I recently had the opportunity to go grocery shopping with my boyfriend in order to stock his cupboards in his new apartment. From this experience, I learned that we are both still in possession of the palates that we had when we were children, because the first aisle we went to was the snack aisle and immediately started filling up the cart. Whether it brings comfort, sounds the most appetizing, or is just all that you’ve ever known, here are some of my favorite foods from my childhood I know I’ll never be too old for!
1. Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli
Is it real meat? Is it real pasta? I don’t know, but what I do know is nothing compares to a bowl of it, especially with a side of bread and butter (mostly for dipping purposes).
2. Pop Tarts
Since I was a kid, there have been several new flavors of Pop Tarts that have come out. My favorites, however, remain Blueberry and Cherry. They’re classics.
3. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
One of my favorite things about my aunt is that she is not afraid to order a grilled cheese at a restaurant, a trait that I inherited from her because it is my go-to when nothing else looks good on the menu! A creamy tomato soup to dip the sandwich in is always a plus, too.
4. Hot Dogs
Yes, I know what’s in them. Yes, I know they’re bad for you. The simplicity of microwaving a hot dog, throwing it on a piece of bread (often times because you're out of hot dog buns), and adding ketchup and sweet relish holds such a strong nostalgia for my younger brother and I.
5. Macaroni & Cheese
Kraft? Velveeta? Either is fine by me. From the box, macaroni & cheese is one of the first (and only) things I know how to make on my own, and I think it’s quite tasty!
6. Little Debbie Snacks
Instead of picking just one, I’m putting all Little Debbie snacks onto this list (aside from Nutty Bars, which my peanut allergy prevents me from ever trying, but I’m sure they’re great!). They’re super unhealthy for you, but remain quite tasty and give me that nostalgic “my mom packed my lunch for school” feel!
7. Jelly Sandwiches
Unlike most people who will read this, I never took a PB&J in my packed lunch to school (again, the peanut allergy). However, in lieu of making sure I didn’t feel left out, my innovative mother substituted the peanut butter with plain butter and I ate grape jelly and butter sandwiches anytime I packed my lunch (might sound gross to PB&J lovers). While I’ve dropped the butter over the years, I still enjoy grape jelly between two slices of bread from time to time as an easy lunch!
