10 Kitchen Staples Boomers & Gen X Grew Up Eating That Gen Z Considers Practically Inedible
Everett Collection | Shutterstock As the most ethnically and racially diverse generation, Gen Z grew up experiencing a wide range of flavors and ingredients in their food. As a result, what was popular with boomers and Gen Xers when they were kids has been deemed inedible by the younger crowd.
That being said, this doesn't mean food back in the day was bad. Boomers and Gen X were raised in different eras with different access. Highly creative in the kitchen, their parents found ways to make simple foods work for them. And while a few Gen Zers might still enjoy these tried-and-true favorites, the general consensus is: thanks but no thanks.
Foods boomers and Gen X grew up eating and enjoying that Gen Z won't even try:
1. Jell-O salads
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Life wasn't about creating gourmet meals. Back in the day, parents were looking for ways to make good, affordable food. This is why Jell-O salads were so popular for boomers and older Gen Xers.
Tyler Angora, curator of the LeRoy Historical Society, explained, "Gelatin salads became especially popular during the Great Depression, as they provided a way to stretch every fruit, vegetable, or piece of protein as far as possible to feed a family."
But this doesn't stop at the Great Depression. Parents who lived through it took their love for Jell-O and made it a kitchen staple. It went from part of the meal to a favorite dessert for Gen Xers, but Gen Z doesn't really see the appeal.
2. Tuna casserole
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While there's nothing wrong with tuna casserole, it just isn't as popular as it once was. Because Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations, casseroles weren't a go-to kitchen staple. And while they don't judge boomers and Gen X for eating it, they probably won't take a bite.
It isn't personal, either. They simply prefer other things. According to a study by Saputo Food Services, "42% of Gen Z consumers look for menu items inspired by street food. These dishes are a great way to transform trendy grab-and-go breakfasts, lunches, and snacks into more decadent finger food-type dishes."
This is why they aren't too fond of Tuna casserole. Not only did many not grow up eating it, but Gen Z has different preferences than the older cohorts who ate a whole lot less takeout.
3. Canned peas
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While it's true Gen Z loves convenience, they're also highly health-conscious. They grew up in an era where they had to be on the lookout for recalls. Now, terrified of shopping at their local Walmart, Gen Z isn't willing to take a bite of canned peas, another favorite of years gone by.
Are they going to get sick just because you gave them canned vegetables? No, but it isn't their preference. According to a 2025 study, the younger crowd is most interested in foods that promote gut health and mental well-being. This is why they pass on the canned peas and vegetables. Yes, they are convenient, but that doesn't mean they meet Gen Z's health demands.
4. Powdered milk
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Boomers and Gen X had meals centered around both convenience and survival. Because their parents survived economic downfalls and hardships, drinking powdered milk wasn't out of the ordinary. Was it the greatest thing out there? No, but it was a necessity in many households.
This is because during World War I, times were tough and the production of powdered milk took off. According to the organization Switch 4 Good, "The US government started sending canned and powdered milk to soldiers overseas, and dairy farmers responded by ramping up production." But even after the war, production didn't stop. In the 1950s, powdered skim milk became all the rage because it was shelf-stable and only required adding water.
Yet, times have changed since then. Because there are many milk alternatives nowadays, there's no real need for powdered milk, which is why Gen Z is passing on it 100% of the time. Boomers and Gen X aren't really indulging in it either, though let's be real.
5. Original Tootsie Rolls
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Now, Gen Z isn't that hopeless. Just like boomers and Gen X had Tootsie Rolls as kids, so did Gen Z. Especially on Halloween, it wasn't uncommon to see their baskets stocked full of them. But while it might've had its moment back then, Tootsie Rolls just aren't popular anymore.
According to a survey from Talker Research commissioned by Hi-Chew, flavors like Strawberry actually ranked in the top three for Gen Z. Furthermore, a quarter preferred more unique flavors like cotton candy. So, sorry, boomers and Gen X. Tootsie Rolls are decent, but for Gen Z, there are just way too many appealing flavors that push it out of contention.
6. Deviled ham spread
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Everyone has had deviled eggs at some point. This is not that.
While boomers and some Gen Xers love this ham and mayo combo on Ritz crackers or bread, Gen Z probably wouldn't find it appealing. Because they're so enticed by social media, they'd much prefer to eat what's trending over what was once popular in the 1900s, even if they might like it.
7. Head cheese
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They might be a little apprehensive, but Gen Z is willing to be open-minded. If you want to give them deviled ham spread or Jell-O salad, they aren't about to throw a fit. But one food that will have them running the other way is head cheese.
It might've originated in Europe and, by people who have actually tried it, is considered very tasty, but times have changed since then. No one wants an aspic congealed loaf of meat that actually does contain head in it anymore, even though devotees still sing its praises. Gen Z gets the ick from this one.
8. Fruitcake
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Once upon a time, fruitcake was a holiday staple. While boomers and Gen X have fond memories of the dense spiced cake, the same can't be said for Gen Z. It isn't personal. They just prefer other foods.
And with the rise of technology, there's no longer a need to make it anymore. As PBS said, "Fruitcakes were also popular due to their legendary shelf life, which, in an era before mechanical refrigeration, was extremely desirable." But with refrigerators in every household, fruitcake has lost its appeal for the younger generations.
9. Liver sausage
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Nobody is saying that liver sausage doesn't have its appeal. For boomers and Gen X who grew up eating it, liver sausage was amazing. Combined with eggs or fried with onions, liver sausage was a kitchen staple back in the day. But for better or worse, times have changed since then.
The health benefits of liver were touted especially during the Great Depression, and that belief carried over into the boomer childhood, especially. It fell out of favor, but is becoming trendy again, but only in supplement form. No one actually wants to eat organ meat anymore.
10. Aspic
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It all comes back to head cheese again. Most Gen Zers probably haven't heard of aspic. It's basically just savory gelatin made from bone broth. What's wild is that bone broth has the green light with young people.
Hate to break it to Gen Zers, but if you've eaten at a fancy restaurant, chances are aspic has been used to make rich, savory sauces without you even realizing it. Maybe boomers and Gen Xers know more than you realize about food after all...
So, the next time you try to offer Gen Z a plate, you might want to save your breath. It could be amazing, but in a generation that didn't grow up eating the same foods, they will likely put up a fuss.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and trending topics.
