If you were to walk through your local grocery store today, you would probably notice a lot of products that seem to belong to a different era. These are items that younger shoppers tend to ignore, but Boomers still purchase without hesitation. These items are not just about taste; they’re about tradition, nostalgia, and a way of life that is slowly disappearing in this day and age.
But why do Boomers tend to cling to these items, and what makes them so enduring? From strange canned goods to drink mixes, these staples are more than just food; they’re cultural touchstones. Let’s take a look at 14 grocery store items that only Boomers buy.
1. Canned Fruit Cocktail – Salad in a Syrup Bath
Back in the day, canned fruit cocktail was the star of the show at every family gathering. According to industry reports and food trend analyses, sales for this product have declined significantly since the 1980s, but it remains a nostalgic favorite for many Boomers, who associate it with family gatherings and simpler times. Today’s shoppers tend to prefer fresh fruit or smoothie bowls, but Boomers still reach for this canned classic.
2. Instant Coffee – The Original Morning Jolt
According to the National Coffee Association, instant coffee was the dominant coffee form in the mid-20th century before pour-overs and nitro cold brews became popular. Most Boomers still purchase these freeze-dried granules for a quick, no-fuss cup of coffee, while newer generations prefer coffee pods and beans or simply choose to get a coffee from their local Starbucks.
3. Jell-O Gelatin Mix – Wiggly, Jiggly, and Timeless
According to Jell-O Company Archives, Jell-O sales peaked in the 1950s and 60s, making it a staple dessert for Boomers. Many years ago, Jell-O salads and desserts were a favorite at potluck tables thanks to their vibrant colors and playful wobble. Nowadays, younger generations hardly touch the stuff, but Boomers still buy it relatively often.
4. Canned Vienna Sausages – Snack or Survival Food?
Vienna sausages are small and briny, and can stay in the pantry for who knows how long. They have been a pantry staple for many years, and many Boomers still keep them on hand for a quick and easy snack, road trips, or in case of emergencies. In today’s world, younger generations prefer to buy fresh meats rather than those that have been sitting in cans for weeks on end.
5. Carnation Evaporated Milk – The Secret Ingredient
For decades, evaporated milk was used for casseroles, pies, and creamy sauces. Today, many younger people prefer plant-based milks, but Boomers still swear by this shelf-stable classic for their favorite recipes. It has a lovely, rich texture and a long shelf life, which makes it a must-have for anyone who remembers the golden age of home cooking.
6. Tang Drink Mix – Astronaut-Approved
Before energy drinks and vitamin waters became as popular as they are today, Tang was the drink of the future, even famously enjoyed by astronauts. Many Boomers still remember this drink’s space-age origins and still make large pitchers of the stuff! Unfortunately, nowadays, it’s not as popular among the younger generation.
7. Spam – The Great Depression’s Culinary Survivor
According to Hormel Foods, Spam sales surged during World War II due to its shelf stability and affordability. Though it has a pretty complicated reputation, it has been a culinary survivor, from war rations to quirky recipes. While some modern foodies have revived it, many Boomers are still buying it out of loyalty and habit, recalling meals from years ago where Spam was the centerpiece.
8. Miracle Whip – Not Quite Mayo
Miracle Whip is a strange invention. Is it mayonnaise or salad dressing? Its tangy taste divides generations, but many Boomers have remained loyal to this creamy condiment, spreading it over sandwiches and mixing it into their salads. It has a unique flavor that reminds many people of family picnics and classic recipes that just aren’t the same without it.
9. Canned Creamed Corn – The Side Dish Time Forgot
Nowadays, creamed corn is rarely featured in trendy restaurants. However, it has remained a comfort food for many Boomers who grew up with it on the dinner table. This dish is creamy, sweet, and always reliable. For many Boomers, it is a side dish that brings back memories of delicious home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
10. TV Dinners – The Original Convenience Meal
Thanks to their convenience and good flavors, TV dinners used to be a favorite in many households. While ready-to-eat meals have changed over the years, Boomers will still reach for these frozen classics, remembering evenings spent in front of the television with a tray on their lap. Today, they aren’t bought as often by younger generations.
11. Hostess Fruit Pies – Pocket-Sized Sugar Rush
Before protein bars became a thing, Hostess fruit pies were everyone’s favorite grab-and-go snack. Today, Boomers still fling these delicious treats into their shopping carts, savoring the sugary, glazed pastries that defined their childhood. However, they are not as popular with younger shoppers.
12. Liverwurst – The Deli Counter’s Forgotten Spread
For many people, the thought of spreadable sausage on rye bread might not be very appetizing, but for Boomers, liverwurst is a deli staple, even as it becomes harder to find at most lunch counters. Its rich, salty flavor reminds many of the past, evoking memories of delicious sandwiches and old-fashioned delis.
13. Metamucil – Fiber the Old-Fashioned Way
Today, chia seeds and green smoothies are super trendy, but despite this, many Boomers still stick with the orange-flavored fiber powder they’ve trusted for decades. This daily habit is as much about health as it is about habit. It is proof that some health trends never go out of style.
14. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – The Recipe Shortcut
Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup is a must-have for countless casseroles and gravies. This can is a kitchen shortcut that most Boomers refuse to abandon, and with good reason! It is essential for many family recipes, making it a must-have for anyone who loves classic comfort food.