Back in Time Today
The 1970s were a time of culinary creativity and convenience, especially when it came to school lunches. From the creamy delights of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the savory goodness of sloppy joes, these meals were more than just fuel for the day.
They were a delightful part of growing up, wrapped in wax paper or tucked into colorful lunchboxes. Each meal brings back a wave of nostalgia, a reminder of the simple yet cherished flavors that defined many childhoods. Here’s a look at 25 iconic lunches that transported us from the playground to the dining table.
1. Peanut Butter & Jelly on White Bread
Nothing screams childhood nostalgia quite like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread. The simple yet satisfying combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, often grape, makes for a timeless favorite. With the crusts lovingly trimmed off, this sandwich was a staple in many lunchboxes.
The smooth texture of the peanut butter paired with the jelly’s fruity burst created a delightful eating experience. It was a lunch that could stick to the roof of your mouth but always left you craving more. Even today, it remains a beloved classic, transcending generations.
2. Bologna & American Cheese Sandwich
The bologna and American cheese sandwich brings back memories of the school cafeteria, where the smell of frying bologna filled the air. Thinly sliced and slightly crispy, the bologna was paired with the melty goodness of American cheese. Nestled between two slices of white bread, it was a lunchbox staple.
This sandwich offered a savory delight, a simple pleasure that brought joy to midday meals. Often accompanied by a pickle or a bag of chips, it was as much about the taste as it was about the nostalgic memories it evoked.
3. Tuna Salad on Wonder Bread
Tuna salad on Wonder Bread was a lunchtime classic, offering a taste of the sea in every bite. The creamy mixture of tuna, mayonnaise, and sometimes celery, nestled between two soft slices of Wonder Bread, provided a perfect balance of flavors.
Adding a pickle slice gave a satisfying crunch and tang, elevating the sandwich to a new level. This meal was not only delicious but also a reflection of the era’s appreciation for simple yet flavorful combinations. It was a delight to open a lunchbox and find this waiting inside.
4. Egg Salad Sandwich
The egg salad sandwich was a creamy, tangy delight, often adorned with a dash of paprika for an extra kick. Made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and a hint of mustard, this sandwich was a go-to for many.
The soft, fluffy bread provided the perfect vessel for the rich filling, making it a lunchtime favorite. Its simplicity was part of its charm, offering a comforting, homemade taste that was both satisfying and nostalgic. The egg salad sandwich remains a beloved choice, a testament to its timeless appeal.
5. Sloppy Joes on Toasted Buns
Sloppy Joes were a delightful mess housed in a toasted bun. The sweet-savory beef mixture, often layered with onions and spices, made for a mouth-watering meal. Wrapped in paper, it was a lunch that could get a little messy but was always worth it.
The rich, flavorful filling contrasted beautifully with the toasted bun, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This dish was more than just a meal; it was a nostalgic trip back to carefree days, capturing the essence of 1970s comfort food.
6. Grilled Cheese with Campbell’s Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and Campbell’s tomato soup was the ultimate comfort pairing. The gooey, melted cheese sandwiched between golden, crispy bread was an irresistible treat. Paired with a thermos of warm tomato soup, this meal warmed both the body and soul.
The combination of textures and flavors was perfect for chilly school days, bringing a sense of home to the lunchroom. Whether sipped from a spoon or directly from the thermos, the soup enhanced the cheesy delight, creating a culinary embrace that resonated with many.
7. Fish Sticks & Tartar Sauce
Fish sticks were a staple in the 1970s, offering a crispy, golden delight that was hard to resist. Paired with tangy tartar sauce, they were often wrapped in wax paper to keep them warm until lunchtime.
The flaky fish encased in a crunchy coating was a texture lover’s dream. Each bite was a reminder of simpler times, when meals were uncomplicated yet utterly satisfying. Fish sticks remain a nostalgic favorite, bringing back fond memories of school lunches and childhood simplicity.
8. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs were a carnival treat brought to the lunchbox, offering a fun twist on the traditional hot dog. Wrapped in a golden cornmeal batter, these on-a-stick delights were perfect for little hands.
The savory-sweet combination was a hit, making even the simplest lunch feel like a special occasion. The corn dog’s playful presentation added to its charm, making it a beloved choice for many. It was a reminder that lunch could be as entertaining as it was delicious.
9. Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets were a pioneering frozen delight of the 1970s. These bite-sized pieces of joy, often dunked in ketchup or barbecue sauce, were a hit among kids and adults alike.
The crispy exterior and tender interior made for a satisfying snack or meal, capturing the heart of convenience dining. Nuggets were a testament to the evolving food landscape, bringing a touch of modernity to the dining table. Their enduring popularity speaks to their irresistible charm and delicious appeal.
10. TV Dinner (Salisbury Steak & Sides)
The TV dinner was a revolutionary concept, bringing the novelty of frozen meals to the household. Salisbury steak, with its rich gravy, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and peas, was a popular choice.
These compartmentalized trays offered a complete meal experience, allowing families to enjoy dinner in front of the television. The convenience and simplicity of TV dinners made them a household staple, capturing the essence of 1970s innovation and leisure.
11. Macaroni & Cheese Singles
Macaroni & cheese singles were the epitome of cheesy delight. Made with Velveeta or Kraft-style cheese sauce, this dish was creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying.
The rich, buttery sauce enveloped each macaroni piece, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that was hard to resist. This meal was a childhood favorite, offering warmth and nostalgia in every bite. The simplicity and deliciousness of macaroni & cheese singles have cemented their place in culinary history.
12. Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs
Chef Boyardee’s spaghetti & meatballs was a canned convenience that became a lunchtime favorite. The tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce paired with soft spaghetti made for a satisfying meal.
Whether served right from the can or reheated in a thermos, this dish offered comfort and nostalgia. It was a taste of Italian-inspired cuisine that reflected the era’s love for convenient yet flavorful meals. Chef Boyardee’s offerings continue to evoke memories of simpler times.
13. Spaghetti-Os
Spaghetti-Os were a fun, circular twist on traditional pasta, offering a playful and delicious experience. These rings, smothered in tangy tomato sauce, quickly became a favorite among children.
The convenience of canned pasta made it a go-to choice for busy households, while its unique shape delighted kids. Spaghetti-Os captured the essence of 1970s innovation, blending convenience with taste to create a beloved culinary icon that still resonates today.
14. Ravioli in Sauce
Ravioli in sauce was a dish that married convenience with a touch of gourmet flair. Often served straight from the can, these pasta pockets were filled with meat or cheese and bathed in a rich tomato sauce.
The tender ravioli and savory sauce were a comforting combination, capturing the imagination of many. As a staple in lunchboxes, it offered a taste of Italian-inspired cuisine that was accessible and delightful. Ravioli in sauce remains a beloved choice, evoking fond memories of childhood lunches.
15. Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne, rich with beans and spices, was a hearty meal that brought warmth to any lunch break. Often packed in a thermos, this dish was perfect for chilly days when a comforting meal was needed.
The combination of tender meat, beans, and flavorful spices created a satisfying and filling dish. Topped with shredded cheese, it offered a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Chili con carne was a reflection of the era’s appreciation for flavorful, stick-to-the-ribs meals that fueled both body and spirit.
16. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole was a beloved dish that epitomized 1970s comfort food. Made with creamy noodles, flaky tuna, peas, and a crunchy topping, it was a meal that brought families together.
This casserole offered a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with the creamy sauce enveloping every bite. The crunchy topping added a satisfying contrast, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Its enduring popularity speaks to its wholesome, comforting nature, capturing the essence of home-cooked goodness.
17. Fried Bologna & Cheese
Fried bologna & cheese was a simple yet flavorful sandwich that offered a delightful taste of nostalgia. The bologna, fried to crispy perfection, paired beautifully with melted cheese and a smear of mustard.
