The 80’s was truly a wild time. At present, most of our memories of that era are blurred with fond nostalgia. But truth be told, some of the trends, especially food trends, from the 80s were so innovative (in a sometimes good, sometimes bad way), that you’d question whether they really existed. Let’s have a look at some food trends that leave us scratching our heads today.
McDonald's McPizza
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In an ambitious move to expand beyond burgers and fries, McDonald’s launched the McPizza. This item was meant to compete with sit-down dining. But fast food and long preparation times don’t mix, and the McPizza disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.
Margarine Takes Over Butter
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Back in the day, margarine was thought to be the “healthier” alternative to butter. It was marketed as the ideal option for cholesterol-conscious kitchens, but its flavor often felt like you were chewing on regret. Once scientists revealed the truth about trans fats, butter quickly reclaimed its spot.
Spray Cheese
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What’s better than cheese? Cheese in a spray can, apparently. Spray cheese was perfect for crackers, celery, or, let’s be honest, straight into your mouth after a bad day. It was the epitome of '80s indulgence, though it probably made your cholesterol go up.
High-Caffeine Colas
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If regular cola wasn’t giving you enough of a buzz, the '80s had your back with high-caffeine versions. These sodas promised to charge your day with caffeine. Sure, they worked, but your heart rate would definitely be concerning by the end of the can.
Fast Food Buffets
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Fast food buffets were a bold attempt to offer variety in a traditionally one-and-done industry. Chains like Pizza Hut embraced the concept and served up all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and dessert. The idea was great on paper, but operational challenges and food waste issues meant buffets couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced dining world.
The Beverly Hills Diet
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This diet was peak '80s Hollywood. Eat pineapple for breakfast, mango for lunch, and maybe a papaya if you’re feeling adventurous. The premise was that enzymes would do all the work. The reality, however, was that you’d be starving by lunchtime.
Taco Bell’s Brief Affair with Burgers
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Believe it or not, Taco Bell once dabbled in burgers. In an attempt to increase its popularity, the chain temporarily introduced burgers alongside its tacos. Fortunately or not, the idea just didn’t stick. Taco Bell quickly learned to stick to its strengths, and the burger experiment faded into obscurity.
Sizzlean
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Sizzlean’s tagline was “Move over, bacon!” but let’s be honest—it never quite captured the magic of the real thing. It had quite an audience for some time, people eventually started wondering, “If it’s not bacon, then what exactly is it?” Guess we’ll never know.
Jell-O Pudding Pop
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These creamy, frozen treats were a hit with kids and adults alike. They were so good, you could almost ignore the fact that they’d glue your tongue to the roof of your mouth if you ate them straight from the freezer. Despite their immense popularity, the brand eventually pulled them from shelves. Even today, they remain a fond memory for anyone who grew up in the '80s.
Strawberry Risotto
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The '80s weren’t all about fast food and convenience—there were some experimental food trends too. Strawberry risotto, a combination of sweet and savory, was an unexpected addition to fine dining menus. While adventurous eaters gave it a try, this unusual pairing never really gained mainstream popularity.
Lean Cuisine
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As health consciousness in the 80s surged, Lean Cuisine quickly became the best way to enjoy a lasagna and chicken Alfredo. These calorie-conscious frozen meals offered busy professionals and dieters a convenient way to eat lighter. While the sodium content wasn’t always ideal, the brand had quite an audience for offering both health and convenience.
Steak-umms
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Steak-umms made steak sandwiches accessible to anyone with a frying pan and a dream. The paper-thin steak strips cooked up in minutes, though they sometimes resembled cardboard more than meat. Still, they earned a loyal following among sandwich lovers who didn’t have the time (or budget) for a ribeye.
Yeoman Instant Mashed Potatoes
Credit: Facebook
For those who couldn’t be bothered to peel, boil, and mash, instant mashed potatoes saved the day. Yeoman’s version promised fluffy, creamy potatoes in minutes. While they didn’t quite replicate the texture of homemade, their ease of preparation kept them in rotation for busy families.
Crystal Light
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Crystal Light revolutionized the way we thought about sugary drinks. Its powdered packets and sugar-free appeal became a hit among those looking for a good low-calorie option. It wasn’t perfect—sometimes it tasted like you’d mixed Kool-Aid with regret—but for its time, it was revolutionary.
Hostess Pudding Pie
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Hostess Pudding Pies were everything you could want in a portable treat—flaky crust, creamy filling, and a sugary glaze. These pies became a lunchbox favorite. Sure, they were messy, but who cared? The '80s weren’t about eating clean; they were about eating happy.
