Foods and Drinks That Appear in Stranger Things: A Blast from the '80s
The hit series Stranger Things not only takes us back to the 80s with its characters and gripping storyline, but also through a selection of iconic foods and drinks . Some of these foods have become iconic and say a lot about American culture at the time. From Eggo Waffles packaging to the controversial pineapple pizza, here are the foods that helped make the Stranger Things atmosphere unique.
Eggo Waffles: Eleven's Comfort Food
Eggo waffles are perhaps the most iconic food in the series. Since the first season, the protagonist Eleven has developed a passion for these frozen waffles, stealing them from stores and consuming them at various points in the story. Eggo waffles represent for Eleven a connection to a normalcy that she has never experienced. This food therefore becomes a symbol of comfort and belonging for her, bringing her back in some ways to a childhood that was denied to her. Kellogg's, the manufacturer of Eggo, has seen a rise in popularity of the product thanks to Stranger Things, demonstrating the impact of the series also in popular culture.
New Coke : A Controversial Icon of the 80s
During the third season of Stranger Things, New Coke appears, the reformulated version of the famous drink launched in 1985. New Coke, which caused mixed reactions and was soon withdrawn from the market, was included in the series as a cultural reference and to emphasize the authenticity of the setting. In fact, Coca-Cola temporarily launched New Coke to accompany the release of the third season, thus recreating the same sense of novelty and surprise that the product had generated in the 80s.
Surfer Boy Pizza and Pineapple and Ham Pizza
In season four, Argyle's character works for the fictional Surfer Boy Pizza , a Californian pizzeria that offers a controversial pineapple and ham pizza. This type of pizza is often the subject of debate, but in Stranger Things it reflects 1980s American culture and adds a touch of authenticity to Argyle's character, the typical Californian who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle and unusual snacks. This choice of food helped define the character's personality, showing the diversity of tastes and gastronomic trends in the USA.
Peanut Butter: A Luxury Good in a Foreign Land
A curious moment in the fourth season is the scene in whichJif peanut butter becomes an object of contraband in Russia. For Americans, peanut butter is a common food, but in other contexts, such as Russia in the 1980s, it is considered a luxury good. This scene highlights the cultural differences between the West and the Soviet Union and shows how a simple food can symbolize an entire culture, reinforcing the theme of geopolitical divergences present in the series.
Glazed Donuts and the Cop Stereotype
Another symbolic food in Stranger Things are glazed donuts , frequently associated with the character of the police chief, Jim Hopper. This cliché, widespread in American culture, reinforces the characterization of the character, adding a touch of irony. Hopper, the gruff and often over the top policeman, is fond of his donuts, which make him even more authentic and believable in the eyes of the spectators, recalling the collective imagination of the American policeman who loves donuts.
Scrambled Eggs with Maple Syrup: The Ultimate American Breakfast
One of the first scenes in the series shows Mike Wheeler pouring Mrs. Butterworth's maple syrup over scrambled eggs. Although this combination may seem strange to many, it is representative of American eating habits, where maple syrup is paired with savory dishes. This scene is one of many that helps to depict American daily life, highlighting the difference with other food cultures and making the setting even more realistic.
Turkey Sandwich: A Taste of Tradition
Jim Hopper is often seen eating a turkey sandwich , a quick and popular meal in the United States. The turkey sandwich is another element that helps characterize Hopper, underlining his simplicity and his attachment to simple and practical foods. The sandwich represents one of the most rooted gastronomic elements in American culture, particularly in the 1980s.
Conclusion
The foods and drinks featured in Stranger Things aren't just references, they're elements that enrich the narrative, connect the characters to symbols of the '80s, and reinforce the series' time period. From the Eggo Waffles that represent comfort for Eleven to the controversial New Coke, each food item has a symbolic role that helps make Stranger Things authentic and nostalgic for those who lived or know the era.
Thanks to these details, Stranger Things manages to take viewers on a journey through 80s culture, with a focus that goes beyond the simple plot. If you also want to experience these iconic flavors, discover our collection of 80s snacks and create your own Stranger Things marathon with a taste of the era.
