The 80s were a decade of bold fashion, big hair, and even bigger food trends. The most popular foods during this time included microwaveable TV dinners, Jell-O pudding pops, and Tang drink mix.
Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King also saw massive success during this era. Introducing new menu items like the McRib and Whopper sandwiches. The era of big hair, neon color’s, and some of the most iconic foods ever created. From Jell-O Pudding Pops to Pop Rocks, Tangy Taffy to Candy Necklaces, the 80s were a culinary adventure like no other. We will take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most popular foods from that time.
We have compiled a list of 21 delicious popular food in the 80s that will teleport you back in time and leave you feeling nostalgic. So grab your leg warmers and put on your favourite mixtape as we explore some of the most famous food trends from the 80s.
Most 21 Popular Food In The 80s
The 80s was a decade of culinary innovation where convenience foods and fast food chains gained immense popularity. From the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac to the emergence of snack foods like Doritos and Cheetos. The era saw a significant shift in how Americans consumed food.
Along with junk food, health trends like low-fat diets and vegetarianism emerged during this time. Additionally, desserts like Jell-O Pudding Pops and Hostess Twinkies became staples of American households. The 80s truly ushered in an era of diverse culinary adventures that shaped American diets for years.
1.Jell-O Pudding Pops
Jell-O Pudding Pops were a staple of 80s snacking culture, known for their creamy, frozen texture and delicious flavour. Kids and adults enjoyed the refreshing treat made by freezing Jell-O pudding mix on a stick. The popularity of Jell-O Pudding Pops eventually led to other frozen treats.
Such as Fudgsicles and Creamsicles, solidifying their place in snack history. Although discontinued in the 90s, Jell-O Pudding Pops have recently returned due to nostalgia for 80s snacks. Today, they are a beloved treat among those who remember the good old days.
2.Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks were the ultimate candy sensation of the 1980s. The carbon dioxide trapped in the hard candy shell created a unique popping and crackling sensation unlike anything else on the market. Pop Rocks became a cultural phenomenon, with rumours circulating about their supposed dangers to children. Despite the controversy, Pop Rocks are still popular and have even been handy in cocktails and other food products for added texture and excitement.
3.Tangy Taffy
The 80s were a time of indulgence, with Tangy Taffy being a favourite among many. This chewy candy was beloved for its tangy flavour and convenience as an on-the-go snack. But beyond the taste, Tangy Taffy represented a cultural shift towards portable, grab-and-go food options.
It paved the way for other popular snacks like fruit snacks and granola bars that remain ubiquitous today. As we look back on the 80s, it’s clear that Tangy Taffy played a significant role in shaping our snacking habits for years.
4.Candy Necklaces
Candy necklaces were a fun and quirky snack that gained popularity in the 80s. Their colourful, edible beads made them a tasty treat and a stylish accessory. These necklaces were sold at penny candy stores and were often a hit with kids and adults alike.
They became so popular that they were frequently handy as party favours for birthday parties and other special occasions. Today, candy necklaces remain a nostalgic favourite for many who grew up in the 80s. And they can still find it in speciality candy shops or online.
5.Cracker Jack
Cracker Jack has been a beloved snack food for over a century, and its popularity continued well into the 80s. The combination of caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts was the perfect mix of sweet and salty. And it quickly became a favourite among snack lovers.
The surprise toy or trinket inside each box also made it stand out, adding an element of excitement to every purchase. Its association with baseball games, highlighted by its appearance in the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” added to its allure. Despite undergoing changes, Cracker Jack remains a nostalgic snack that brings back fond childhood memories for many.
6.Hawaiian Punch
Hawaiian Punch was a popular fruit-flavoured drink in the 80s, with multiple flavours and vibrant packaging for children. The brand’s catchy advertising jingle and bright colours made it a hit among kids and parents alike. Today, it still fondly remembers as a nostalgic favourite of the era.
With fans seeking out the iconic drink for its fruity taste and retro appeal. Whether enjoyed solo or as part of a mixed beverage, Hawaiian Punch remains a beloved symbol of the 80s and its fun-loving spirit.
7.Ring Pops
Ring Pops, the candy rings that were all the rage in the 80s, captured the hearts of kids and teenagers alike. These ring-shaped lollipops came in various flavours and vivid colours, making them an instant hit at parties and social events.
