1. Instant Mashed Potatoes
In the ’60s, the concept of instant mashed potatoes was a major breakthrough, but it left many first-time shoppers scratching their heads. Imagine walking down the aisle and finding a box claiming to turn dried flakes into mashed potatoes with just a bit of water. While it promised convenience, the idea of dehydrated potatoes seemed too strange to be true. For those used to mashing potatoes from scratch, this product seemed to challenge the very nature of cooking.
However, the allure of quick meal prep eventually won over skeptical shoppers. Despite its odd concept, instant mashed potatoes became a staple in many kitchens. The ease of preparing them for busy families during the era of rapid growth and change helped seal their place in history. Over time, they evolved into the modern instant potato products we know today, but their ’60s debut was anything but typical.
2. Jell-O Salad Kits
Jell-O was a popular treat in the ’60s, but what really threw people off was the variety of salad kits that came with it. These kits weren’t just for dessert—they promised a savory twist on the traditional fruity jelly. Some included flavors like celery or lime, with added ingredients like shredded carrots or tuna. For many first-time shoppers, the concept of mixing Jell-O with vegetables or meats seemed unappealing, to say the least.
Yet, these unusual creations became an iconic part of ’60s dinner parties. The gelatin salad kits embodied the era’s fascination with novelty and convenience. These odd combos were often served in colorful molds, making them as visually striking as they were confusing. For many, it was a case of “you had to be there” to appreciate the peculiar appeal of Jell-O salads.
3. TV Dinners
TV dinners were another ’60s invention that left first-time shoppers puzzled. Frozen meals that promised a full dinner, including meat, vegetables, and dessert, all neatly packaged into one tray, seemed like a futuristic idea. The notion of heating up a meal in an oven—let alone a pre-cooked, frozen one—was hard for some to wrap their heads around. It almost felt like cheating at the dinner table for those used to the tradition of cooking fresh meals.
However, these dinners quickly gained popularity, especially with the rise of television watching during dinner hours. Families, especially those with busy working parents, saw the convenience as a time-saver. Over time, the TV dinner revolutionized meal prep, paving the way for today’s frozen food aisles. What seemed odd at first became a standard part of grocery store offerings.
4. Tang
Before the days of easy-to-mix powders, Tang was a strange concept for many shoppers. This powdered drink mix promised the taste of orange juice with none of the hassle of squeezing fresh fruit. It seemed like a gimmick, especially considering that it was marketed as the drink astronauts took into space. But despite its weird appeal, Tang became a popular item for households across America.
What really sold shoppers was the convenience and long shelf life of Tang. Instead of worrying about fresh oranges spoiling, families could keep a canister of Tang on hand for a quick drink anytime. Despite the initial skepticism, Tang became a mainstay in kitchens for years to come. And though it was often met with raised eyebrows, it carved out its niche as a fun, if unconventional, beverage.
5. Spam
Spam, the canned meat product, was a mystery to many first-time shoppers. The very idea of pre-cooked, shelf-stable meat seemed too good to be true, especially in a time when fresh cuts of meat were the norm. The strange gelatinous liquid surrounding the meat inside the can only added to the confusion. For many, the idea of eating something out of a can was a bit too far-fetched.
Despite its off-putting appearance, Spam became a symbol of convenience and practicality. During the ’60s, when families were growing and time was at a premium, Spam offered an easy solution for quick meals. Whether fried up for breakfast or tossed into a casserole, Spam had its place in many kitchens. It wasn’t always pretty, but it sure was easy to prepare, and that made it a hit with busy households.
6. Tangy Pickled Beets
Pickled beets were another item that left first-time shoppers perplexed in the ’60s. The idea of taking a vegetable, soaking it in vinegar, and then storing it for later seemed like an odd practice. For many, the taste was a shocking combination of sour and earthy that took some getting used to. And then there was the vivid red color, which often stained everything it touched.
Despite the initial confusion, pickled beets became a beloved side dish for many families. They were particularly popular in salads or served alongside meat dishes, adding an extra layer of flavor. Their tartness, paired with their slightly sweet undertones, made them a unique addition to the dinner table. Over time, pickled beets grew from a quirky curiosity to a more accepted staple in American homes.
7. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee was one of those ’60s innovations that left many scratching their heads. The idea of dissolving coffee granules in hot water instead of brewing it traditionally seemed almost sacrilegious to coffee lovers. The rich aroma and ritual of making fresh coffee were hard to replicate with a simple powder. For some, it just didn’t feel like “real” coffee.
However, the convenience factor won out, and instant coffee grew in popularity throughout the decade. It was particularly appealing for people who wanted a quick caffeine fix but didn’t have time to brew a pot. By the end of the ’60s, instant coffee became a mainstay in households across the country. What started as a baffling novelty became a practical solution for busy mornings.
8. Canned Soup
While canned soup existed before the ’60s, it became a grocery store staple in this era, often confusing first-time shoppers. The variety of flavors and the idea of having soup ready to eat with just a quick heat-up left some people skeptical. Some found it strange that such a simple dish could be preserved in a can, unsure of what preservatives might be lurking inside.
Despite these initial concerns, canned soup became a go-to comfort food for busy families. The convenience of having a quick lunch or dinner option made it an attractive choice for working parents. Over the years, canned soup brands improved their offerings, introducing healthier options and more flavors. What once seemed like a strange convenience turned into a reliable pantry essential.
9. Frozen Fish Sticks
Frozen fish sticks were another product that raised eyebrows in the ’60s. The idea of breaded, frozen fish chunks being available for quick meals didn’t sit well with some shoppers who preferred fresh seafood. For many, it was hard to believe that frozen fish could have the same taste and texture as freshly caught fish.
However, frozen fish sticks became a popular family dinner option, especially for those who didn’t have access to fresh seafood. They were easy to prepare, and many families enjoyed them as a quick and affordable meal. The rise of frozen food in general helped introduce more families to the convenience of pre-cooked items. Despite the initial confusion, fish sticks soon found their place in freezers across the country.
10. Deviled Ham
Deviled ham was another canned product that mystified shoppers in the ’60s. The concept of a spicy, mashed-up meat spread didn’t quite seem appetizing to those unfamiliar with it. When first introduced, many people didn’t know whether to treat it as a condiment, a spread, or something else entirely. The unusual mix of processed meat and seasonings had an unfamiliar appeal.
Despite the confusion, deviled ham became a hit for sandwiches and snacks. It offered a new flavor for those looking to diversify their lunch options. Over time, it made its way into recipes, often used as a filling for pastries or savory pies. The initial hesitation faded as the convenience and flavor won over skeptical consumers.
11. Boxed Pancake Mix
Boxed pancake mix was an easy-to-use solution for making breakfast, but it baffled many in the ’60s. The idea that pancakes could be made without measuring flour, sugar, or baking powder seemed too good to be true. Many first-time shoppers were unsure if the pre-mixed ingredients could really create the same fluffy, homemade pancakes they were used to.
However, once families realized how easy and quick it was to prepare, boxed pancake mix became a beloved breakfast staple. It offered a consistent and reliable way to make pancakes without the guesswork of measuring. Over time, boxed pancake mixes evolved into a variety of flavors and types, from buttermilk to whole wheat. What started as an oddity turned into a breakfast classic.
12. Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts made their debut in the ’60s and left many confused at first. The idea of a pastry that could be toasted or eaten straight from the package was novel, but it didn’t make much sense to some shoppers. The idea of stuffing sweet fillings like fruit or chocolate into a pastry seemed a bit odd, especially for those used to homemade treats.
However, Pop-Tarts became an instant hit once people realized how easy and fun they were. They provided a quick, portable breakfast or snack option that didn’t require much preparation. The unique combination of a crunchy crust and gooey filling made them a popular choice for both kids and adults alike. What seemed like a bizarre treat soon became a breakfast icon.
13. Tater Tots
Tater tots were another ’60s invention that seemed strange to many shoppers. The idea of little, frozen potato pieces that could be baked into crispy nuggets was novel, and for some, it didn’t quite seem like real food. The texture of the small, deep-fried potatoes was unlike anything most people had seen before.
Nevertheless, tater tots quickly gained popularity as a fun side dish, particularly for kids. They were simple to prepare and became a go-to for many families looking for a quick addition to dinner. Over the years, tater tots became a classic part of American cuisine, but their ’60s debut was anything but predictable. Despite the initial confusion, they became an iconic snack, loved by many.