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20 WORST Foods From The 1970s, Nobody Wants Back!

Discover the culinary disasters of the 1970s with “20 WORST Foods From The 1970s, Nobody Wants Back!” This video explores 20 of the most reviled foods from that era, offering a glimpse into a time when taste buds were often left disappointed. From gelatin salads to canned creations, these dishes will make you grateful for modern cuisine. Join us as we revisit the foods nobody wants a second serving of!

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Or that crunchy cheesy taste a Carnation Instant Breakfast you’re going to love it this is the number one best-selling pot pie in America in the culinary landscape of the 70s some foods were better left in the past buried beneath disco beats and polyester fashion life

In the 70s had a distinct flavor but not all bites were worth savoring these culinary relics were more like food experiments gone wrong from peculiar flavor combinations to downright unapp izing textures these foods from the 70s are a taste bud time machine you’ll be hesitant to board so come along as we

Delve into the 20 worst foods from the 1970s nobody wants Backun in the 1970s tuna noodle casserole was a curious culinary creation that garnered mixed feelings this dish was crafted by combining canned tuna egg noodles cream of mushroom soup and sometimes peas topped with a crispy layer of crushed potato chips the ingredients were simple and affordable making it a popular choice

For budget conscious households despite its humble Origins tuna noodle casserole faced criticism for its distinctive taste and texture the combination of canned tuna and cream of mushroom soup resulted in a somewhat mushy consistency and the overall flavor was often perceived as Bland or odd the strong Aroma of the dish also contributed to

Its unfavorable reputation one reason for its dislike was the prevalence of processed and canned ingredients which were considered less appealing than fresh Alternatives the casserole’s lack of variety in flavor and texture coupled with its pungent smell made it less appealing to those with more adventurous taste buds

Over time the negative perception led to the decline of tuna noodle casserole as a popular choice becoming a symbol of a bygone culinary era that many are not eager to revive now if that’s not enough culinary drama from the 1970s here’s another delicacy that spark debates with its weird blend of

Flavors Jones liver worst sure from the family that makes Jones pork sausage try some liver worst a German liver sausage popular in the 1970s USA had a unique blend of flavors that divided opinions made from finely ground pork or beef liver mixed with spices and often other

Meats liver worst was then encased in a sausage casing or soul in a spreadable form the ingredients included onions garlic and various seasonings contributing to its distinctive taste while some enjoyed the rich Savory flavor of liver worst it faced criticism for its strong and acquired taste the pronounced liver flavor along with the

Sometimes gritty texture made it unappealing to those unfamiliar with organ Meats additionally the distinct Aroma of liver worst contributed to its polarizing nature liver worst fell out of favor partly due to changing dietary preferences and a growing awareness of healthier eating habits the Dish’s high cholesterol content and association with

Organ Meats led to a decline in popularity as tastes evolved liver worst became less common on American tables with its pungent flavor and unique composition making it a less mainstream Choice compared to other deli meats like this dazzling Beauty a glamour salad made with new Apple jell in the 1970s gelatin salad

Commonly known as Jello salads were a quirky culinary Trend in the USA these wobbly concoctions were made by mixing gelatin with an assortment of ingredients like vegetables or even Meats the preparation involved dissolving the gelatin powder in hot water followed by adding cold water and allowing the mixture to set until it

Achieved a jiggly consistency the ingredients used in these salads were a curious combination of sweet and savory elements people toss vegetables fruits and sometimes s meets into the gelatin mix creating a bizarre medley of flavors canned fruits shredded carrots and even tuna were common additions despite their creative combinations Jello salads

Gained notoriety for their peculiar taste and texture many found the blending of sweet gelatin with Savory ingredients off pudding resulting in an unappetizing dish The Clash of flavors and the odd sensation of biting into a wobbly meat infused gelatin contributed to their overall all dislike over time

This culinary odity fell out of favor and today it stands as a curious artifact of 1970s American Cuisine if you thought the Clash of sweet gelatin and savory ingredients was a culinary roller coaster let’s turn the spotlight to TV dinners that became a convenient yet criticized sensation in the 70s German

Chinese Italian TV dinners became a popular go-to meal for busy families in the USA back in the’ 70s these frozen meals were a convenient solution typically comprising a main dish vegetables and dessert all neatly compartmentalized on a metal tray the preparation involved simply popping the tray into the oven making them a