Ring Pops were portable, fun, and delicious as an alternative to traditional candy bars or sweets. Their popularity was enhanced by appearances in popular media such as “The Goonies” and “Saved by the Bell.” Today, Ring Pops are a nostalgic treat for those who grew up in the 80s.
8.Froot Loops
Introduced in 1963, Froot Loops quickly became a cultural icon due to its brightly coloured loops and fruity flavours. With its cartoon mascot, Toucan Sam, the breakfast cereal was marketed towards children who were encouraged to “follow their noses” to Froot Loops.
The cereal’s popularity led to spin-off products such as Froot Loops Pop-Tarts, and Flavoured Milk. Even today, Froot Loops remain a popular choice for breakfast among kids and adults alike, making it a timeless classic of the 80s.
9.Space Food Sticks
In the 80s, the Space Food Stick was a popular snack among kids. Originally created for NASA astronauts, these chocolate-flavoured sticks became available to the public in the 70s and quickly gained popularity.
The sticks were marketed as a nutritious and convenient snack, claiming to have all the essential nutrients to sustain astronauts in space. Kids loved them for their unique shape and taste, and parents appreciated their practicality as an on-the-go snack. Today, Space Food Sticks are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of simpler times.
10.Gushers
Gushers were a unique and popular snack in the 80s that appealed to kids with their fun shape and fruity filling. These liquid-filled gummies were marketed as a fruit snack and came in various flavours like strawberry, tropical punch, and grape.
The unique texture of Gushers made biting into them a fun experience for kids who enjoyed the sensation of the fruity filling bursting out. Whether it was included in school lunches or an after-school treat, Gushers held a special place in the hearts of children who grew up in the 80s.
11.Bubble Tape
Bubble Tape was a popular bubble gum in the 80s that came in a unique tape dispenser. It quickly became one of the most recognizable gum brands because of its long-lasting flavour and fun packaging.
Bubble Tape’s appeal lies not only in its taste but also in its novelty factor. It was like nothing else on the market, and kids loved it. Today, Bubble Tape remains one of those iconic products that define the era – a touchstone for anyone who grew up in the 80s.
12.Capri Sun
Capri Sun was a revolutionary drink that emerged in the 80s. It’s convenient packaging and real fruit juice quickly became a popular choice for kids and parents. Capri Sun’s success paved the way for other healthy alternatives to sugary drinks. Although it has undergone several changes, Capri Sun remains a nostalgic favourite among those who grew up in the 80s and a popular choice for many today.
13.Kool-Aid Jammers
Kool-Aid Jammers were a staple in the 80s for kids who loved flavorful, colourful drinks. These convenient pouches were perfect for school lunches or outdoor activities and boasted fun designs featuring popular cartoon characters or sports teams.
Not only were they affordable, but they also contained a variety of flavours that children could choose from. Today, Kool-Aid Jammers remain a nostalgic favourite among those who grew up in the 80s, as they were a fun and tasty way to quench thirst on hot summer days.
14.Burger Chef’s Big Shef
Burger Chef’s Big Shef was a popular burger in the 80s popular for its two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, and special sauce on a sesame seed bun. Its unique taste and size became an instant hit among fast-food lovers. Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King followed suit by introducing new menu items such as Chicken McNuggets and Whopper Jr. The 80s saw a rise in health-conscious eating with the introduction of low-fat and low-calorie foods. The Big Shef remains an iconic part of the 80s culinary scene and still fondly remembers today.
15.Apple Slice
Introducing a healthier snack option into the market was a priority during the 80s, and Apple Slice played an important role in fulfilling that need. Made from sliced apples coated with cinnamon and sugar, this snack was marketed as a nutritious alternative to traditional junk food.
Available in vending machines across schools and workplaces, it quickly gained popularity among children and adults alike. The success of Apple Slice paved the way for other fruit-based snacks such as Fruit Roll-Ups and Gushers, proving that healthy snacking could be just as enjoyable.
16.Fruitopia
Fruitopia was a fruit-flavoured drink that gained immense popularity in the 80s and 90s. The beverage was advertised as a healthy alternative to soda, with a wide range of flavours such as Strawberry Passion Awareness, Raspberry Lemonade Euphoria, and Citrus Consciousness.
The commercials for Fruitopia featured vibrant colours, catchy jingles, and messages about peace and love. Although it is not widely available anymore, Fruitopia still holds a special place in many people’s hearts as an iconic part of their childhood memories.
