10 Nostalgic Comfort Foods Every Gen Xer Secretly Longs For

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When I was a kid, no one seemed overly concerned about what we were munching on. Well, except for that one family down the street whose home smelled like a health food store and only watched PBS. My mom dubbed them “health nuts,” and then served me four fudge-striped cookies and a can of fruit punch for lunch, like all the other moms did back then.

Fast forward to today, where our meals are all gluten-free, artisanal, and packed with superfoods. Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about the days when just plain old bread and granola bars felt revolutionary. In a world obsessed with kale and quinoa, I can’t help but remember the not-so-healthy treats of my youth that were downright delicious. Here are 10 beloved comfort foods that truly defined my carefree childhood:

1. French Bread Pizza
   When Mom would pull that bright red box out of the freezer, it was like a mini celebration. Any flavor was a hit, but the one loaded with pepperoni and sausage was the real winner. My sister and I thought these were even better than delivery; we loved to add extra cheese and the infamous “shaky cheese” for good measure.
2. Ring Dings
   These foil-wrapped chocolate delights were my daily treat at lunch. If I dared to eat a Ring Ding now, I’d probably need to run a marathon immediately, but back then, they were just part of the fun.
3. Ramen Noodles
   After a ramen binge in my 20s, I swore them off, but recently, my nostalgia got the better of me. Those salty noodles remind me of high school, and they’re just as tasty as I remember. Add some frozen peas for a dash of health, and you have a time machine in a bowl.
4. Processed American Cheese Products
   Let’s take a moment to appreciate the cheesy goodness that didn’t require refrigeration. Whether it was Cheez Whiz or Kraft singles, our grilled cheeses were legendary. Sometimes, I just crave the simplicity of a cheese squirt on a cracker.
5. Magic Shell
   This miraculous chocolate drizzle turns into a hard shell on ice cream. I can’t believe I forgot about it! Did you know it’s still around, and it’s even considered a “health food” because of the antioxidants?
6. Chicken Pot Pie
   Forget all the gourmet versions with fancy ingredients. A true chicken pot pie comes in a small metal pan, with bright yellow gravy and uniform chunks of mystery meat. It’s all about that crust!
7. Carnation Instant Breakfast
   Only the chocolate malt flavor mattered to me. The others? Not a chance! It was the ultimate breakfast drink, and I’d still argue it’s better than any other brand around.
8. Swanson Turkey Dinner
   Who didn’t love the idea of Thanksgiving in July? These frozen meals were a staple, especially during my mom’s girls’ nights out. The turkey dinner had a dessert that was either a mystery or heavenly, depending on who you asked.
9. Hostess Fruit Pies
   These were a field trip treat, and honestly, they made the day so much sweeter. Cherry was my go-to, but I’d happily munch on any flavor. And let’s not even start on the original McDonald’s apple pies—pure bliss!
10. Frozen Burritos
    If you didn’t follow the cooking instructions precisely, you risked a burrito disaster. But when done right, they were filled with gooey taco goodness that was totally worth it.

While our eating habits have certainly evolved for the better over the years, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane every now and then. I might just surprise my kids with a retro dinner of chicken pot pie or French bread pizza. And yes, there’s definitely a bottle of Magic Shell in my pantry for those special occasions.

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Summary:

This article highlights ten nostalgic comfort foods that many Gen Xers cherish from their childhood. From French bread pizza to frozen burritos, these treats evoke fond memories of simpler times. As our eating habits have changed, revisiting these foods offers a delightful glimpse into the past while also allowing us to introduce our children to some classic flavors.