10 Overhyped Frozen Meals from the ’70s That Tasted Awful
Lunchtime Review / YouTube
The 1970s introduced a wave of frozen meal options as companies promised convenience and gourmet flavors right from the freezer. Unfortunately, many of these meals didn’t live up to the hype. While they looked appealing on the box, the reality often left diners disappointed. Here are ten overhyped frozen meals from that era.
1. Salisbury Steak Dinner
Salisbury steak frozen dinners were marketed as a hearty, home-style meal. The glossy photos showed a juicy steak with rich gravy and perfectly mashed potatoes.
The actual product, however, often included a dry, rubbery patty drowned in overly salty gravy. The potatoes tasted artificial, making it a struggle to enjoy.
2. Stouffer’s Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stouffer’s tried to bring comfort food to the freezer with their tuna noodle casserole. The packaging highlighted a creamy pasta dish with chunks of tuna and crunchy breadcrumbs.
The result, however, was underwhelming. The noodles turned out soggy, and the sauce lacked seasoning. The fishy smell was unappetizing, and the topping was usually soft instead of crispy.
3. Morton Macaroni and Cheese
Morton’s macaroni and cheese promised a rich, cheesy experience. Advertisements claimed it tasted just like homemade, complete with gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta.
In practice, the cheese sauce was often lumpy and flavorless, resembling watered-down cheese powder. The pasta was overcooked, resulting in a sticky and unpleasant texture.
4. Banquet Meatloaf Dinner
Banquet’s meatloaf dinner featured a meatloaf patty in gravy, paired with mashed potatoes and a dessert. The box suggested a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Instead, the meatloaf had a rubbery consistency and little flavor. The potatoes were bland and processed-tasting, while the dessert often came out unevenly cooked.
5. Swanson Turkey Dinner
The Swanson turkey dinner was marketed as a way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors all year round. The box showcased slices of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
The turkey was dry and flavorless, often tasting freezer-burned. The stuffing was gummy, and the cranberry sauce was overly sweet and artificial, failing to balance the meal.
6. Libbyland Safari Supper
Libbyland frozen meals, aimed at kids, included Safari Supper, which had hamburger patties, peas, and chocolate pudding. The colorful packaging and cartoon themes made it appealing to children.
The food itself was a letdown. The hamburger patties were bland and rubbery, the peas were watery, and the pudding had a chalky texture.
7. Stouffer’s Welsh Rarebit
This dish, a cheesy sauce meant to be poured over toast, was marketed as a gourmet treat. The box promised a creamy, savory cheese experience perfect for quick snacks or meals.
The sauce was often watery and overly salty, with a processed taste that overshadowed the cheese. It left many customers unimpressed.
8. Banquet Chicken Pot Pie
Banquet’s chicken pot pie was advertised as a hearty, flaky crust filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The packaging showed a golden, steaming pie bursting with flavor.
The crust often turned out soggy instead of flaky, and the filling was sparse and overly thickened. The chicken pieces were small and often dry.
9. Morton Beef Stroganoff
Morton’s beef stroganoff featured noodles and beef in a creamy sauce. The brand promised a flavorful and satisfying dinner option straight from the freezer.
The beef was tough and chewy, while the sauce was watery and bland. The noodles lacked structure and were often clumped together, making the meal unappealing.
10. Swanson Fried Chicken Dinner
Swanson’s fried chicken dinner boasted crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn. The packaging promised the flavors of homemade fried chicken with none of the effort.
The reality was disappointing. The breading on the chicken turned soggy during reheating, and the meat was often dry. The sides were underwhelming, with artificial-tasting potatoes and watery corn.