Nestled between slices of bread, this sandwich was a quick and satisfying meal that warmed the hearts of many. It was a testament to the idea that sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable, evoking memories of school lunches and kitchen tables from decades past.
18. Jell-O Mold Cups
Jell-O mold cups were a fruity, wiggly delight that added a splash of color to any meal. Often studded with bits of fruit, these cups were as fun to eat as they were to look at.
The wiggly texture was a playful addition to lunch, offering a sweet treat that was both delicious and entertaining. These Jell-O cups were a staple in many households, reflecting the era’s love for vibrant, easy-to-make desserts. They continue to be a nostalgic favorite, bringing joy to those who remember them fondly.
19. Snack Pack Pudding Cups
Snack Pack pudding cups were the quintessential dessert of the 1970s lunchbox. These single-serve cups, available in flavors like chocolate and vanilla, offered a sweet ending to any meal.
The creamy, smooth texture was a treat for the senses, delighting children and adults alike. Snack Pack pudding cups were a reflection of the era’s innovation in convenience foods, bringing a touch of sweetness to the everyday lunch. Their continued popularity speaks to their timeless appeal and satisfying taste.
20. “Ants on a Log”
“Ants on a Log” was a playful and nutritious snack that combined the crunch of celery with the creamy richness of peanut butter. Topped with raisins, it offered a sweet surprise in every bite.
This snack was a favorite among kids, offering both fun and flavor. The combination of textures and tastes made it a delightful treat, embodying the era’s focus on simple yet creative snacks. “Ants on a Log” remains a nostalgic favorite, bringing back memories of childhood creativity and culinary exploration.
21. Fig Newtons & Milk
Fig Newtons and milk was a classic pairing that offered a satisfying end to any meal. The soft, chewy cookies, filled with sweet fig, paired perfectly with a cold carton of milk.
This combination was a comforting treat, providing a sense of home and warmth in every bite. Fig Newtons were a staple in lunchboxes, reflecting the era’s love for simple, wholesome snacks. This pairing remains a beloved choice, evoking memories of school lunches and childhood moments.
22. Lay’s Potato Chips (No. 1 & No. 2 Bags)
Lay’s potato chips, in their iconic No. 1 and No. 2 waxed paper bags, were a lunchbox staple of the 1970s. These thin, crispy chips offered a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The simplicity of the chips made them a perfect accompaniment to any sandwich or meal. Their enduring popularity speaks to their irresistible taste and the joy they brought to countless lunch breaks. Lay’s chips continue to be a beloved snack, capturing the essence of timeless, flavorful simplicity.
23. Fruit Cocktail Cups
Fruit cocktail cups were a sweet and juicy treat that added a burst of color to any meal. These canned delights, served in their own syrup, were a refreshing end to a lunch.
The medley of fruits, including peaches, pears, and cherries, offered a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Fruit cocktail cups were a reflection of the era’s appreciation for convenience and flavor, providing a taste of the tropics in every bite. They remain a nostalgic favorite, bringing back fond memories of school lunches and sunny days.
24. Yoo-Hoo or Ovaltine in a Thermos
Yoo-Hoo or Ovaltine in a thermos was the chocolatey drink of choice for many school lunches. These beverages offered a rich, creamy taste that complemented any meal perfectly.
The convenience of a thermos made it easy to enjoy these drinks on the go, providing a touch of sweetness and energy for the day ahead. Yoo-Hoo and Ovaltine remain beloved classics, evoking memories of childhood lunches and the joy of a chocolatey treat.
25. Carrot & Celery Sticks with Ranch Dip
Carrot and celery sticks with ranch dip offered a crunchy, fresh snack that was both healthy and delicious. The crisp vegetables paired perfectly with the creamy, tangy ranch dip, creating a satisfying balance of flavors.
This snack was a favorite among children and parents alike, offering a nutritious option that didn’t sacrifice taste. The combination of textures and tastes made it a delightful addition to any lunch, reflecting the era’s appreciation for wholesome, simple snacks.