8 outdated food preferences that make boomers seem like they’re stuck in the past

If someone orders a steak well-done, you might think they’re stuck in their ways. If someone insists on margarine over butter, you might sense they’re from a different era.

That’s food preferences for you.

But let’s dig a little deeper into that. You see, some culinary choices are more than just about taste – they are time capsules, revealing the tastes and trends of an era gone by.

Some folks, particularly boomers, have a hard time letting go of these old-school food preferences. And while there’s no harm in a little nostalgia, it’s safe to say some of these choices are pretty outdated.

In this article, we’ll uncover eight food preferences that make boomers seem like they’re stuck in the past. It’s a fun jaunt down memory lane, and who knows?

You might even find some insights to help you connect with the boomer crowd, whether it’s your customers or your relatives.

So brace yourself for a culinary time travel. It’s going to be deliciously retro!

1) Well-done steak

Steaks are a matter of personal preference, right?

Well, yes. But if you know someone who always orders their steak well-done, chances are, they might be a boomer.

This preference harks back to the times when meat was cooked thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks, even at the expense of flavor and texture.

Today, chefs and food enthusiasts cringe at the thought of a well-done steak, preferring a medium-rare to medium cook that allows the steak’s natural juices and flavors to shine.

For boomers stuck in their well-done ways, it’s less about safety now and more about sticking to what they know and love. It’s a culinary comfort zone that many find hard to step out of.

Next time you’re at a barbecue or a steakhouse, pay attention to the steak orders. You might just get a glimpse into the past.

And who knows? If you’re an empathetic restaurant owner or chef, understanding this preference could even help you cater better to your boomer customers.

2) Canned green beans

Now, this one takes me right back to my childhood dinner table.

Growing up, canned green beans were a staple at every family meal. My boomer parents insisted that they were just as good as fresh ones, and they were quick, easy, and shelf-stable – a triple win in their book.

Fast forward to today, and the thought of canned green beans makes me shudder a little.

Compared to the vibrant, crunchy fresh green beans I now prefer, the canned ones just don’t cut it. They’re often overcooked, mushy and lacking in flavor.

But here’s the thing – for my parents and many other boomers, canned veggies are a nod to simpler times when convenience was king and fresh produce wasn’t always on hand.

It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories associated with those meals.

While I’ve moved on to fresh produce, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia every time I see a can of green beans in a grocery store. It’s a quirky food preference that definitely places boomers in a bygone era.

3) Tang

Tang, the orange-flavored powdered drink, was a hit in the 60s and 70s. Boomers loved it, and the fact that NASA astronauts drank it during space missions only added to its appeal.

However, in today’s health-conscious society, Tang is often viewed as a sugary, artificially flavored beverage that offers little nutritional value.

The shift towards fresh juices and smoothies has left Tang collecting dust on supermarket shelves.

Yet, for boomers, Tang is synonymous with progress and modernity – a symbol of an era that promised convenience at the flick of a wrist.

While younger generations may see it as outdated, for boomers, it’s a fizzy reminder of the space age optimism they grew up with.

4) TV dinners

Remember those ready-made meals that came in a compartmentalized tray, meant to be heated in the oven and served right away? That’s right, I’m talking about TV dinners.

For many boomers, these meals were the epitome of convenience and modern living.

Coming home from work, popping a Salisbury steak or turkey dinner into the oven, and enjoying it in front of the television – it was a novelty that defined an era.

Today, with our growing emphasis on fresh and healthy home-cooked meals, the concept of TV dinners seems almost antiquated.

We now understand that these processed meals are often high in sodium and preservatives, making them a less desirable option.

But for boomers, TV dinners are more than just food. They’re a symbol of a time when convenience was celebrated and television was still a new, exciting form of entertainment.

It’s a taste of nostalgia that’s hard to let go of, despite the changing food trends.

5) Instant coffee

I’ll be honest here – I love the ritual of brewing a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. The aroma, the flavor, the process – it’s all part of a comforting routine that kickstarts my day.

But for many boomers, including my own parents, instant coffee is the go-to choice. They swear by the convenience and consistency of a cup of instant joe, no matter how much I try to sway them towards freshly ground beans.

In their day, instant coffee was a luxury – a way to enjoy coffee without the fuss of brewing it from scratch. It was modern, it was quick, and it was affordable. It’s no wonder they developed a fondness for it.

While today’s coffee culture celebrates fresh, artisanal blends and complex brewing methods, for boomers like my parents, nothing beats the ease and simplicity of instant coffee.

It’s a taste preference deeply rooted in their past, making it a hard habit to break.

6) Butter substitutes

With the rise of health consciousness, you’d think that artificial butter substitutes like margarine would have lost their appeal. But for many boomers, margarine is still a pantry staple.

In the mid-20th century, margarine was marketed as a cheaper and healthier alternative to butter.

Despite the fact that we now know about the trans fats and artificial ingredients in many butter substitutes, some boomers continue to favor them.

It’s not always about health or cost anymore; it’s about familiarity and routine. For boomers who grew up spreading margarine on their toast, it’s a hard habit to shake off.

While we’re embracing natural foods and turning back to real butter, don’t be surprised if you still find a tub of margarine in your boomer friend or relative’s fridge. It’s a culinary preference that harks back to their past.

7) Jello salads

Jello salads, those colorful, wiggly concoctions filled with fruits, vegetables, and sometimes even mayonnaise, were a staple at every boomer’s dinner table or potluck.

Today, the idea of a jello salad might seem odd to many of us. We prefer our salads fresh, green, and definitely not encased in gelatin.

But for boomers, jello salads are a reminder of a time when these dishes were the height of culinary creativity and convenience.

Even though gelatin-based salads have largely fallen out of favor in contemporary cuisine, don’t be surprised if you come across one at a boomer’s party or holiday gathering.

It’s an outdated food preference that holds a special place in their hearts and on their dinner tables.

8) White bread

White bread, once the star of every sandwich and toast, has seen its popularity wane over the years. With the rise of whole grains, sourdoughs, and artisanal breads, white bread is often viewed as a less nutritious and flavorful option.

But for many boomers, white bread is a staple. It’s what they grew up on, and what they continue to reach for at the grocery store.

Despite the variety of breads now available, there’s something about the softness and familiarity of white bread that keeps them coming back.

It’s a food preference that may seem outdated to some, but it’s a testament to the power of habit and nostalgia in shaping our tastes.

Reflections on the past

As we journey through these culinary time capsules, it’s clear that food is more than just sustenance. It’s a part of our identity, a link to our past, and a way to connect with others.

These outdated food preferences may seem odd or even unappetizing to some, but for boomers, they’re a comforting reminder of simpler times. They’re the flavors of their youth, the tastes of their memories.

Being aware of these preferences is not just about understanding a different generation’s palate. It’s about appreciating the cultural and historical context that shapes our tastes and habits.

Next time you spot a boomer reaching for instant coffee or canned green beans, don’t be quick to judge. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn about a different era and appreciate the diversity of our culinary experiences.

After all, food is a universal language that tells a story. And everyone’s story is worth listening to.