Food of the '70s
The 1970s were a wild time for food. Convenience was the order of the day, kids were lured in by mascots and bright packaging, and nobody seemed too worried about sugar, sodium, or preservatives. But they are now, and people of today – especially nutritionists – look back in horror at what we were putting in our bodies back then. Here’s 15 of the worst of the worst ‘70s foodstuffs.
Tang
This stuff got a “sciency” reputation thanks to its link with astronauts. But science also tells us that it wasn’t very good for the body, because it was packed full of sugar. Parents bought it thinking it was orange so it had to be healthy. It was not.
Hamburger Helper
Almost every household ate Hamburger Helper in the ‘70s. But underneath that friendly glove mascot was a sodium bomb loaded with preservatives. Add in fatty ground beef, and you’ve got a nutritionist’s nightmare. Not good!
Jell-O Salads
Jell-O was really cheap in the ’70s and people used it make all manner of things – thing that today’s kids just roll their eyes at. The wobbling creations with fruit stuffed in looked fun but often tasted bizarre. Nutritionists would shake their heads at all the added sugar and dyes.
TV Dinners
Those shiny foil trays promised convenience, with compartments for Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and a slightly sad-looking dessert. Trouble was, those meals were packed with salt, fat, and preservatives. Today’s nutritionists would be horrified at how often busy families relied on them.
Deviled Ham Spread
This little can of minced ham was a pantry staple. Spread it on crackers or bread, and you had a quick snack. But it was packed with fat, sodium, and preservatives, and is best used today as a “sometimes food” – something you don’t eat every day.
Twinkies
Twinkies were the snack food to beat in the ‘70s. There were rumors that they could last in pantries for years – not that you should try a forty-year-old Twinkie if you find one, of course. The fact that they’re incredibly bad for you didn’t stop people, there are even deep-fried Twinkies now.
Chef Boyardee Cans
Pop the can, heat it up, and dinner was served. Chef Boyardee’s pasta was soft, saucy, and – most importantly for many ‘70s families - easy on the wallet. Unfortunately, it was also swimming in sodium and what we would now call “mystery meat.”
Kool-Aid
Kids in the ’70s drank this neon-colored sugar water all summer long. Even its link to the Jonestown Massacre didn’t put people off. It was cheap and fun, but looking back, nutritionists would faint at the thought of kids downing glasses of pure liquid candy every day.
Spam
This canned meat wonder was fried, baked, or sliced into sandwiches. It was cheap and lasted forever in the pantry, which made it incredibly popular. It’s stood the test of time, but today people know it’s not good for you and you shouldn’t eat too much of it.
Swanson Pot Pies
These little frozen pies were filled with gravy, chicken bits, and veggies – and, like many of the other things on this list, they were cheap. But alas, a single serving was crammed with fat, salt, and calories. Nutritionists today would roll their eyes at calling it a balanced meal.
Velveeta Cheese
Velveeta wasn’t really cheese - it was “cheese food product.” But it melted perfectly and made casseroles creamy, so people loved it. They love it slightly less these days, as nutritionists have made it clear it’s not very good for you.
Pop Tarts
Pop a tart in the toaster and you had breakfast in seconds. Kids especially adored the frosted ones with gooey fillings. Unfortunately, gooey things usually aren’t good for you, and Pop Tarts were no exception. Eyebrows raise if a parent serves a kid these for breakfast now.
Bologna Sandwiches
Thick slices of bologna, a smear of mayo, and white bread - that was normal lunch in the ’70s. You would take it to school, and it kept you going all day. The problem? Bologna is heavily processed and too salty, while white bread is full of processed flour and will spike your blood sugar.
Shake ’N Bake Chicken
Families loved coating chicken in this breadcrumb mix for a crispy oven-baked dinner. It seemed healthier than frying… but bad news: the seasoning packs were loaded with salt and additives. Shake ‘n Bake has gone out of fashion now, and while some miss it, others don’t.
