Before lunchboxes had built-in ice packs and compartments for every snack, ‘60s kids carried metal pails packed with simple, delicious staples.
Whether it was a PB&J wrapped in wax paper, a thermos full of homemade soup, or a Hostess treat that made lunch extra special, every meal felt like a little moment of joy.
These were the days of swapping sandwiches, sipping on tiny cartons of milk, and unwrapping a surprise sweet treat. Take a trip back to the school cafeteria and see how many of these 21 iconic lunchbox staples you remember!
1. PB&J Sandwich
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich was a staple in every ‘60s kid’s lunchbox. Imagine soft bread hugging the perfect layer of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly. The combination was simple, yet it packed a flavor punch that was hard to resist.
Unwrapping it from wax paper brought a sense of joy, as the smell of peanut butter wafted through the air. This iconic sandwich was not only delicious but also easy for moms and dads to prepare in a pinch.
2. Twinkies
Twinkies were the golden snack of every lunchbox, with their soft sponge cake and irresistibly sweet cream filling. They were the treat you saved till the end of lunch, the sweet finale to a satisfying meal.
Packed in their iconic shiny wrapper, Twinkies were more than just a dessert; they were a lunchtime staple that kids looked forward to. The first bite was always magical, as the cream oozed out and mingled with the fluffy cake.
3. Thermos Soup
Taking a sip from a plaid Thermos filled with steaming tomato soup was pure comfort during those chilly school days. Soup in a Thermos was a warm hug from mom, packed alongside sandwiches and snacks.
The Thermos kept the soup hot until lunchtime, and nothing beat unscrewing that lid for a whiff of savory aroma. It was an iconic part of ’60s lunch culture that brought a sense of home to the cafeteria. If you’ve ever shared a sip with a friend, you understand the camaraderie and warmth it brought.
4. Bologna Sandwich
This sandwich was a lunchbox regular, boasting slices of bologna layered between soft white bread. Often accompanied by a smear of mustard or mayo, it was a simple yet satisfying meal for any ’60s kid.
The bologna sandwich was easy for parents to prepare and hard for kids to resist. It had a playful charm that made lunchtime exciting. The soft bread, the savory bologna—it was a combination that felt like a warm embrace, making school days a little tastier and more fun.
5. Rice Krispies Treats
These homemade delights brought a delightful crunch to the ‘60s lunchbox, with their marshmallowy sweetness. Rice Krispies Treats were gooey and delicious, making them a hit among kids.
Moms would whip up a batch, cutting them into perfect squares to fit neatly into lunchboxes. The combination of crispy cereal and sticky marshmallows was pure magic. They were the sweet symbol of friendship and fun.
6. Fruit Cocktail Cup
The fruit cocktail cup was a colorful sweet treat that added a touch of health to any ‘60s lunchbox. Packed with a variety of fruits swimming in sweet syrup, it was a refreshing break from the usual snacks.
These cups were easy to pack, and with a small plastic spoon, they were ready to enjoy. The mix of cherries, grapes, and peaches was a welcome surprise, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
7. Fluffernutter Sandwich
Sticky, sweet, and totally worth the mess—the Fluffernutter sandwich was an indulgence of childhood. Made with creamy peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, it was a lunchtime treat that kids adored.
The combination of sticky marshmallow with rich peanut butter was irresistible, creating a symphony of flavors. It was a sandwich that sparked joy, even if it left a bit of a mess on your fingers. the Fluffernutter was a memorable lunchtime experience for every ‘60s kid.
8. Deviled Ham
If you ever had deviled ham in your lunchbox, you’ll remember the distinct flavor and the joy of having something different. Deviled ham spread was a savory delight, offering a quick and tasty lunch option. It was a canned convenience that many parents appreciated, slathered on bread or crackers.
The spread had a unique, spicy flavor that set it apart from regular ham, making it a lunchtime favorite. Kids enjoyed the tangy taste and the ease of eating it.
9. Jell-O Cups
Jell-O cups were the wobbly, jiggly treats that every ‘60s kid loved. These colorful desserts were easy to pack and added a touch of fun to any lunchbox.
With flavors ranging from cherry to lime, each bite was a burst of fruity goodness. They were not only tasty but also entertaining, as kids watched them jiggle and wiggle. If you ever had a Jell-O cup, you know the joy of slurping it up with a spoon.
