Tastes of the ’70s: 15 Foods We Thought Were Good for You

The 1970s introduced a wave of culinary inventions that quickly became household staples, often perceived as wholesome choices. While trends have evolved, these foods left an indelible mark on the era's kitchens. Let's explore these iconic items, examining their appeal and the techniques that made them popular among home cooks seeking novelty and convenience.

Sizzlean: A Leaner Bacon?

Sizzlean marketed itself as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, boasting lower fat content. Its preparation involved a careful frying method to achieve that desired crisp texture. Cooks often used a medium heat to ensure even browning, reducing the risk of burning the leaner slices. The strips became uniformly crisp with gentle attention, requiring an early flip during cooking. This method retained moisture while achieving that famed crunchy outer layer, mimicking the sensory appeal of traditional bacon with fewer calories.

Shake ‘n Bake: The Oven-Fried Revolution

Using Shake ‘n Bake was a game-changer for home cooks desiring fried flavors without deep frying. The ready-to-use seasoned coating mix offered a convenient solution for turning chicken or pork into crispy delights. Ensuring the meat was dried before coating was essential for maximum adhesion and crunch. Baking on a wire rack allowed heat to circulate evenly, achieving that sought-after golden crust. This innovative product saved time and cleanup while delivering an enticing texture akin to fried foods.

Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding Delights

Hunt's Snack Pack revolutionized pudding consumption by offering a ready-to-eat dessert free from refrigeration requirements. Its smooth, creamy texture was achieved through a careful balance of corn syrup and milk solids, producing consistent silkiness. For a nostalgic twist, many home cooks enjoyed chilling or lightly freezing it to mimic the homemade experience. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings transformed it into a simple yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

Tang: The Astronaut's Breakfast

Tang burst into popularity as the beverage of astronauts, appealing to both adults and children. Known for its vibrant citrus flavor, Tang was made by dissolving the powder in cold water, stirring briskly to ensure complete integration. To enhance its tangy zest, home cooks often added a splash of lemon juice or freshly grated zest. Pairing it with breakfast items such as toast or cereal brightened the meal, making it a quick and energizing choice during busy mornings.

Cool Whip: The Iconic Topping

Cool Whip, introduced in the 1960s but beloved through the 1970s, became a household staple for its ready-to-use convenience. Made from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and skim milk, this whipped topping promised a fluffy, sweet addition to any dessert without requiring the prep work of traditional whipped cream. When using Cool Whip, let it thaw in the refrigerator to reach optimal texture before serving. Its airy consistency pairs well with gelatin desserts or layered on cakes, providing a smooth, sweet finish.

TV Dinners: Convenience at Its Peak

TV dinners, a hallmark of 1970s culinary convenience, provided families with a full meal ready in minutes. Packaged in aluminum trays, these meals offered a variety of options, from Salisbury steak to turkey with stuffing. The key to enjoying a TV dinner lies in achieving the right balance of cooking time to ensure all components are heated evenly. Preheat the oven for even warmth and avoid microwaving to preserve texture. The visual appeal of partitioned trays created an intriguing dining experience that was as much about the format as the food itself.

Wonder Bread: The Softest Slice

Wonder Bread, known for its pillowy, soft texture and pure white appearance, was a kitchen staple throughout the 1970s. Made from refined white flour, this bread boasted a light, airy structure perfect for sandwiches. When preparing a sandwich, spread each element to the crust's edge to maintain even flavor in every bite. Its neutral flavor profile allows for both savory and sweet pairings, from classic peanut butter and jelly to more robust fillings like ham and cheese. Toast lightly under a broiler for a crisp texture without losing its signature softness.

Carnation Instant Breakfast: Meal in a Glass

Carnation Instant Breakfast offered a quick nutritional boost, marketed as a balanced meal in a glass. Comprising nonfat milk powder, sugar, and cocoa, it promised essential vitamins and minerals. To enhance the experience, use cold milk and a blender to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. Adding a ripe banana can increase both nutritional value and flavor. Its quick preparation and the promise of nutrients made it an ideal choice for busy mornings, appealing to those seeking efficiency without compromising on perceived health benefits.

