Top 20 Foods Evoking Childhood Memories
by Susan Davis on 10/20/09 at 8:35 am
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Did popsicles make your top ten?
Are you ready walk down memory lane? If someone asked you to name some of the memorable foods from your childhood, what would be on your list?
The TNS Landis Consumption Universe, a division of TNS Landis Strategy and Innovation, asked this same question to consumers. TNS Landis works with leading food and beverage marketers to identify future strategies, innovations and ways to build sustainable brand growth. In asking about childhood food memories, more than 270 different branded products were mentioned – all which evoked some measurable pleasant thoughts.
The top foods mentioned by respondents were:
Popsicles - Who does not automatically think of those dog days of summer and the cooling sugary sweetness of the popsicle followed by purple, red and blue tongues.
Oreos - You know, oreo means good in Greek and that is what these cookies are. The creamy center surrounded by chocolaty goodness. They are even better when crumbled onto a shake or ice cream and if you are a traditionalist, just dipped in milk.
Hershey Kisses - The little bundle of milk chocolate has become not only a favorite valentine’s treat, but a treat to show a little love every day of the year.
Kool-Aid – Oh Yeah, playing in the yard, this beverage gave you that extra jolt to head back out and play in the sprinklers.
M&M’s – They have stood the test of time and have reinvented themselves to stay a favorite of adults and kids alike.
Jell-O – No longer made out of horse hooves, this now animal friendly treat comes in all flavors. Smart parents make molds to keep kids mystified by this healthy treat.
Rice Krispies Treats - Bring back memories of sleep overs and camp. Scary stories were alway easier to hear when snacking on these sticky treats.
Cheerios – The Brits use this word as a greeting, we use it as a way to start our day. Simple and pretty much perfect in every way.
Campbell’s Soup – Their marketing campaigns of the past have made Campbells a favorite for busy moms and finicky kids. We like the homemade stuff better, but we recognize the power of Campbells.
Nesquik - The chocolate bunny that visits outside of Easter. Who would not like chocolate milk.
Pop-Tarts - Sugar for breakfast. Yup, that’s what pop tarts delivers. Given a choice between sugar inside of sugar, what kid would not pick this as a breakfast treat.
3 Musketeers - We bet most people can’t even name them, but they’ve had the bar at least once or twice.
Snickers - Really Satisfies you? Not really, but shoving one in your mouth between classes was always a high school tradition.
Lifesavers – We don’t think they ever saved a life, but they are a great way to start a  conversation.
Sun-Maid Raisins - The one healthy treat in the bunch.
Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes - They’re Grrrrrrrrrrreat. At least that’s what Tony tells us.
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese – If only people knew how easy it is to make a roux. But hey, even we cheat some times.
Little Debbie Snacks - Little and cute. Who can resist Little Debbie.
Fig Newtons – I never liked this as a kid, but people seemed to love them.
Jell-O Refrigerated Pudding - Bill Cosby loved them, we love him…does that mean we love them?
All of these products evoked pleasant childhood memories in more than one third of all respondents, with the top nine products getting more than 50 percent agreement. Now food marketers are trying to find ways of leveraging these memories while reinforcing brand relationships within and across generations. It is obvious that these top 20 products have staying power throughout the generations.
What about the least memorable products on the list? These products, with less than one percent agreement, brought up the rear (could be that the next generation may change this up a bit):
5-Hour Energy Shot
Fiber One Cereal
Jennie-O Ground Turkey Burgers
Fiber One Bars
T.G.I. Friday’s Frozen Mexican Snacks
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