go-to. Having a few cans handy meant you could whip up a comforting meal without starting from scratch. The brand still exists, but has been swallowed up by Campbell’s.
Pickles
No family home in the ’70s felt complete without at least one jar of pickles lurking around. You could snack on them, or use them in meals – they were especially nice in hamburgers. Sadly, the pickle craze seems to have died down a bit in the modern day.
Wonder Bread
Wonder Bread had a lot of sugar and salt in it, and is not considered healthy at all by today’s standards. The standards of the ‘70s, on the other hand… Well, let’s just say that a lot more Wonder Bread used to be consumed.
Rice-A-Roni
The “San Francisco treat” was a quick side dish that added flair to weeknight dinners. Busy moms who had to cook everyday loved how easy it was - just add water, butter, and the seasoning packet. It felt a little fancier than plain rice and tasted great.
Fruit Cocktail
That can of mixed fruit - peaches, pears, grapes, cherries - was a dessert favorite in the ‘70s. The syrupy fruit was an easy way to add something “fresh” to meals, even if it came out of a can. Kids always fought for the cherry piece.
Powdered Milk
Powdered milk wasn’t anyone’s favorite, but it was practical, inexpensive and useful. It kept for ages, and was very handy when you ran out of fridge milk. You can still buy it today if you really want to remember how it tasted.
Vienna Sausages
Those tiny canned sausages were pretty beloved in the ‘70s. They were salty, squishy, and definitely an acquired taste, but they were cheap and kept forever - exactly the kind of food that stuck around in pantries.
Honey
Glass jars or plastic bears filled with honey were common in ’70s kitchens. Moms used it to bake with, or you could have it in your tea. Thankfully, honey hasn’t gone anywhere, it’s as beloved now as it was 40 years ago.