Timesaving option for households the ingredients of TV dinners varied but they commonly included processed Meats mashed potatoes and frozen vegetables however despite their convenience these meals faced criticism for being Bland and perceived as unhealthful the freezing process sometimes affected the taste and texture of the food leading to a reputation for lackluster flavor

Moreover concerns arose regarding the nutritional value of TV dinners as they often contained high levels of sodium preservatives and additives critics argued that the convenience of these frozen meals came at the expense of Health contributing to a perception of them as a less than ideal dietary choice while TV dinners remain a nostalgic

Symbol of the 1970s the criticism surrounding their taste and nutritional content has led to a shift in consumer preferences toward fresher and more wholesome meal options in subsequent decades when you buy a ham you never quite know what you’re getting some have water added canned ham emerged as a

Convenient culinary solution in the 1970s USA this product typically made from Chopped and pressed pork was sealed in a can providing an easy to store and readily available protein Source the manufacturing process involved cooking the ham and then sealing it in a can to preserve its shelf life however the

Texture and taste of canned ham often failed to win over contemporary pallets the processing method led to a distinct texture that some found rubbery or unnatural The Taste was sometimes criticized for being overly salty or having a processed flavor deviating from the Savory goodness associated with fresh ham while the canned ham was

Embraced for its long shelf life and convenience evolving tastes and a desire for more natural flavors have caused it to fall out of favor in modern times today many people opt for fresh or minimally processed Meats leaving canned ham as a culinary relic of the past

Fruit cocktail is too big an idea to cut into little pieces in the 1970s fruit cocktails in heavy syrup gained popularity as a convenient C and fruit option typically containing a mix of diced fruits like peaches pears grapes and cherries the fruit cocktail was preserved in a heavy syrup for extended

Shelf life despite its convenience the overly sweet and mushy nature of the fruit cocktail became a point of criticism the heavy syrup while serving as a preservative often overwhelmed the natural flavors of the fruits resulting in an excessively sweet taste that lacked the freshness of real fruit the

Texture of the fruits also suffered from the canning process rendering them soft and somewhat mushy as culinary tastes evolved there was a shift away from overly processed and sweetened Foods contributing to the decline in the popularity of fruit cocktails in heavy syrup modern preferences lean towards fresh and naturally sweet fruit options

Making the can alternative with its cloying sweetness and compromised texture less appealing to contemporary pallets moving past the culinary missteps of fruit tail in heavy syrup let’s explore the world of ambrosia salad a flavor profile that never quite made the cut ambrosia salad a staple of 1970s American Cuisine is a

Concoction blending canned fruits typically pineapple Mandarin oranges and marcino cherries with mini marshmallows and coconut the preparation involved simply combining these ingredients and often folding in whipped cream or a creamy dressing however the reception of ambrosia salad was mixed with critiques centering on its sweetness and textural complexity the addition of marshmallows

And sweetened coconut intensified the overall sweetness and the canned fruits while convenient lacked the freshness found in their natural counterparts texturally the salad could be confusing as the softness of the canned fruits clashed with the chewi of the marshmallows and the crunchiness of the coconut some found this mish mash of

Textures disconcerting and preferred more harmonious combinations in their salad my wife Angela I met her in Italy smart and can she cook boiled vegetables often associated with 1970s Cuisine were notorious for being overcooked to the point of losing both texture and flavor the preparation involved simmering vegetables in water until they became

Excessively soft resulting in a mushy consistency that lacked the crispness and vibrancy of fresh produce commonly used vegetables included carrots broccoli and cauliflower which when subjected to prolonged boiling would lose their natural colors turn dull and become unappealingly limp the overcooking process not only robbed the vegetables of their nutritional value

But also rendered them Bland and devoid of the characteristic taste that fresh lightly cooked vegetables offer the tendency to boil vegetables into submission was part of a broader culinary trend of the time where convenience sometimes took precedence over flavor and texture this overcooking approach has since Fallen out of favor

With contemporary culinary preferences emphasizing methods that retain the Natural Essence Crunch and nutritional benefits of vegetables showcasing a shift towards fresher and more vibrant dining experiences Breaking Free from the clutches of boiled vegetables let’s investigate the Curious Case of spam a food that still haunts taste Buds spam a canned meat product introduced in the 1930s and notably consumed during the 1970s had a mixed reputation while it garnered some fans for its convenience and versatility it faced criticism for being overly salty and highly processed made from a combination of pork shoulder Ham Salt Water sugar and sodium nitrate spam