17.Garbage Pail Kids Cereal
Garbage Pail Kids Cereal was a bizarre cereal that gained popularity in the 80s. The cereal’s marshmallow shapes were modelled after the grotesque characters from the popular Garbage Pail Kids trading cards.
Despite its unusual theme, the cereal became a hit among kids who loved the idea of eating something gross. However, its popularity was short-lived, and it soon disappeared from store shelves. Nonetheless, Garbage Pail Kids Cereal remains a fascinating example of how marketing can turn unappetizing ideas into unexpected successes.
18.Cabbage Patch Kids Cereal
Cabbage Patch Kids Cereal was a beloved breakfast cereal in the 80s that captured children’s attention with its unique packaging and taste. With small puffs of corn and oat cereal shaped like miniature dolls, it was marketed towards kids and remained a nostalgic favourite for many who grew up during that era.
While it may no longer be available, Cabbage Patch Kids Cereal serves as a reminder of the fun and creativity that food companies brought to the breakfast table in the 80s. Other popular foods from this time period include Tang, Jell-O Pudding Pops, Pop Rocks, and Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Mint.
19.Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Mint
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Mint was a popular candy bar in the 1980s, known for its unique combination of cookie bits and mint-flavoured chocolate. This decadent treat quickly became a hit with consumers, offering an indulgent twist on traditional chocolate bars. The popularity of Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Mint is just one example of the many innovative and exciting food products that emerged in the 80s, fueling a culinary adventure nationwide.
20.Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Chocolate
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Chocolate was a popular candy bar in the 1980s, loved for its delicious combination of crunchy cookie bits and smooth Hershey’s chocolate. With its unique flavour and texture, this sweet treat became an instant hit among children and adults alike. While many foods from the 80s have come and gone, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Chocolate still remains a classic favourite that one can enjoy today, bringing back memories of a simpler time.
21.Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn
In the 80s, Pop Secret introduced microwave popcorn, revolutionising how people enjoyed this classic snack. The convenience of popping a bag of butter-flavoured popcorn in just minutes quickly made it a household favourite.
Pop Secret went on to cater to different tastes with various flavours, such as caramel and kettle corn. Today, Pop Secret continues to be a popular choice for movie nights and snack time, making it a timeless snack that has stood the test of time.
Conclusion
The 80s was a decade of unique and memorable food trends that still hold a special place in our hearts today. From the rise of fast food chains to the birth of fusion cuisine, the 80s saw a variety of culinary experiences that continue to influence our taste buds.
Whether reliving memories or trying something new, exploring popular foods from this era can be a fun and entertaining journey. The 80s were a time of change and innovation in the food industry, with plenty of unique and memorable treats.
Everyone had their favourites, whether Jell-O Pudding Pops, Space Food Sticks, or Garbage Pail Kids Cereal. These foods were more than just snacks; they represented a cultural phenomenon that defined an era. While some may have faded away, others have stood the test of time and remain popular today. Try some of these treats by taking a trip down memory lane and reminiscing about popular food in the 80s.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Food To Serve At An 80s Party?
Ans: For an 80s party, consider serving popular foods from the decade, such as Jell-O moulds, quiches, cheese balls, and pigs in a blanket. Classic drinks like Tab soda, Tang or Hi-C juice boxes, and wine coolers can also be a hit with guests.
2.What Was In An 80s Buffet?
Ans: An 80s buffet typically featured popular foods such as Jell-O moulds, deviled eggs, and cocktail weenies. Quiches, cheese balls, and fruit salads were also common dishes. Finger foods like chicken wings and mini pizzas were popular savoury options.
3.What Didn’t We Love About This Now-Discontinued ’80s Food?
Ans: The ’80s were a time of bold fashion, big hair, and questionable food choices. The Jell-O Pudding Pop was one popular food item from that era that has since been discontinued. While many people loved these frozen treats, they had their downsides.
4.What Are The Benefits Of Eating Those Foods From That Decade?
Ans: The benefits of eating foods from the 80s are subjective and depend on the specific dish. Some foods from that decade may contain more preservatives, artificial flavours, and colours than contemporary dishes, but there were also healthier options like salads, stir-fries, and grilled chicken.
5.Why Did These Foods Become So Popular In The 80s?
Ans: The popularity of certain foods in the 80s can attribute to changing cultural trends and increased accessibility to new ingredients. The rise of convenience culture led to an increase in processed and pre-packaged foods. Some popular dishes, like sushi and stir-fry, were influenced by a growing interest in international cuisine.