Food has changed a lot over the years, and what once seemed normal on the dinner table now feels totally strange to younger generations. Boomers grew up eating practical, affordable dishes, and sometimes just plain weird. Gen Z loves fresh, colorful, and creative meals and would turn up their noses at a lot of these old-school favorites without even giving them a second bite.
When you eat Jell-O with vegetables inside.
Back then, it was totally normal to eat Jell-O salads that had carrots, olives, or even tuna floating in them. While it was considered fancy and colorful at family dinners, today’s Gen Z would probably stare at it and wonder if it was a joke because mixing sweet, wobbly jelly with random vegetables sounds more like a science experiment than actual food.
When you spread margarine like it’s real butter.
Boomers grew up when margarine was sold as the healthier and cheaper option than butter, so they spread thick layers of it on their toast without thinking twice. Still, Gen Z has grown up hearing about artificial ingredients and prefers natural foods, so eating something so processed every morning would make them pause.
When you pour canned creamed corn over everything.
Back in the day, canned creamed corn was a common sight on the dinner table because it was easy to cook and could be thrown on meats, bread or eaten straight out of the can. Gen Z, who are used to fresh farmers’ markets and Instagram-worthy meals, would probably not be impressed by the idea of eating corn mush that looks and tastes like baby food.
When you open a can of SPAM and call it dinner.
Boomers didn’t think twice about slicing up a block of SPAM and frying it for a quick meal because it was cheap, salty, and lasted forever in the pantry. Gen Z, who prefer fresh proteins and clean eating, would probably scroll right past it at the grocery store, wondering who would willingly eat meat that comes out of a can and smells like a mystery.
When you cover a whole dinner in Campbell’s cream soup.
For Boomers, it was totally normal to pour Campbell’s cream of mushroom or chicken soup over casseroles and call it a full meal because it was quick, easy, and creamy. Gen Z, who are used to cooking videos and fancy recipes on TikTok, might think the idea of dumping a can of gloopy soup over everything is just lazy and kind of gross.
When you eat liver and onions like it’s a treat.
Boomers often ate liver and onions for dinner because it was affordable and full of iron. Even though they didn’t always love the strong taste, it was something you learned to eat without complaining, but today’s Gen Z, who are more about plant-based diets and meals that taste good, would probably gag at the thought of chewing through a plate of bitter, chewy organ meat.
When you drink Tang and pretend it’s real juice.
Boomers loved drinking Tang because it was sweet, fruity, and even marketed as the drink astronauts took to space. Gen Z, who are way more aware of what goes into their bodies, would probably take one sip of that neon orange powder mixed with water and instantly wonder how anyone ever thought it tasted anything close to real orange juice.
When you eat TV dinners with aluminum trays.
Boomers thought TV dinners were the future because you could just pop the whole tray into the oven and sit in front of the television with a full meal. Still, Gen Z, who are used to fresh meal kits and takeout apps, would probably look at a frozen block of meat, peas, and mystery dessert and wonder why anyone thought this was the height of modern living.
When you eat Vienna sausages straight from the can.
Boomers didn’t think twice about opening a tiny can of Vienna sausages, eating them cold, or tossing them into a quick meal because it was convenient and cheap. Still, Gen Z, who like their food fresh and a little fancy, would probably be horrified by eating soft, salty mini hot dogs floating in some weird liquid for months.
When you think cottage cheese and canned fruit is dessert.
Boomers often ate cottage cheese with canned peaches or pineapple rings on top and called it a refreshing dessert or even lunch. Still, Gen Z, who are used to smoothie bowls and colorful fruit platters, would probably frown at the thought of spooning up lumpy, sour cheese paired with sugary, syrupy fruit from a tin and pretending it’s a real treat.
When you make a loaf of meat and call it dinner.
Meatloaf was a go-to meal for Boomers because it was cheap, easy to stretch with breadcrumbs, and could feed a big family. Gen Z, who love food that looks as good as it tastes, would probably wonder why anyone would willingly bake a giant lump of brown meat and serve it with ketchup on top like that’s supposed to be exciting.
When you think mayonnaise belongs in everything.
Boomers loved putting mayonnaise in sandwiches, salads, dips, and even some weird molded dishes that wobbled on the table. Gen Z, who are way more picky about texture and flavor, would probably get grossed out at the idea of mayo sliding around in every single dish, especially when there are way tastier spreads available now.
When you eat aspic and pretend it’s fancy.
Boomers sometimes made aspic, which is savory jelly made from meat broth, and proudly served it at parties with chunks of meat or seafood trapped inside. Gen Z, all about food that looks good for the ‘gram, would probably back away slowly from a plate of wobbly meat jello and wonder how anyone thought that was something you’d want to eat.
When you think powdered instant potatoes are just as good.
Boomers thought instant mashed potatoes were a miracle because you just added water and had a whole side dish in minutes. Still, Gen Z, who love making real food from scratch or at least eating something that tastes fresh, would probably gag a little when they see a pile of gluey, fake-tasting potatoes that came from a tiny metallic packet.
When you think boiled hot dogs are the height of a barbecue.
For Boomers, tossing some hot dogs into a boiling pot of water was a quick way to get dinner on the table without firing up the grill, but Gen Z, who love slow-cooked barbecue, gourmet toppings, and fancy buns, would probably laugh at the idea of serving plain boiled hot dogs and call it sad party food rather than something actually to get excited about.
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