30 Foods That Only Became Popular in the 2000s
Updated: Aug. 11, 2020The 21st century has had some interesting—and delicious—trends. Check out this list of 2000s food!
Avocado toast
We always have avocados on hand, so it’s easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It’s really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California. Do you know what happens when you eat avocado every day?
Cold-brew coffee
Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee.
Kale chips
Here in East Hampton, New York, harvest time means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy, and easy to make. I make them with Old Bay Seasoning to give them a little zing. For spicy chips add a dash of cayenne pepper.—Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York
Macarons
These macarons are a winter/fall staple for me—inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and can be eaten as a dessert or just a snack. Try custard, mousse, ganache, or any other buttercream as fillings, too. —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California. Don’t be fooled by the similar spellings of macarons and macaroons—know which cookie is which.
Burrito bowls
This butternut squash burrito bowl is an easy-to-prep dinner that combines fresh ingredients with wholesome convenience foods. It comes together in just minutes and can be customized with everyone’s favorite toppings. —Patricia Kukuc, Clearwater, Florida
Gourmet cupcakes
These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they’re just as delicious any time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa. While we’re talking 2000s-era food, here are 18 other things we all miss about the 2000s.
Smoothie bowls
We turned one of our favorite smoothies into a smoothie bowl and topped it with even more fresh fruit and a few toasted almonds for a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is why you should start buying fruit from the dollar store.
Gluten-free bread
In my quest to find an edible gluten-free bread, this recipe emerged. It’s moist and has no cardboard texture! —Doris Kinney, Merrimack, New Hampshire
Veggie pizza crusts
My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It’s just right for brunch, lunch, or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario. Make sure you know these 27 things your pizza guy won’t tell you.
Cake pops
Plan your own tropical escape with these surprisingly light-tasting pops. Angel food cake is a nice change of pace.
Gourmet bacon
Once you taste this bacon, you may never want to go back to the plain kind. It’s just right for anyone who loves the salty and sweet flavor combination. —Heather Cardeiro, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Avoid these 8 mistakes everybody makes when cooking bacon.
Mini doughnuts
You can make these bites in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Greene, Smithtown, New York. Here are some more mini finger food ideas perfect for a party.
General Tso’s cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. This is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mason jar meals
I tried a version of this meaty parfait at Miller Park, home of my favorite baseball team, the Brewers. I take it up a notch by layering in corn and creamy mac and cheese, so it truly is a full barbecue meal you can take on the go. —Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home Magazine. Mason jar meals are just one of the 10 genius Mason jar uses you’ll wish you knew all along.
Instant pot everything
Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time by using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cheese boards
Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this a party go-to with any fruits that are in season. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. For some added fun, see what your favorite cheese says about your personality.
Almond milk drinks
Change up ordinary hot cocoa by stirring some dark baking cocoa into vanilla almond milk. Top it off with berry marshmallow creme or a plain large marshmallow, if you like, and add your favorite pretty sprinkles. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Before you get too pour-happy with this dairy alternative, make sure you know about the downside of almond milk that people aren’t talking about.
Chia seed parfaits
These bright and tangy parfaits start the day on a healthy note, but they’re also sweet enough to double as dessert. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Browned butter pie
How do you make good old-fashioned apple pie even better? Enhance the crust with shredded cheddar cheese and stir browned butter into the filling. Wonderful! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Speaking about absolute deliciousness in pie form…here are 12 things you never knew about the McDonald’s apple pie.
Keto meals
I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. I took several recipes and tweaked them to create this recipe for keto meatballs. You won’t miss the breadcrumbs at all! I like to eat these on their own, but they are also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York. If you’re thinking of starting a keto diet, make sure to familiarize yourself with the best keto diet menu for beginners.
Everything bagel seasoning
These breakfast sliders combine all of your favorite morning foods—like eggs, bacon, and bagels—into one tasty package. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mason jar salads
This Greek salad to go is packed with so much freshness, it instantly brightens up your day. Just layer it all in a jar and pack it up—then serve and enjoy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nacho tots
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can’t find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin. Speaking of tots…here’s what potatoes wish you knew.
Vegan cupcakes
These indulgent vegan chocolate cupcakes have no butter, eggs, or dairy milk, but you’d never guess it. This recipe is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings that include guests with food restrictions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Homemade yogurt
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make homemade Greek yogurt. Flavored with lemon and coriander, it’s amazing on top of gyros or spread on a sandwich. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Yogurt has some health benefits so extreme, they may convince you to start eating yogurt every day.
Overnight oatmeal
Fans of the healthy benefits of flaxseed will enjoy this hearty oatmeal. It’s full of yummy raisins and dried cranberries, too.—Susan Smith, Ocean View, New Jersey. Now, check out the most iconic American foods that defined each decade.
