There’s nothing like when you remember an old school dinner food. Although the days of seeing busy dinner ladies working over 6 burner gas hobs might be long gone for you, we’re here to help you reminisce.
So let’s countdown the top 7 school dinner foods that will give you all the nostalgia.
Table of Contents
1. Sprinkle Cake
This one’s a biggie! Sprinkle cake with custard was every British child’s favourite. This crumbly sponge was slathered in white icing and then coated in sprinkles for a sweet, fluffy dessert that hit the spot every time.
It was always a good day when you saw this being put on your plastic dinner tray. It’s actually the most commonly remembered dessert of British adults who once had it at school.
Even now, adults all over TikTok are trying to recreate the school canteen vibe by baking this simple sponge.
2. Square Pizza
Square pizza is the height of crazy when you’re a kid. But, these unusual pizza’s always tasted amazing. With tomato sauce and lots of cheese, what wasn’t you to love when you were a kid? In fact, I think we can all agree that we looked forward to pizza day all week.
You can get something similar from popular UK food chain Greggs, who make and sell pizza slices with a very similar vibe to them.
3. Fish Finger Dinner
Fish fingers will never go out of style. The golden crumb coating, mixed with a good dollop of ketchup is a winning combination. These breaded fish fingers paired with peas or beans made the ultimate meal, and you were extra lucky if you got chips too!
Nowadays, I like to chomp on a fish finger sandwich with cheese and lots of ketchup, and it reminds me of being a kid!
4. Cornflake Cakes
Now I, as an adult, still believe that cornflake cakes are some of the best treats going. Filled with chocolatey goodness and a crunchy texture, these were always a big hitter in the school canteen.
This recipe is so simple, yet so delicious.
5. The School Roast Dinner
Although only served on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, everyone can remember the taste and interesting textures that came with a school roast dinner. You never had enough gravy, therefore the meat was always drier than the desert. Soggy carrots and mushy peas, all completed the school roast dinner.
6. Smiley Faces
Potato smiley faces were the best! These with beans and chips, and you knew you were going to have a good day at school.
How Have School Dinners Changed Now?
As delicious as our school dinners were, you have to admit, they weren’t the healthiest of meals we could have been eating.
Since the early 2000’s school dinners and the attitudes towards them have changed drastically. Now, we have way more of a focus on healthy eating and ensuring our children are getting the nutrients that they need.