12 Glorious Foods That Defined Our Childhoods

As kids growing up in whatever decade we all happened to have grown up in – ‘cause it really doesn’t matter – we dreamed about a day when things like broccoli and brown rice would be banned, and the only thing permitted according to federal law was cookie dough ice cream for breakfast, Meat Lover’s pizza for lunch, and Count Chocula cereal for dinner. While this ultimately did not happen, we did discover that as adults we were free to eat cookie dough ice cream every morning breakfast, Meat Lover’s pizza for every lunch and Count Chocula cereal with our glass of evening brandy if that’s what we so choose. But only if you planned to live to the ripe old age of 24. With that in mind, let’s dive deep into our past and fondly remember these 12 snacks, desserts and treats from our childhood.

1. S’mores

Remember as a kid sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows and then sandwiching them between pieces of chocolate and graham crackers? If so, your childhood was far more exciting than mine. I had the privilege of eating s’mores too, but it just isn’t the same when you’re microwaving the marshmallows and snarfing them down at the kitchen table. By the way, s’mores are strictly for children. If you’re an adult who still eats these, you’re a very sad person, and that in turn makes me sad.

2. Chocolate covered strawberries

If you were one of those kids who wasn’t getting enough fruit in your diet, covering strawberries in chocolate probably did the trick. The best way to do it was to go to a high-end brunch where they had one of those fancy pansy chocolate fountains. If that’s not something that made you feel like a regular swell, there’s not much more I can do for you.

3. 3D Doritos

Full confession: as insane as it might sound, I don’t believe I’ve ever actually eaten cheese-flavored Doritos in my life. Some of the other flavor varieties, yes. But not the nacho cheese. In any event, if regular 2D Doritos float your boat, you were no doubt intrigued when they introduced these guys in 3D form back in 1998. But obviously not intrigued enough as they were discontinued in 2004.

4. Pop Tarts

First of all, the only Pop Tarts worth eating were the ones covered in frosting. Here was my strategy when chowing down on these bad boys: I would grudgingly nibble on the edges of the square first which 1.) didn’t contain frosting or filling and 2.) tasted like cardboard as a result. But once I got that out of the way, sugary, chewy bliss was my reward. Do be aware that if you were the kind of person who ate these straight from the wrapping without first putting them in the toaster to get them nice and warm, you were a straight up lazy sucker.