Everyone’s childhood is different, and I love learning about what people enjoyed growing up. During an online discussion, a forum user inquired about foods folks identify with in childhood. Although many of these foods were not items that I ate in my youth, it was interesting to discover which were prevalent across the boards and which were more unusual.
Were any of these food items part of your childhood?
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
It’s a simple one — bread fried in butter or mayo with slices of cheese in between. There are many ways to do it, and most are delicious. Some people add slices of ham, tomato, or other ingredients, but the cheese is enough.
2. McDonald’s

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Several people described how much they enjoyed McDonald’s with their families as children. I also have fond memories of going to McDonald’s with my family, so I might be a bit biased. Although the prices have gone up since most of us were young, there are still relatively affordable ways to eat there and reminisce.
3. Tuna Casserole

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
One commenter mentioned that their family was poor and ate this once a week. Another said that they believed tuna casserole was a luxury dinner until the age of 12. Someone added that while it’s not for survival purposes anymore, they still enjoy this dish.
4. Chocolate Quik

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
My family was anti-sugar, so we didn’t have chocolate milk or powder at home. However, chocolate milk was one of many delicacies I enjoyed at friends’ houses growing up. One commenter mentioned that the “fake strawberry” flavor was their favorite.
5. Bologna Sandwiches

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
It’s important to mention that people in the comments discussing their love for bologna sandwiches made the distinction that it must be fried. One added that they liked theirs fried with ketchup. To each their own!
6. Lunchables

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Two users shared similar memories regarding going on field trips with Lunchables packed to take with them. One said that there were some “jealous onlookers” as they enjoyed their pizza Lunchable with a Capri-Sun. Another said their teacher criticized them for bringing plastic packaging on their field trip.
7. Chicken Noodle Soup

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
While chicken noodle soup was mentioned a few times, the top response called out Lipton chicken soup. This user enjoyed the alligator-shaped noodles in the chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese sandwich their mom would make while they were sick.
8. Kraft Mac and Cheese & Hot Dogs

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Ah, another childhood staple — the boxed Kraft mac and cheese. People in the comments had a different ingredient their family liked to add. My mom used to add frozen peas and carrots, which I hated. If we’re being honest, this just isn’t a meal I enjoyed in my childhood. I still like to eat boxed mac and cheese as an adult.
9. Rice Krispy Treats

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Arguably one of the best and simplest desserts, I’ve never had a Rice Krispies Treat I didn’t like. Whether you buy the brand-name cereal and make them yourself, buy a packaged one from the store, or make up your own recipe, it’s hard to go wrong.
10. Nature Valley Granola Bars

Image Credit: Shutterstock.
These specific granola bars are so infamous from childhood that there’s a slew of memes about the crumbs from those little packages. I remember trying to carefully remove each of the two bars inside the tiny bag without getting crumbs everywhere. My attempts were usually unsuccessful.
Source: Reddit.
Written by: Daisy Frisch
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a review and let me know what you thought! I appreciate it so much.