Underwent a canned cooking process that allowed for long shelf life and Easy Storage however the high salt content contributed to its reputation for an intense and sometimes s overpowering saltiness the processed nature of spam also attracted negative attention some criticized its texture and perceived lack of natural flavor compared to fresh

Meats the association of spam with wartime rations and budget friendly meals may have contributed to its somewhat stigmatized image to one cup of water add one cup of sunshine full cream powdered milk powdered milk a common household item in the 1970s was utilized for its long shelf life and convenience

However it often faced criticism for its taste and texture especially when compared to fresh milk the preparation of powdered milk involved mixing the dry powder with water to reconstitute it into a liquid form despite efforts to mimic the flavor of fresh milk powdered milk often fell short in taste many

Found it to have a distinct and somewhat artificial flavor lacking the richness and creaminess associated with Fresh Dairy texture was another point of contention reconstituted powdered milk tended to have a thinner consistency compared to fresh milk leading to a less satisfying mouth feel the granular nature of the

Powder sometimes resulted in a grainy texture that further contributed to the less than ideal sensory experience while powdered milk offered practicality and extended shelf life The Taste and texture drawbacks led to a preference for fresh milk when available in subsequent decades advancements in food processing and Refrigeration technology

Have diminished the Reliance on powdered milk making fresh milk a more accessible and Preferred Choice for many households here is the first one to be made available to the public space food sticks space food sticks marketed as a futuristic and convenient snack made their debut in the

1970s promoted as a high-tech Space Age food suitable for the modern lifestyle these cylindrical treats were developed to provide quick energy and nutrition despite their futuristic appeal space food sticks struggled to win people over due to issues with taste and texture many consumers found them to be somewhat

Dry dense and lacking the enjoyable flavors associated with traditional snacks the attempt to create a space inspired nutrient-packed food source often resulted in a compromise on the sensory aspects that people value in their snacks the texture of space food sticks also faced criticism as the dry and chewy consistency failed to match

The expectation of a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience while they aimed to capture the imagination with their association with space exploration The Taste and texture challenges limited their success and space food sticks gradually faded from the market now that we’ve survived the era of space food sticks it’s time to dive

Into another culinary Time Capsule from the 1970s that had its fair share of critics fondue a social and interactive dining experience popularized in the 19 7s involved dipping bread vegetables or fruit into melted cheese or chocolate while the concept was fun the success of a fondue Gathering often hinged on the

Quality of the ingredients with the wrong choices leading to memorable disasters for cheese fondue using highquality cheese was crucial opting for a blend of flavorful cheeses was essential to achieving the right balance of taste and texture poor quality cheese could result in a clumpy and unappealing fondue ruining the experience

Overheating the cheese mixture was another common Pitfall leading to a stringy and less than appetizing consistency similarly chocolate fondue requires the use of good quality chocolate choosing the wrong chocolate or overheating it could result in a grainy texture or a burnt taste detracting from the indulgent appeal of

The dessert now comes news of a way to get at Armor star Vienna sausage and potted meat faster Vienna sausages a quirky canned meat from the 1970s USA stirred mixed feelings these mini sausages were crafted by blending mechanically separated chicken pork and beef then stuffing the mixture into tin

Cans the ingredients might not have won any culinary Awards often including the less popular parts of animals giving them a peculiar texture and taste the dislike for Vienna sausages stemmed from their distinct flavor which many found challenging to embrace the canned concoction faced criticism for its processed nature deviating from the more

Familiar fresh sausages the manufacturing process involved grinding and blending meat sometimes with additives leading to an acquired taste that didn’t resonate with everyone despite being a convenient snack their uncanny resemblance to tiny hot dogs didn’t win Hearts the blend of meats combined with the canning process resulted in a unique and divisive flavor

While we bid farewell to the disastrous Vienna sausages here’s another culinary misstep from the70s that will make make you cringe with a new Rich ground Aroma and Rich taste closer than ever to Fresh pert coffee instant coffee a quick caffeine fix from the 1970s revolutionized morning routines its production involved freeze drying or

Spray drying brewed coffee into a powder offering unmatched convenience the ingredients were simple coffee beans brewed into a liquid then transformed into a dehydrated form despite its popularity instant coffee faced criticism for its flavor the rapid production process sometimes led to a loss of the nuanced taste found in

