Ready to journey back to a time when mullets were in, neon was a color, and food was anything but ordinary? Welcome back to the 80s, the era that was more than just rad fashion. It’s up to you whether you label these 15 bizarre 80s food trends radical or ridiculous, but one thing’s for sure: this decade is like no other!
15. Pop Rocks & Soda
Remember those little colorful sugar crystals that give a fizzy sensation after hitting your tongue? Those are Pop Rocks, and the myth during the 80s was that when you wash it down with soda, your stomach would explode! Despite being entirely false, it turned eating a simple sugary treat into a mini science experiment.
14. Crystal Pepsi
Speaking of soda, Pepsi launched a beverage that may have caused cognitive dissonance. Imagine Pepsi but without any color; that’s Crystal Pepsi for you! This product was born out of the “clear craze” that happened in the 80s, wherein transparency became in vogue. The soda was marketed as a caffeine-free “clear alternative,” boasting a healthier image.
13. The Messiest Dinner Ever
We’re talking about Sloppy Joes, because what can you expect from a meal with such a name? Despite being messy to eat (which kids of the 80s loved), it became a weeknight staple for many households because it required minimal effort to prepare. Yes, they’re hearty and comforting, but it can get quite frustrating when the bun can’t contain all the ingredients.
12. Tuna Mousse
This jiggly, fishy centerpiece was popular at potlucks, church socials, as well as formal gatherings in the 80s. It combined canned tuna with mayonnaise, chopped celery, and onion, and a binder like gelatin. The result was an appetizer that looked quite elegant at the time. Today, not everyone would want a fishy and mayonnaise-heavy jelly.
11. Sizzlean, the “Lean” Meat
Sizzlean was dubbed as bacon’s “leaner” cousin in the health-obsessed 80s. It had lower fat content compared to bacon, thanks to its combination of pork, beef, and turkey. However, the “lean” claim was somewhat misleading because Sizzlean was still around 37% fat by weight. Just like many trends, the low-fat era waned and so did Sizzlean.
10. Seven-Layer Dip
This monster of a dip was the highlight of many 80s party dishes and potluck dinners. It was quite odd to have so many ingredients for a dip—refried beans, sour cream, salsa, green onions, guac, cheese, and black olives. But hey, they were layered and served in a glass vessel and it was quite a glorious sight!
9. Dr Pepper Gum
Who would’ve thought you could chew your soda during the 80s? Yup, there was a gum that tasted exactly like Dr Pepper, featuring a liquid center that offered a rush of flavor. The problem was that the soda flavor lasted for just a couple of seconds. But sometimes, a brief moment of peak coolness is enough!
8. Hostess Pudding Pies
Hostess Pudding Pies were one of the most popular snacks of the 80s. Imagine regular pies but made for people who love desserts on the go. These handheld pies were loaded with chocolate pudding and covered in a semi-sweet glaze. Were they addictive? Yes. Were they messy? Also yes. The unusual gloppy texture also didn’t sit well with others.
7. TV Dinners
Remember TV dinners in the old foil tray? With their pre-portioned and ready to heat meals, TV Dinners became an easy meal solution that could be enjoyed while watching TV. For kids, it was always a luxury moment to tear through Hungry-Man TV Dinners while watching Incredible Hulk on a color TV.
6. Pizza on a Bagel
Speaking of microwavable frozen meals, what if you’re suddenly craving pizza but short on time? Well, that wasn’t much of a problem back then with Bagel Bites. These were tiny, frozen bagels, topped with a tomato sauce, sprinkle of cheese, and mini pepperoni slices. They were not exactly gourmet, but they did the job.
5. Fast Food Buffets
Imagine visiting your local Wendy’s and being greeted by an all-you-can-eat buffet. Well, that’s not a dream, it actually happened in the 80s. Wendy’s had a “SuperBar” with options beyond their standard menu. Popeyes, Pizza Hut, and KFC also rode the trend. However, these buffets somehow contradicted the ideas of speed and efficiency that define fast food, and so they were eventually phased out.
4. McDonald’s DLT
McDonald’s also did a weird thing in the 80s that didn’t scream efficiency and convenience. The chain released the McDonald’s Lettuce and Tomato (McDLT) in a two-compartment container. One side had the hot beef patty and bottom bun, and the other kept the remaining ingredients cool. People had to assemble the burger themselves, which defeated the purpose of fast food.
3. Taco Bell Burger
Burgers at Taco Bell? Well, that’s weird and it also happened in the 80s. Taco Bell once offered the Bell Beefer. It featured ground beef, diced onions, shredded lettuce, and mild salsa loaded into a soft bun. It was basically a fast food taco in a burger form, and was eventually phased out, possibly due to slow sales.
2. The Original Diet Soda
Before Diet Coke, we had Tab. This beverage was also introduced by The Coca-Cola Company, marketed to consumers who wanted to “keep tabs” on their weight. The rise of Diet Coke that tastes almost similar to the original Coca-Cola led to a decline in Tab’s sales. Additionally, the 80s soda faced controversy for having ingredients linked to health problems.
1. Candy Cigarettes
Here’s something that happened in the 80s that will make you shake your head: candy cigarettes were sold to kids. These fake cigarettes came into the market in the 1930s but their popularity peaked from 60s to 80s. They had a powdered sugar under the paper, so when you blow on them, the “smoke” comes out. The candy version of cigarettes were so convincing that some states banned the product.