Life

11 Childhood Snacks You'll Love Forever And Ever

by Chrissa Hardy

Some things never get old. Humans do, sure, and tastebuds grow and become more sophisticated over time. But there are some things, mostly edible things, that never lose their comforting flavor. I'm talking about your favorite childhood foods that you will love forever. They could be snacks that remind you of home, of your family, or at the very least, of a time when you had zero responsibilities other than getting to bed by 8:30 p.m. Those were the days...

It doesn't matter how old you get, or how wise, or how rich — there are certain foods that will forever make you feel at home. And they might be super processed and say something like, "made in a chemical refinery next to a place where real food is made" on the box, but your stomach doesn't care because it's a familiar flavor that will make you feel better no matter what is happening in your life. That's the power food holds. It's not as strongly tied to memories as scent is, but since scent and taste are so connected, the effect is of similar intensity. So the next time you're having a truly awful day, any of the following snacks, meals, desserts, and beverages will give your mood an instant boost.

1. Hot Chocolate With All The Marshmallows

As many as possible that can fit into your mug, plus four more.

2. Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwiches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Day may have passed, but really, any time is Peanut Butter Jelly Time.

3. String Cheese

Whether you carefully separate it into 300 strings of cheese, or you just boldly dive in with a big bite, this will always be a fun and edible activity.

4. Root Beer

In float form with ice cream, or just on its own, there's something about the sweetness of this soda that makes it a kid's drink. Except pshhh. You're never too old for a tall glass of root beer.

5. Popsicles

On a sweltering day in the middle of summer, there's nothing quite as satisfying as an ice-cold popsicle. Snacking on a frozen stick of sugar will make you hear the music of the ice cream truck in your head, and it will bring back memories of family BBQs and watching Now and Then on repetitious rewind.

6. Kraft Mac And Cheese

Kraft Mac and Cheese is probably the first thing you learned how to cook on your own, and is still your fave comfort food. It's budget-friendly and so, so good. It will never not be your chosen drunk meal at 3 a.m.

7. Ants On A Log

Celery is still disgusting, even now when you can appreciate the taste of vegetables. It's too stringy. But the one way you can enjoy this veggie downer is with peanut butter and raisins. It's the dream #tbt pic AND has serious #nom.

8. Pizza Bagel Bites

Why is this still such an alluring frozen snack? Is it because it's a classic meal shoved onto a surprising bread product? Maybe, but does it even matter? Bagel Bites will forever have your whole heart.

9. Steamed Mixed Veggies

Remember how absolutely disgusting these were in the square healthy pod of your hot lunch tray? You probably left them untouched, every single time. Luckily, as an adult you can make them yourself and season them however you choose. And most brands stopped including the lima beans because WHO LIKES LIMA BEANS?

10. Graham Crackers

S'more or no s'more, graham crackers are the BEST. They are often used as the crumbly base of cheesecakes. And even on their own, they are subtle, but perfectly sweet.

11. Jell-O

Do hospitals serve Jell-O for nostalgic healing purposes? Or is it because they're so cheap that it's an easy choice for single-serve desserts? Probably the latter, but either way, Jell-O is eternally comforting.

Image: jpellgen/Flickr; Giphy (11)