Freshly brewed coffee the convenience came at the expense of the Rich and aromatic qualities that coffee enthusiasts cherished instant coffe detractors often pointed out its somewhat bitter and flat taste lacking the depth and complexity of a freshly brewed cup the preservation method affected the volatile compounds responsible for the aroma resulting in a

Beverage that left many yearning for the authentic coffee experience CU Hamburger Helper can help you make a delicious Hardy skillet dinner in a snap Hamburger Helper a kitchen companion from the 1970s aimed to make Meal Time Easier by turning humble ground beef into a hearty dish the preparation involved a

Convenient one pan process combining pasta seasonings and sauce mix in a single pot with ground beef the ingredients were straightforward usually including pasta shapes and a powdered mix containing spices and dehydrated ingredients the idea was to stretch a small amount of ground beef into a more substantial meal catering to budget

Conscious households while Hamburger Helper provided a quick and affordable solution taste preferences varied some found the flavors a bit artificial or overly processed as the powdered mix sometimes lacked the depth of homemade seasonings the convenience factor often triumphed over taste making it a go-to option for busy families despite occasional reservations about flavor

Hamburger helpers Legacy endures as a symbol of quick and economical meal Solutions though debates persist about whether it truly delivered on both convenience and taste the 1970s had no shortage of questionable culinary creations and here’s another food that left a sour taste in people’s mouths chicken alaking a dish popular in the

1970s attempted to elevate canned or leftover chicken into a sophisticated meal the preparation involved combining diced chicken with vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms all smothered in a creamy sauce made from milk or cream the ingredients though simple sometimes included canned or processed items contributing to a less than Gourmet

Reputation the dish aimed for a luxurious blend of flavors but the execution often fell short resulting in a gloopy consistency that didn’t resonate with everyone the challenges with chicken a king were twofold first the combination of ingredients in a creamy sauce sometimes LED to a texture that some found unappealing more akin to

A mushy mixture than a cohesive dish second the use of canned or leftover chicken while practical occasionally introduced a flavor that lacked the freshness associated with upscale Cuisine this is the number one best-selling pot pie in America and here’s why banquet pot pie is a frozen convenience from the

1970s promised a quick and Hardy meal in a single serving the preparation involved in closing meat typically chicken or beef and vegetables in a flaky crust then freezing the entire package for Easy Storage the ingredients were basic comprising meat vegetables and a simple pastry however the freezing and reheating process sometimes took a

Toll on the final product one of the major criticisms revolved around the crust which could turn soggy during the cooking process diminishing its intended flakiness the fillings while providing sustenance often faced complaints for being somewhat lackluster in flavor and variety the freezing method although preserving the meal sometimes resulted

In a texture and taste that fell short of the expectations set by homemade pot pies banquet pot pies were praised for their convenience requiring minimal effort for a hot meal yet the challenges of frozen food production marred their culinary reputation as we bid farewell to the bizarre era of banquet pot pies let’s

Dive into the equally perplexing world of cream chipped beef on toast and its peculiar flavor combinations creamed chipped beef on toast also known as SOS was a speedy dish in the 1970s born out of military rations and adopted into homes as a convenient meal it involved thinly sliced dried beef cream sauce and

Sometimes added seasonings served over toast the ingredients were basic yet the Dish’s reputation suffered due to its heaviness and occasionally excessive saltiness the dried beef having undergone a curing process contributed to a robust and sometimes overpowering flavor the cream sauce although providing a creamy texture could make

The meal feel dense and overly Rich appearance also played a role in its mixed reception the combination of thinly sliced beef and a thick creamy sauce often resulted in a less than appetizing look leading some to approach the dish with hesitation so you tear into Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed

With milk as much protein vitamins minerals Carnation Instant Breakfast a 1970s Marvel aimed to provide a quick and nutritious start to the day marketed as a meal replacement it came in powder form and required mixing with milk to create a drinkable breakfast the ingredients included powdered vitamins

Minerals and flavors aiming to offer a balanced nutritional profile however despite the promise of a complete breakfast many found it lacking in satisfaction the drink though convenient often fell short in terms terms of providing the fulfilling experience of a traditional morning meal critics pointed out that the beverages taste and texture

