15 Yummy Childhood Food Faves That You Grew Up To HATE!
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Taste memories from childhood often hold a special place in our hearts, but sometimes, a return to those flavors can bring unexpected surprises. Today, we explore a trip down memory lane with the question: “What’s a childhood food or snack you loved but found disappointing as an adult?” Join us as we share stories of culinary rediscovery and the changing dynamics of our taste buds over time. From sweet treats to savory delights, let’s journey into the world of evolving palates and savor the bittersweet moments of revisiting our favorite childhood flavors.
Hawaiian Punch
To start, someone suggested, “Hawaiian Punch. Now it just tastes so artificial/syrupy. I usually love fruit punch but not Hawaiian Punch.”
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Pop Tarts
One user said, “I tried a pop tart after realizing I hadn’t had one since probably 4th grade or so. How on earth were our parents ok with us eating dessert for breakfast? Also, apparently, a serving size is actually one pop tart, yet they come in 2 packs? Weird.”
Hostess Snacks
A popular comment was, “Any hostess cake. It’s like eating a sponge full of Vaseline.”
Another comment was, “They went bankrupt, sold their name, and now a new silly company is making Hostess stuff but cutting every corner. They genuinely used to taste much better. It’s not just nostalgia.”
Chef Boyardee
Someone suggested, “Spaghettios, any pasta in a can.”
Someone else said, “I fell on some tough times in grad school and got some spaghettios from a food bank after not having them since I was a child, and omfg, chef boyardee is NASTY. it’s so sweet.”
Sunny D
One comment was, “As a kid, my dad bought real orange juice, and I was always jealous of the kids who had Sunny D or Tang in their house because I thought those tasted so good. Later as an adult, I tried Sunny D, and it tasted like straight chemicals. Super disappointed but super appreciative of my dad. ”
Another comment was, “Sunny D. Holy shoot, it tastes like garbage. I remember it was so good when I was a kid, though.”
Kraft Mac and Cheese
One person replied, “Kraft Mac and Cheese. Don’t get me wrong. I will buy and eat it sometimes because it’s a dollar a box, and I’m a poor 26-year-old teacher. But still. As a kid, I thought it was the greatest thing ever invented.”
A second person added, “Try Annie’s shells and white cheddar. Kraft has become awful.”
Sugar Cookies
A user commented, “Those super soft cookies with the bright-colored frosting. Now they barely taste like food.”
Another user added, “Don’t you DARE talk bad about Lofthouse cookies >:(.“
Kraft Singles
One comment was, “Kraft singles. Not convinced it’s actual cheese.”
A second comment was, “Kraft singles aren’t cheese. The label says “pasteurized cheese product” for a reason. The FDA will not permit Kraft to call them cheese slices.”
Lunchables
A reply was, “I now live in a city known for its pizza and have eaten my fair share of slices (and pies), so it’s mind-boggling to me how much I liked those pizza Lunchables as a child.”
Another reply said, “I get the “organic” Lunchables a lot because they’re a cheap snack and pretty filling. The “organic” ones are slightly more expensive but a lot less repulsive than the regular ones.”
Candy Corn
One user posted, “Candy corn. I liked it when I was a kid, but not now. That goes for most candy, to be honest.”
Another user commented, “Ditto. Candy corn used to be my thing, or so I thought. I’ve turned into my mother. I’d totally take vegetables over candy now. Like, why bother with ‘fuzzy peaches’ when the real thing is so amazing?”
Vienna Sausages
A response was, “Vienna sausages… we used to have them in our earthquake kits at elementary school. I looked forward to eating them at the end of the year, and having them as an adult made me want to hurl.”
A second response was, “Like once a year, I get a nostalgia craving for them and buy a couple of cans, eat them, and immediately feel sick and ashamed.”
Bugles
One simple answer was, “Those cone-shaped chips. Bugles or something?”
Another answer was, “Yes. I remember even hating them as a kid because they tasted so oily but I would eat a snack bag for summer camp every day lol.”
Bologna
A user commented, “When I was a kid, I was OBSESSED with bologna. Now I realize how gross processed “meat” slabs are. I’m a vegetarian now!”
A second user replied, “Every time I think about bologna, I remember peeling the casing off the edge.”
Kraft Handi-snacks
A reply was, “OMG, I don’t remember what they were called, but it was this pack of crackers and heavily processed cheese dip, and you’d get a little red stick to spread the dip on the crackers. I used to be SO jealous of anyone with it back in primary school, but that dip tastes like straight-up moldy plastic.”
Applebee’s Riblets
Finally, a comment was, “Applebee’s riblets. Growing up in the Midwest, restaurant options were fairly limited. I loved those riblets. Tried them again a couple of years ago and felt like I was eating guinea pig.”
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