10. Vienna Sausages
Vienna sausages were small, savory treats that added a touch of protein to a ‘60s lunchbox. Packed in a can, these sausages were easy to open and ready to eat, making them a practical choice for busy parents.
Their salty, meaty flavor was a hit with kids, who enjoyed munching on them during lunchtime. These sausages were great for sharing, as friends often traded snacks in the cafeteria.
11. Chocolate Pudding Cup
A chocolate pudding cup was the sweet treat that every kid hoped to find in their lunchbox. Smooth, creamy, and utterly delicious, it was an amazing dessert to end a meal.
These cups were easy to pack and even easier to enjoy. Peeling back the foil lid revealed a rich, chocolatey delight that made kids’ eyes light up.
12. Cheese Sandwich
The cheese sandwich was a simple yet satisfying staple in every ‘60s lunchbox. Made with slices of cheddar or American cheese between two slices of bread, it was a classic that kids loved.
It was a timeless favorite that made every school day a little better. This sandwich was not only easy to make but also filling, providing the energy needed for an afternoon of play. It was a comforting meal that felt like a warm hug from home.
13. Apple Slices
A fresh, healthy crunch in ‘60s lunchboxes was brought by apple slices. Simple yet refreshing, they were a staple that added a touch of health to the school day.
Packed in small plastic bags, these slices were easy to munch on during lunch. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor made them a favorite among kids. They were a nutritious addition that balanced out the sweetness of other treats.
14. Carrot Sticks
Carrot sticks were the crunchy, healthy snack that every ‘60s mom loved to pack. These bright orange veggies added a pop of color and nutrition to lunchboxes.
Kids enjoyed the crispy texture and slight sweetness of carrot sticks, making them a popular choice for snacking. They were easy to share and ideal for munching alongside sandwiches. They were a wholesome snack that complemented the variety of treats in a school lunch.
15. Homemade Cookies
Homemade cookies were the sweet, comforting treat that every ‘60s kid cherished. Baked with love, these cookies came in a variety of flavors, from chocolate chip to oatmeal raisin.
Their aroma filled the kitchen, and each bite was a taste of home. Moms would pack a few in lunchboxes, adding a personal touch to the school day. They were a sweet reminder of home and family on a busy day in school.
16. Peanut Butter Crackers
Peanut butter crackers were the savory snack that added a bit of nutty goodness to the ‘60s lunchbox. These crunchy treats were filled with creamy peanut butter, offering a satisfying bite.
They were easy to pack, making them a convenient choice for busy mornings. Kids loved the combination of salty crackers and rich peanut butter.
17. Fig Newtons
Fig Newtons were the fruity, chewy cookies that every ‘60s kid knew. Filled with fig jam, these treats were a delightful combination of sweet and wholesome.
They were a popular choice for parents looking to add a touch of fruit to lunchboxes. Each bite was a mix of soft cookie and luscious filling.
18. Packaged Chips
These were the crunchy, salty treat in almost every ‘60s lunchbox. Whether it was classic potato chips or flavored varieties, they added a fun crunch to lunch.
These chips were easy to share, making them a favorite in the cafeteria. Opening a bag was like opening a world of flavor and joy.
19. Orange Drink
Orange drink was the sweet, citrusy beverage that quenched every ‘60s kid’s thirst. This vibrant drink was often packed in glass bottles, adding a pop of color to lunchboxes.
Its refreshing taste was a welcome break from the usual milk, offering a burst of citrus flavor. Kids loved sipping on this drink during lunch, feeling refreshed and energized.
20. Spam Slices
This versatile meat was often found in many lunchboxes in the ’60s. Whether in a sandwich or alone, Spam added a salty, flavorful punch to lunches.
The canned meat was easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy parents. Its unique taste was a hit with kids, offering something different from the usual fare.
21. Milk Carton
Packed in small cardboard cartons, milk was a nutritious drink that complemented any meal. The milk carton was the classic beverage that every ‘60s kid had in their lunchbox.
It was a simple yet essential part of lunch, offering a creamy, refreshing taste. Kids enjoyed sipping from the carton, feeling like grown-ups as they drank their milk.