20 Packaged Foods from the ’70s That Felt Like a Luxury
Back in the 1970s, not all foods were as easily accessible as they are today. Some packaged treats felt downright fancy—whether it was the slick advertising, the cutting-edge packaging, or the sheer novelty of the product itself.
From TV dinners that promised a gourmet dining experience to imported chocolates that made you feel like royalty, these foods turned an ordinary meal into something special.
Let’s take a look at 20 packaged foods from the ’70s that felt like pure luxury at the time.
1. Swanson TV Dinners
Nothing screamed convenience and sophistication like a Swanson TV dinner served on a metal tray. These frozen meals made you feel like you were eating at a futuristic restaurant—right in front of the TV.
The compartments kept everything neat and separated, making it feel extra special. Offering dishes like turkey with gravy or Salisbury steak, these meals were a novelty. While TV dinners are common now, back then, they were a symbol of modern living.
2. Cadbury Flake
Imported chocolates always carried an air of prestige, and Cadbury’s Flake was no exception. The delicate layers of crumbly milk chocolate felt far more refined than your standard candy bar. If someone had a Flake bar in their lunchbox, you knew their family had good taste.
The texture was unique and luxurious, providing a special treat that stood out. While still available today, it continues to be cherished for its original charm.
3. Steak-Umms
Before gourmet frozen meats became a thing, Steak-Umms were the gold standard for a quick, indulgent steak sandwich. These thinly sliced frozen steaks made you feel like you were dining on something extravagant—until you realized they shrank to half their size in the pan.
Despite this, the convenience and taste made them luxurious. Nowadays, they still exist but face competition from many gourmet options.
4. Fruit Roll-Ups
In the ’70s, real fruit in a portable, candy-like form felt revolutionary. Fruit Roll-Ups were a game-changer, making kids feel like they were eating something futuristic. They were colorful, fun, and tasted like a treat from the future.
Today, they are just another childhood snack, but back then, they represented innovation. The playful packaging and exciting flavors made them a must-have in lunchboxes.
5. Jell-O 1-2-3
Jell-O itself was already a staple of the decade, but Jell-O 1-2-3 took it to the next level. This layered dessert magically separated into three distinct textures—gelatin, mousse, and fluffy foam—making it feel like something straight out of a fancy restaurant.
The transformation from a simple mix was mesmerizing. Though it no longer exists, its memory lingers as a symbol of culinary magic.
6. Libbyland Adventure Meals
For kids, Libbyland Adventure Meals were the peak of luxury. These colorful TV dinners weren’t just food—they were an experience, with fun themes like “Pirate Picnic” and “Sea Diver’s Dinner.” Each meal came with a puzzle or game, enhancing the fun.
They were like Happy Meals before McDonald’s made them famous. While they no longer exist, they are fondly remembered as a joyful dining adventure.
7. Space Food Sticks
If astronauts ate it, it had to be premium, right? That was the logic behind Space Food Sticks, a snack developed with NASA. These chewy, protein-packed bars made kids feel like they were on a space mission—even if they tasted a little bit like chalk.
The novelty was their main appeal, offering a taste of the cosmos. Though they’re no longer available, they remain an iconic part of ’70s snack culture.
8. After Eight Mints
Nothing said fancy dinner party quite like a box of After Eight Mints. These thin chocolate squares filled with peppermint cream were marketed as the sophisticated way to end a meal. If your parents brought these out, you knew company was over.
The refined taste and presentation made them a luxurious finish to any gathering. They’re still available today, maintaining their status as a classic treat.
9. Hostess Choco-Diles
Hostess Twinkies were already popular, but covering them in chocolate? That was next-level indulgence. Choco-Diles were hard to find in some areas, which only made them feel even more luxurious when you finally got your hands on one.
The combination of fluffy cake and rich chocolate was irresistible. Though they resurfaced briefly, they’re mostly a nostalgic memory now.
10. Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza
Before gourmet frozen pizzas were a thing, Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza was the pinnacle of sophistication. The crispy baguette-style crust and fancy packaging made it feel miles ahead of the standard frozen pizza.
Offering toppings like pepperoni and cheese, it provided a restaurant-like experience at home. Today, while frozen pizza options are abundant, Stouffer’s remains a beloved choice.
11. Viennetta Ice Cream
Though it gained more popularity in later decades, Viennetta made waves in the late ’70s as an ultra-fancy layered ice cream cake.
Its elegant swirls and delicate layers made you feel like you were dining at a five-star restaurant, even if you were just at the dinner table. It was a centerpiece for celebrations.
12. SpaghettiOs with Franks
Canned pasta might not sound luxurious today, but in the 1970s, adding hot dog slices to SpaghettiOs elevated it to a whole new level. It was a small touch that made a regular meal feel like a gourmet treat for kids.
The combination was fun and satisfying, offering a unique twist on a classic. While still available today, it’s now seen as a nostalgic comfort food.
13. Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies
While most cookies were simple and mass-produced, Milano cookies had an air of exclusivity. Their delicate chocolate filling and European-inspired design made them a must-have for parents who wanted to feel fancy with their afternoon coffee. The crisp texture and rich flavor set them apart.
Today, they’re still a popular choice, maintaining their premium status.
14. Planters Cheese Balls
Before cheese snacks were everywhere, Planters Cheese Balls were a special treat. They came in a reusable canister, had a rich cheesy flavor, and were far fancier than the regular neon-orange cheese puffs.
The packaging added to their appeal, making them a staple at parties. While they’ve made a comeback, their original allure was unmatched.
15. Hamburger Helper
A box of Hamburger Helper transformed basic ground beef into a creamy, indulgent meal. At a time when homemade meals were the norm, this shortcut to a fancy dinner felt like a luxury for busy parents.
The variety of flavors made it versatile and appealing. Today, it continues to be a convenient dinner solution, though it no longer carries the same novelty.
16. Hostess Pudding Pies
Regular pies were great, but Hostess Pudding Pies took things up a notch with their creamy, rich filling. These pre-packaged treats felt like something straight out of a bakery, making them a premium dessert in a kid’s lunchbox.
The flavors were indulgent and satisfying. While they’re harder to find now, they remain a nostalgic favorite.
17. Yodels by Drake’s
A cousin to Swiss Rolls, Yodels were a high-end snack cake that felt more premium than your average grocery store treat.
Their rich chocolate coating and creamy filling made them a lunchbox status symbol. The delightful taste and texture made them irresistible.
18. Carnation Instant Breakfast
Drinking your breakfast felt futuristic, and Carnation Instant Breakfast was marketed as a convenient and nutritious way to start the day. While today we have protein shakes and meal replacements, back in the ’70s, this powder mix felt like cutting-edge nutrition.
The flavors were appealing, and the ease of preparation was a bonus. It’s still available, though it’s now one of many options.
19. Fresca Soda
Soda was already popular, but Fresca—a grapefruit-flavored diet soda—had an air of sophistication. With its sleek branding and unique taste, it was the drink of choice for adults who wanted something a little more refined than cola.
The refreshing flavor made it stand out at gatherings. It’s still available today, maintaining its niche appeal.
20. Tang Breakfast Drink
Tang Breakfast Drink emerged as a symbol of futuristic convenience in the 1970s, promising a burst of citrus flavor with each sip. Originally marketed as the drink of astronauts, Tang captured the imagination of families, becoming a breakfast staple.
The vibrant orange hue and sweet taste made breakfast an exciting event. For children, it was like sipping on the dream of space adventures, while parents appreciated the practicality of its long shelf life.