We All Ate These 20 Foods Growing Up—So Why Won’t Kids Today?

There was a time when these foods showed up on every dinner table, in every lunchbox, and at just about every family gathering, and no one thought twice about it. But tastes have changed, and what was once considered completely normal (and even delicious) is now getting the side-eye from a whole new generation. From retro comfort staples to quirky classics, these foods defined childhood for many, but don’t expect today’s kids to dig in without a little convincing.

Scalloped Potatoes Kids Used to Love

 

Rich, cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham are a childhood favorite. Discover why this comforting dish has lost its appeal with today’s kids.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Gruyere

Sausage Gravy Everyone Once Devoured

Creamy sausage gravy was a breakfast staple for generations. Find out why modern kids barely touch this Southern classic.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sausage Gravy

Rhubarb Custard Pie Kids Skipped

Tangy rhubarb custard pie delighted past generations. Learn why today’s children are passing on this sweet-tart classic.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie

Apple Cider Donuts They Used to Devour

Soft apple cider donuts were a fall-time treat everyone loved. See why these nostalgic donuts rarely make it to today’s lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donut Recipe

Classic Carrot Salad Kids Avoid Now

Sweet, refreshing carrot salad was once a lunchbox favorite. Discover why children today often skip this crunchy side.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad with Raisins

Pecan Pralines Everyone Used to Crave

Rich, buttery pecan pralines were once a Southern candy favorite. Find out why these indulgent treats are missing from today’s dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Praline Recipe

Apple Waldorf Salad Kids Ignored

Crisp apples and walnuts made Waldorf salad a childhood side staple. Learn why today’s kids rarely ask for this crunchy classic.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad with Raisins

Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup Kids Skipped

Bright, comforting lemon chicken soup with orzo was a weeknight favorite. See why modern kids rarely choose this light, nostalgic meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Cheesy Pea Salad They Once Loved

Creamy pea salad was a hit at picnics and potlucks for decades. Discover why today’s kids often pass on this retro side dish.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese

Shepherd’s Pie Comfort Kids Forget

Ground beef shepherd’s pie was a cozy, hearty meal for families. Learn why it’s a classic that doesn’t make it to today’s dinner tables.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Ground Beef

Deviled Eggs Kids Once Ate

Classic deviled eggs were a party staple for generations. See why today’s kids often skip this creamy, tangy appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients

Kentucky Hot Brown Kids Ignore Now

The rich Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich was once a family favorite. Find out why kids today rarely ask for this indulgent dish.
Get the Recipe: Classic Kentucky Hot Brown with Béchamel Cheese Sauce

Black Eyed Pea Salad They Once Loved

Sweet-and-tangy black eyed pea salad was a Southern favorite. Learn why it’s rarely served to children in modern kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Pea Salad (Sweet & Tangy Southern Classic)

Buttermilk Biscuits Kids Loved

Fluffy, layered buttermilk biscuits were a childhood staple. See why today’s kids rarely ask for these classic biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Vinegar Coleslaw Kids Skip Today

Old-fashioned vinegar coleslaw was a picnic and BBQ favorite. Discover why children today pass on this tangy, crunchy side.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

Why Sweet Potato Pie Is Vanishing from Tables

Sweet potato pie was a must-have dessert in every Southern home. Discover why today’s kids rarely request this holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Classic)

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad: Forgotten Family Favorite

This creamy potato salad once topped every picnic table. Learn why kids today might skip this classic side dish.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Potato Salad with Eggs

Morning Glory Muffins: Breakfast from the Past

These hearty muffins were a wholesome start to many childhood mornings. Find out why kids today are skipping this naturally sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Old School Morning Glory Muffins with Coconut

Swamp Potatoes: The Slow-Cooked Classic Kids Forget

Swamp potatoes were a hearty, slow-cooked meal that defined family dinners. Discover why this comfort dish is missing from today’s plates.
Get the Recipe: Viral Swamp Potatoes

Creamy Coleslaw: The Forgotten BBQ Side

This tangy, sweet coleslaw once rounded out every family barbecue. See why today’s kids rarely reach for this classic side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Coleslaw

23 Church Potluck Classics We Grew Up Eating

These church potluck foods are the kinds of dishes many of us grew up enjoying and still remember whenever we think about those classic potluck tables.
Grab it here: 23 Church Potluck Classics We Grew Up Eating