And Rightfully So
There’s nothing wrong with indulging your immature side, especially when it gets hungry. From nostalgic snacks to silly struggle meals, there’s no wrong way to eat. That being said, here are 20 dishes you probably grew up with as a child, and even as an adult, can’t seem to let go of. Would you ever stop eating these foods?
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
PB&J sandwiches are the definition of nostalgic foods. The combination of sweet and salty is a perfect flavor profile that is fun to eat no matter how old or young you are. There are also practical sides to this delicious food, and those are the shelf-stable ingredients, as well as protein and sugars that give an amazing boost of energy.
2. Dino Nuggets
Just because Dino Nuggets are shaped like dinosaurs does not mean they are for kids only. This delicious version of chicken nuggets is easy to make, delicious, fun, and nice and crispy. The best part is that you can stock up on them and just throw them in the air fryer or oven for a very easy meal or snack.
3. Cereal
Cereal is one of those breakfast staples that just does not grow old. Few things beat the crunchy and sugary taste of a bowl of cereal in the morning, especially because it takes next to no effort to make.
Don’t forget the delicious sugary milk as an even sweeter reward after you are done eating all the cereal from the bowl.
4. Chocolate Milk
Milk is full of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need, and chocolate milk is just a better version. It’s a refreshing drink that has just the right amount of sweetness and hits all the right spots. If you are craving something nostalgic, delicious, and uplifting to get you through the day, try adding some chocolate milk to your coffee along with some ice and enjoy a delicious mocha.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Crispy, buttery, cheesy, and comforting, there is nothing quite like a warm grilled cheese sandwich to satisfy almost anyone’s cravings. It is one of the quickest and most delicious things that you can make for yourself, while also being super easy to make. Pair it with a tomato soup and enjoy some of the best tasting flavor profiles suited for all ages.
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6. Pudding Packs
Pudding packs are super satisfying to eat straight out of their tiny cups. Regardless of whether you prefer yours cooled in the fridge or room temperature; they are a welcome treat for adults and kids alike. The signature chocolate or vanilla flavors just hit the right note and throw you back to a simpler and worry-free time.
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7. String Cheese
We are taught not to play with our food, but that’s easier said than done when it comes to string cheese. No matter how old we get, pulling those perfect cheese strands and eating them slowly gives a different flavor and makes it so much more fun to eat that way. It’s altogether a very easy and accessible snack that very few can resist.
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8. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are one of those foods that just make you feel at home when you eat them. Whether you are getting one on the go or making them from the freezer, they are fun to eat, have a craveable sweet and salty balance, and can be paired with a number of toppings or dips for extra flavor. There is a reason these sell so well at fairs and parks, and nostalgia plays a big role.
9. Mac and Cheese
Quick and easy to make, mac and cheese is a hearty food that makes you feel at home. Whether you simply follow the box instructions or add extra ingredients to make it a bit fancier, it’s a dish that’s hard to say no to. If you are having a bad day, this might be the fix for it.
10. Jell-O
Jell-O is incredibly fun to eat because of its super vibrant colors and wobbly texture. It’s a great snack that is very refreshing and delicious, especially when you eat it straight from the fridge. If you get the sugar-free ones, they are also a very guilt-free snack that you can enjoy without having to think too much about the sugar and fat contents of a sweet treat.
11. Popsicles
One of the top icy treats for a hot summer day, popsicles are a frozen nostalgia trip. They come in small packs so you can be sure to control how many you have and are just a perfect refresher during those slightly warmer days. Both kids and adults can’t get enough of them.
12. Animal Crackers
Animal crackers are a crunchy treat that are some of the more favored snacks out there. They are fairly mess-free when it comes to leaving fingers greasy and are super easy and convenient to eat. Pairing them with coffee, tea, milk, or Nutella are just a few of many ways to enjoy these treats.
13. Happy Meals
While the kids love the Happy Meals because of the fun-sized food and the toy that comes with it, adults love it for almost the same reasons.
Even if you don’t care about the toy, however fun it may be to get one, the portion size is great for a quick snack and a fun little trip down memory lane. It’s a fun way to portion control and stay young at heart, all while enjoying a delicious treat.
14. Spaghettios
The ring-shaped pasta with a sauce all too familiar, Spaghettios brings childhood memories back with every bite. They are some of the easiest foods to prepare within minutes, and they are super fun to eat. No matter if you prefer finer and fancier foods or simple and quick meals, Spaghettios are one of those nostalgic things that make adults feel like kids again.
15. Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are dangerously delicious and fun to eat. The light cheddar dust on a crunchy cracker makes it a bit messy to eat, but the flavor is worth every crumb left behind. If you like to experiment with creative flavors or just keep it simple and go for the original, you are certainly going to have an enjoyable experience.
16. Butter Pasta
If you’re craving a nice, creamy pasta dish but don’t have too much time to make it, butter pasta is made just for this occasion. Just boil some water and you will be eating this delicious dish in minutes.
It is a budget-friendly and absolutely yummy, and easy-to-make pasta dish that kids and adults alike simply adore.
17. Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts are the flaky and sugary treats that you will find yourself going back to whenever you see one. They are super easy and convenient to make, taking literally seconds to heat up and enjoy. While it seems like Pop-Tarts are made for kids for the most part, many adults admit this is their favorite treat.
18. Apple Sauce
While kids absolutely love the single-serve cups and pouches of apple sauce, adults enjoy them just as much, if not more. Apple sauce is an incredibly versatile ingredient in so many low-calorie and low-sugar recipes that it has become one of the go-to shopping list items. Add a bit of cinnamon on top to make the flavor infinitely more delicious.
19. Nutella Sandwiches
You can never go wrong with a chocolate hazelnut spread on bread. It might feel too simple, but sometimes simple is the best way to go. Nutella is one of the best and most nostalgia-inducing things out there, especially if you add some slices of bananas or strawberries on top to really elevate it to the next level.
20. Fruit Roll-Ups
One of the most fun things to eat, Fruit Roll-Ups are the most nostalgic fruit flavor out there.
The feeling of unrolling it as you tear or bite small pieces off immediately brings childhood memories flooding back. Eating a Fruit Roll-Up and letting it melt in your mouth is a sweet reminder that being a grown-up does not mean you can’t eat fun things.
