Back before foodies were snapping photos of avocado toast and colorful smoothie bowls, the world of food was still filled with trends that took over everyone’s kitchens and dining tables. These 12 food trends had their moment, that defined decades of indulgence, from gooey cheese to nostalgia-filled snacks that became national sensations. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to when these obsessions were the real deal.
Fondue Parties
In the 1970s, fondue parties were the way to entertain, making the act of dipping bread, fruits, and even meats into pots of melted cheese or chocolate the height of sophistication. The communal nature of fondue where everyone gathered around a bubbling pot made it the go-to choice for social gatherings. Cheese fondue, often served with crusty bread or vegetables, was a savory favorite, while chocolate fondue, served with strawberries, marshmallows, or cake, provided the perfect end to any evening.
Jell-O Molds
Jell-O molds were a true mid-century obsession, especially in the 1950s and 60s. These wobbly gelatin desserts took on many shapes and forms, often with layers of fruit, whipped cream, or even vegetables embedded inside. Jell-O salads, or “salads” as they were called, were a common side dish at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and potlucks. For many, the art of creating a perfect, jiggly Jell-O mold was a matter of pride, and if you could add in some shocking ingredients like canned tuna or cottage cheese it only made it more intriguing. No party was complete without the vibrant, wobbly centerpiece.
Pop Rocks Candy
Pop Rocks were the candy that everyone was buzzing about in the late 70s and early 80s. The idea of eating candy that crackled and popped in your mouth was unlike anything that had come before, and it quickly became the most exciting sugar rush in town. Whether you were sneaking them in school or buying them for a summer treat, Pop Rocks gave kids (and adults) a taste of sweet excitement with every fizzy burst. Their explosive nature sparked curiosity, and they became a nostalgic childhood treat for many.
California Rolls
In the 1980s, sushi was still an exotic concept to many people in the U.S. Enter the California roll a sushi creation that made raw fish more approachable. The California roll typically featured crab (or imitation crab), cucumber, and avocado, all wrapped in rice and seaweed. It was a revolutionary dish for American palates, offering a mild, yet flavorful taste that could be enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters. These rolls sparked a wave of sushi popularity and became the gateway dish that made sushi mainstream in the States.
Bagel and Lox
Bagels topped with lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, capers, and onions were the ultimate brunch obsession, especially in the 90s. This Jewish deli classic became synonymous with New York City brunch culture, but soon spread across the country. The combination of salty, silky lox with the chewy bagel and smooth cream cheese was an iconic flavor profile that everyone wanted to try. This trendy breakfast or brunch dish felt sophisticated yet accessible, and it was the perfect way to start the day with a little extra flair.
Cheese-Stuffed Crust Pizza
Before pizza became a thin-crust, artisanal affair, the cheese-stuffed crust pizza was the ultimate indulgence. First popularized in the 90s, it was an innovation that pushed pizza boundaries and captured the hearts (and appetites) of food lovers everywhere. The idea of taking the outer crust and filling it with melted cheese was a stroke of genius, making the pizza’s perimeter just as delectable as the rest of the pie. This trend led to multiple fast-food chains offering their own variations, and it was the must-have party food for years to come.
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Café Mochas and Frappuccinos
In the 90s, Starbucks and other coffee chains began to take over the coffee culture, introducing a whole new way of experiencing coffee. The café mocha, a rich combination of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup, became a sweet indulgence for coffee lovers, while Frappuccino’s blended iced coffee drinks with whipped cream became the go-to beverage for a refreshing pick-me-up. These beverages weren’t just about caffeine; they were about treating yourself to something indulgent and refreshing, and they paved the way for today’s coffee culture.
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Crème Brûlée
Once a French delicacy for the elite, crème brûlée became an unexpected trend in the 2000s, popping up on restaurant dessert menus across the world. The smooth custard base, topped with a caramelized sugar crust, provided the perfect textural contrast that made every bite a delight. The appeal wasn’t just in its flavor; it was in the experience of cracking the top with a spoon. Whether served in a high-end restaurant or at a dinner party, crème brûlée had everyone feeling like they were dining in Paris, making it the ultimate dessert trend of the early 2000s.
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Sushi Burritos
Sushi burritos were the hybrid food trend of the 2010s, combining the freshest sushi ingredients with the convenience of a burrito. These giant sushi rolls packed with tuna, salmon, rice, avocado, and various toppings became a must-try for foodies seeking a new, portable take on sushi. Wrapped in seaweed and served in a burrito-style format, sushi burritos were perfect for a grab-and-go meal that was both filling and flavorful.
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Cronuts
The cronut part croissant, partly doughnut took over the pastry world when it was created by chef Dominique Ansel in 2013. This sweet hybrid captured everyone’s attention and instantly became a craze. People stood in long lines at bakeries just to get a taste of the flaky, crispy, and sweet fried pastry filled with cream or jam. The cronut became a symbol of culinary innovation, even inspiring countless copycats around the world, but it’s the original pastry that remains the gold standard for food fusion.
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Rainbow Bagels
Rainbow bagels were the Instagram-friendly treat that turned a simple breakfast food into an eye-catching spectacle. These brightly colored bagels, often filled with cream cheese or icing, captured the attention of food lovers with their vivid hues and unique, fun appearance. Though they might not be as popular now, rainbow bagels were a major 2010s trend and a prime example of how color and aesthetics influenced the way people approached food.
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Avocado Toast
Ah yes, the iconic avocado toast. While this humble dish has been around for ages, it became the ultimate trendy breakfast in the 2010s, especially among millennial foodies. The combination of smashed avocado, toasted bread, and a variety of toppings (think poached eggs, red pepper flakes, or even feta cheese) took over Instagram feeds worldwide. It wasn’t just about the taste it was about the experience, the look, and the simple beauty of combining healthy fats with a toasty crunch
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Before Instagram filtered every food trend into our feeds, these food obsessions ruled the culinary world and became part of the fabric of dining culture. Whether they came in the form of nostalgic snacks, indulgent comfort foods, or innovative hybrids, these trends captured the imaginations of people everywhere and while they may not dominate food posts today, they’ll forever have a special place in food history.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
12 Potluck Dishes That Were a Hit at Every 80s and 90s Party
Potlucks in the 80s and 90s were all about fun, flavor, and dishes that everyone could dive into. It was the era of cheesy dips, finger foods, and casseroles that brought everyone together around the table. Whether it was a family gathering, office party, or neighborhood celebration, these potluck dishes were the star of the show, offering a perfect mix of comfort and nostalgia.
Read it here: 12 Potluck Dishes That Were a Hit at Every 80s and 90s Party
10 Jell-O’s Dishes So Outrageous They Belong in a Museum
Jell-O was the superstar of retro parties, and these 10 outrageous Jell-O’s dishes are living proof of its iconic status. From wobbly, colorful creations to bizarre combinations, these Jell-O masterpieces were bold, daring, and full of gelatinous fun. Whether it was layered with fruit, molded into wild shapes, or turned into extravagant salads, these dishes truly deserve a place in a museum of quirky food history.
Read it here: 10 Jell-O’s Dishes So Outrageous They Belong in a Museum
14 Retro Foods That Make Gen Z Gag
Food trends have changed drastically over the decades, and what was once considered a delicacy can now seem downright bizarre. From mayo-drenched salads to gelatin-encased meals, some of these old-school favorites have left younger generations completely baffled. While Boomers and Gen X may remember these dishes fondly, Gen Z isn’t exactly lining up for a taste test. These retro foods are likely to make Gen Z gag.
Read it here: 14 Retro Foods That Make Gen Z Gag