Quiz

BuzzFeed Staff

Americans' taste in food has <a href="https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/tastes-of-the-decades/" target="_blank">changed a lot over the years</a>. Which period would've suited you the best?

Which American Food Decade Matches Your Taste?

The 2000s are split between defiant, over-the-top indulgences in unhealthy but tasty foods like bacon and cupcakes, and the rising popularity of genuinely healthy alternatives and vegan, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.

2000s

The 1990s were all about the gradual mainstreaming of random yuppie food obsessions derived from Italian cuisine — pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, focaccia, Caesar salad, balsamic drizzles, cappuccino. This era is also ground zero for the wrap craze and the burgeoning popularity of Thai food.

1990s

1980s food is largely dominated by the gourmet obsessions of yuppies, many of whom were foodies long before we had a word for such a thing. Sushi, quiche, kiwi, exotic pizza toppings, and Cajun blackened fish and chicken were all hot items. Also, let's not forget that this is the beginning of the US's obsession with ranch dressing!

1980s

The food trends of the 1970s are split between the rising popularity of health food — salad bars, pasta primavera, "hippie" foods like brown rice and sprouts — and more indulgent European imports like fondue and crepes.

1970s

A lot of the fast-food and casual dining trends of the 1950s carry through to the 1960s. The era is better characterized by the fine dining obsessions of the day, which were marked by an obsession with French cuisine. Many dishes that were originally associated with French peasants like coq au vin and beef bourguignon become staples of the high life, along with more exotic fare like escargots.

1960s

A lot of what we consider basic "American" food today becomes hugely popular in the 1950s — fast-food staples like burgers and fries, milkshakes, chili dogs. On the fine dining end of things, it's all about steak and potatoes and lightly seasoned seafood.

1950s

A lot of the food in the 1940s is somewhat bland and basic, but this is the period when Americanized versions of Italian, Chinese, and Jewish cuisine become popular alternatives.

1940s

So much of what we consider luxurious food today is the same as it was at the dawn of the 20th century: lobster, oysters, caviar, steak, fancy omelettes. You're into classic elegance.

1910s

You are very much a person of your times! You gravitate toward spicy foods, fresh produce, gluten-free and/or vegan fare, and anything that would look beautiful on Instagram.

Which American Food Decade Matches Your Taste?

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