Tab: The Cult Diet Soda

Tab, Coca-Cola’s first diet soda, hit its stride in the 1970s with its distinct, saccharine-sweet flavor. Sweetened with saccharin, it was a popular choice for those looking to cut calories but still enjoy a fizzy beverage. Best served chilled, Tab offers a crisp, refreshing taste with a slightly metallic aftertaste distinct to diet sodas of the era. Pairing Tab with citrus-flavored snacks can enhance its tart undertones. Keeping it ice-cold minimizes any bitterness, making it a nostalgic yet complex choice for those exploring vintage soda experiences.

Jell-O Salad: Wiggly and Wonderful

Jell-O salads were a quintessential dish that brought a unique texture to the dining table in the '70s. To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and firmness, carefully dissolve your gelatin to avoid clumps by stirring in boiling water until completely clear. Consider folding in canned fruit like mandarins or pineapple for a burst of sweetness, but be aware of the added liquid these contribute. Chill your salad in a mold until set; this ensures the iconic jiggle that's both visually appealing and a delight to serve. A touch of sour cream or mayonnaise adds creaminess and depth.

Instant Noodles: Fast and Flavorful

Instant noodles became a pantry staple thanks to their quick preparation and comforting flavors. For the best results, cook the noodles in boiling water until just tender. This keeps them firm yet silky. Customize the broth to your taste: enhance the soup base with soy sauce, fresh ginger, or a dash of sesame oil for a richer profile. Adding fresh veggies such as scallions or spinach not only boosts nutrition but also provides contrasting textures. Finish with a soft-boiled egg or sliced leftover protein for a complete, satisfying meal that transcends its humble origins.

Cheez Whiz: Spreadable Cheese Joy

Cheez Whiz offered the convenience of spreadable cheese, perfect for quick snacks or cooking. To use it effectively, ensure it's at room temperature for easy spreading. Pair with crisp bread or crackers to balance the creamy texture and salty notes. When incorporating into hot dishes, such as a cheesy dip, gently heat while stirring to maintain its smooth consistency. Consider blending with sharp cheddar or spices like paprika for added depth. Cheez Whiz can also effortlessly enhance vegetables or be added to sauces for a nostalgic, comforting flavor boost.

Sunny Delight: The Citrus Imposter

Sunny Delight became famous for its vibrant hue and sugary citrus taste, often mistaken for natural juice. To appreciate its full potential, serve it well-chilled. While it became a breakfast table favorite, use it thoughtfully, keeping in mind its sweetness. Consider balancing with an equal part of soda water for a refreshing spritzer. For a dessert twist, Sunny Delight can act as a liquid base in popsicles or sorbets, where its bright flavor shines. While not a replacement for fresh juice, it can be a playful ingredient in moderation.

Pop-Tarts: The Ready-to-Eat Pastry

Pop-Tarts brought the convenience of a toaster pastry with various delightful fillings. For optimal enjoyment, toast them until the edges are golden and the filling slightly bubbles. This enhances texture and flavor. If you're adventurous, try topping with ice cream or yogurt when serving for an indulgent treat. Pop-Tarts also work well as a quick crumble topping for baked desserts. Despite their portability, consider pairing them with fresh fruit or nuts to complement their sweetness and add crunch. Enjoy with a balanced breakfast to transform this snack into a nostalgic delight.

Fruit Roll-Ups: Snack or Candy?

Fruit Roll-Ups, with their vibrant colors and sweet, sticky texture, became emblematic of quick, on-the-go snacks during the 1970s. While marketed as a fruit-filled snack, their primary ingredients included sugar and corn syrup, raising questions about their health benefits. For a homemade version, puree fresh fruits like strawberries and mangos, spreading the mixture thinly on a lined baking sheet. Slowly dehydrate at a low temperature until slightly tacky but not sticky. This method preserves the natural fruit flavors, offering more nutritional value and a satisfying chew, without the added sugars and artificial flavors typical of commercial versions.