Baby Boomers are an interesting bunch. They’ve been around long enough to see many changes in the world and try pretty strange things like these gross foods they still think are cool! From canned Vienna Sausages to spam, the younger generation would not touch these dishes popular among the boomer crowd with a 10-foot pole.
Ambrosia Salad
This retro salad dish includes canned pineapple, mandarine oranges, marshmallows, and whipped cream. It’s often seen as a dessert item at Boomer get-togethers, but that doesn’t quite make sense to anyone else.
Vienna Sausage
Vienna Sausage is a highly processed canned meat product reminiscent of hot dogs. It’s most commonly found in cans in the grocery store and can also be eaten right out of the package. Baby Boomers have been known to make Vienna Sausages part of their regular diet, though younger generations generally consider it gross.
Canned Soups
Baby Boomers love their canned soups! From Cream of Mushroom to Chicken Noodle, these dishes are a staple in many Boomer households. But younger generations prefer a fresher, healthier version of the soup that’s made from scratch.
Bran Cereal
Though bran cereal is not necessarily that gross, it’s something Baby Boomers love. This high-fiber, low-calorie breakfast option (which can also be enjoyed as a snack) is often found in households with Boomer parents. However, today’s youth prefer sweeter cereals like Lucky Charms or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Kraft Mac & Cheese
Kraft Mac & Cheese is a classic favorite amongst Baby Boomers. The processed cheese sauce and bright orange powder have been staples in many homes for years, though it’s not something younger generations would necessarily consider to be “cool.”
Fried Foods
Fried foods are a favorite amongst Baby Boomers. These dishes are often found at family gatherings or in backyards across America, from deep-fried pickles to fried bologna sandwiches. Younger generations are, however, encouraged to avoid fried foods due to the high-fat content and unhealthy ingredients that come with them.
Sardines
Sardines are a popular item among Baby Boomers. These small, oily fish can be consumed straight out of the can or cooked into various dishes. Today’s youths tend to avoid them due to their strong smell and taste.
Desserts Made With Canned Fruit
Baby Boomers often make desserts with canned fruit, like peach cobbler or cherry pie. Though the thought of eating a dessert made from canned fruit may seem strange to younger generations, it’s something Baby Boomers take pride in and enjoy.
Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners are a quick and easy meal option that Baby Boomers love. From Salisbury steak to macaroni & cheese, these pre-made entrees offer an effortless way to get dinner on the table. Unfortunately, they’re often full of sodium and other unhealthy preservatives, which makes them a less-than-ideal choice for younger generations.
Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole is a popular dish amongst Baby Boomers. This simple yet flavorful entree usually consists of canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and vegetables, all topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. Though it’s not necessarily gross, it’s undoubtedly an acquired taste that later generations tend to avoid.
American Cheese Slices
American cheese slices are a staple in many Baby Boomer households. These pre-sliced cheese slices have been around for years, and they offer a convenient way to get a cheesy fix without having to shred or slice your cheese. But, these processed slices don’t appeal to the younger generation, who prefer more natural, fresh alternatives like cheddar or mozzarella.
Prunes
Prunes are a popular snack among Baby Boomers. These dried plums have been known to offer various health benefits, like aiding digestion and improving heart health. Still, they may not be the most exciting snack for today’s youths looking for something more flavorful.
Miracle Whip
Miracle Whip is a popular condiment amongst Baby Boomers. It has a unique sweet-tangy flavor that many people enjoy. It’s often used as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, or salads and can also be added to other dishes for extra flavor.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are a go-to for many Baby Boomers looking to cut back on sugar. These artificial sweeteners, like Sweet n Low or Splenda, offer a way to sweeten coffee and other beverages without the added calories of traditional sugar. Younger generations tend to shy away from artificial sweeteners due to their potential health risks.
Grits
Grits are a breakfast staple in many Baby Boomer households. These small, coarse-ground kernels of corn are often boiled and served with butter, salt, or other seasonings as a hot cereal.
Fruitcake
Fruitcake is a popular holiday dish amongst Baby Boomers. This dense, sweet cake is often loaded with dried fruits and nuts and can be served as an appetizer or dessert. While older generations enjoy fruitcakes, younger people consider them dry and overly sugary.
Boiled Brussel Sprouts
Boiled brussel sprouts are a favorite amongst Baby Boomers. These small green vegetables are usually cooked until soft and then served with butter, margarine, and salt. Unfortunately, younger generations don’t share the same sentiment toward brussel sprouts as their parents.
Spam
Spam is a canned, pre-cooked meat product popular amongst Baby Boomers. This salty, processed pork is often fried or served cold on sandwiches and can be used in other dishes. It can also be eaten right out of the can, though its high sodium content and unappetizing texture make it less than ideal for later generations.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a traditional side dish found in many Baby Boomer households. This dish usually consists of canned, creamed corn mixed with butter and cream cheese. This heavy, sugary concoction isn’t something most young people look forward to eating.
Bologna Sandwich
A bologna sandwich is a classic lunch option amongst Baby Boomers. This simple combination of bologna, mustard, and bread has existed for years and is still prevalent in many households today. Due to its unhealthy ingredients, young people have begun to shy away from pre-packaged meats like bologna.
Fish Sticks
Fish sticks are a popular item amongst Baby Boomers. These rectangular, breaded fish pieces can be fried or baked in the oven and served with ketchup or tartar sauce as a side dish. Despite their convenience, other generations generally view these as unhealthy, low-quality food.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a traditional dish popular amongst Baby Boomers. This ground beef-based entree can be cooked in the oven or slow cooker and served with ketchup, mustard, or gravy. The heavy ingredients used to make meatloaf often render it unappealing to today’s youth.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food amongst Baby Boomers. This creamy, hearty dish usually consists of diced chicken, mixed vegetables, and cream sauce, all topped with a buttery crust. Although many young people enjoy the occasional homemade pot pie, they avoid pre-made varieties due to their high-fat content and unhealthy ingredients.
Egg Salad Sandwich
An egg salad sandwich is a popular lunch staple amongst Baby Boomers. This simple combination of eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard can be served on toast or between two slices of bread but is a less-than-ideal choice for many non-boomers.
Spaghettios
Spaghettios is a popular canned pasta dish amongst Baby Boomers. This pre-made pasta dish usually consists of circular spaghetti noodles in a tomato sauce and can be served as-is or with cheese, sausage, or other ingredients.
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