Hey, Pre-2000s KY/IN Folks…Remember These Mystery Meats?

You'll be having a conversation, and then--just like that--a brain wrinkles unfolds and you remember something you hadn't thought of in years, if not decades.

That happened during a discussion of things people who came before me used to consume that I find revolting. Honestly, I haven't met anyone younger than my parents' generation who would just drink a glass of buttermilk. I accidentally did when I was a kid--it was sitting next to a carton of 2% milk in the fridge, and they looked alike--and I immediately spit it into the sink. Buttermilk is for baking--and it's GREAT for that purpose--and that's it, in my opinion.

Then, I was shown this Reddit post:

Oscar Meyer Lunch Meats of the 1970s
byu/AxlCobainVedder in70sdesign

That's when I realized we were pretty much at the mercy of Oscar Mayer when I was growing up. Until they were all lined up like this, it didn't occur to me how many of these old products I wouldn't touch now OR how many Mom always got at the grocery store. In fact, this could have been her.

And yes, there are some--even one that I know for a FACT would nauseate a good many of my friends--that I remember fondly. That would be Olive Loaf. It even SOUNDS nasty, but I loved it and love it now. I can't find it anywhere, but if I did, it would be in the shopping cart in no time flat.

Aside from Olive Loaf, I actually enjoyed Old-Fashioned Loaf, the ham slices and, of course, bologna. And my dad chowed down on head cheese. Do you know what that is? Well, it's not cheese. It's more for the folks who can't let any part of a pig go to waste.

So, what do you think? Are these lunch meats a part of your distant past? Do you remember eating them? Do you eat them still? Do you remember turning up your nose at them?

While you ponder these questions, it looks like it's time for lunch. Head cheese, anyone?