Didn’t quite align with the richness and variety of a cooked breakfast some also found it challenging to rely solely on the drink for sustained energy missing the physical act of eating and the sensory pleasure associated with a more substantial morning meal while we’re still on the subject of regrettable food

Choices there’s one more dish from the 1970s that deserves a mention not habit a ballun chees tast cheese balls a snack Sensation from the 197s were bite-sized orbs of processed cheese goodness the manufacturing process involved blending real cheese with additives to create a moldable mixture which was then formed

Into balls and coated with various seasonings the ingredients while incorporating real cheese often included additives and preservatives to enhance shelf life and create a uniform texture despite the promise of cheesy Delight the final product faced criticism for being overly salty and tasting somewhat artificial the appeal of cheese balls lay in their convenience

And addictive crunch making them a popular party snack however the strong and sometimes overwhelming artificial cheese flavor divided opinions some found the intense saltiness and processed taste less enjoyable compared to the subtleties of natural cheese

27 Comments

  1. Luckily, we've "evolved" as a country, and tend to stay away from highly processed, salty, preservative packed foods like t.v. dinners and have moved on to alternatives, such as McDonalds, taco Bell and Wendy's……..

  2. Gelatin salads were also known as "aspic," and I can't imagine anything that would entice me to eat one.

  3. Hamburger Helper, Banquet Pot Pies, Liverwurst, Powder Milk, Creamed Chipped Beaf, Chicken A-La-King, Tuna Helper, Spam, TV Dinners, failed to mention corned beef, canned pudding, Cool Whip, Hostess Packaged pies and cakes, like Devil Dogs, Susie-Q’s —— well, those were the days, my friend. All delightful delicious foods of the era. Only reason to leave them behind is their assault on the health of the body. But, a mayonnaise balogna sandwich on Wonder white bread, or a Jiffy or Skippy Peanut Butter sandwich with jelly or jam on Sunbeam white bread with a glass of Kool-Aid or Hawaiian Punch, all very delicious— or put some marshmallow Fluff on the peanut butter sandwich. The deli had a plethora of sodium doused meats like pickle and pimento loaf, fatty mortadella, salami … and you could offset the calories by washing it down with a calorie-free cyclamates soda like Tab and Fresca.

  4. Ah, memories… space food sticks, i found out later, were never used by astronauts. But all us kids thought they were the coolest food to have in your lunch box. Future Astronauts of America, we all were!

  5. I am guilty of eating just about everything shown as a kid in the 1960s and 70s, except for the instant coffee. Vienna sausages and powdered milk remind me of camping and stops along long drives at rest areas. Boiled veggies, yeah, all the time. That was an American 1970s thing? I though it was old custom from my Swedish ancestors centuries ago. TV dinners, aluminum trays, before the era of microwaves. Amazing the bland stuff I ate back then while I eat like a king today!

  6. I still get the Vienna Sausages and eat them straight out of the can. I'm not much for nostalgia but that is an exception for me.

  7. One error I noticed was when the ingredients in fruit cocktail were listed was it also contained chopped pineapple and it is still available, but in lighter syrup.

  8. I STILL like Hamburger Helper. No, it's not the healthiest stuff out there, but it sure beats starvation.

  9. I had liverworst sandwiches last week. Delicious. Of course, not all the time, but they are nice for a change. Thinly sliced on white bread with mayo. Delish.

  10. As a Minnesota girl I love Spam, Hormel is still here. Also Braunschweiger which is smoked liver wurst is a favorite of mine. My mother used it try saving money buy serving milk that was halved with powered milk. It was chalky and yuck tasting and never fooled us.

  11. I must be weird. I actually liked jello salad and TV dinners were my Saturday night treat whilst we watched tv bingo. I still like fruit cocktail and canned ham. Both still widely sold in our local supermarket. And where I live now (England) Spam is hugely popular. It's even deep fried. Instant coffee is still used hugely. As are pot pies.

  12. Born in 1967. I grew on ALL of these. Still have fond memories of the Pot Pie. And Cheese Balls and Vienna Sausages are still around. SPAM is still going strong.

  13. My kids LOVE tuna noodle surprise! I laugh, but all the kids in the extended family love it too.

  14. When you say "people" who did you talk to? Most of us 50+, especially poorer people loved these foods. You did what you could to get by. Done right, they were delicious. Making sone Chicken à la King today for dinner!!

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