Nostalgia for food and other comfort items have become increasingly popular in Britain, particularly during the recession. The troubled economy combined with terrorist threats and assorted wars have left the British longing for a sense of calm and familiarity.
According to the Daily Mail, the British want to pretend that they are living in another time. And, in doing so, they are eating and drinking retro foods and beverages, like Wagon Wheels and Cadbury Wispa Bars, to fool themselves that everything is fine.
Even in America, foods can conjure up all kinds of memories from childhood, taking us back to a time where we had little worry and few responsibilities. Pizza may bring back thoughts of your first homecoming date; pot roast may remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house; or Cookie Crisp cereal might take you back to Saturday morning cartoons.
Like in Britain, these nostalgic foods can do more than just remind us of the “good ole days”. They can also help carry us through difficult times and give us hope that things will soon get better.
As a child of the 80s and 90s, there are so many foods that remind me of a much simpler time. But, if I had to choose, here are my top 10 picks for feel-good foods from childhood. Just thinking about them makes me smile and reminds me that times were not always this tough.
Bistro Chic’s Top 10 Retro Feel-Good Foods
- Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- Franco American Ravioli
- Campbell’s Alphabet Soup
- Good Humor Ice Cream
- Captain Crunch Cereal
- Jolly Ranchers
- Chips-a-Hoy cookies
- Ragu Spaghetti sauce
- Finger jello
- Dentine Gum
So, if you’re feeling a little down due to the recession or other hardships in your life, why not take your cues from the British? Try indulging in some of your old favorite foods that made you smile as a kid. You never know, they may just make you smile again!
