Facebook page that she loved a sneaky Continental packet pasta for lunch on the odd occasion. She took it a step further and asked what her readers loved that was a bit shameful – and shared them in this post.
I’m the first to admit I love secret shame food. I ate the shit out of those pastas growing up, and every time I visited my sister as an adult we would make one for lunch, both eating it out of the bowl it was microwaved in. She liked tomato, I liked alfredo.
It got me thinking of all the things I love that we’re told are too processed, too full of chemicals, too nutrient-devoid to ever pass our lips. While I don’t eat them often, I’m never going to swear off them forever. Well, except custard powder – I made custard with it last year and it was utterly horrific. Even the kids wouldn’t eat it, even though I loved it growing up (if you could make it lump-free).
My list is pretty nostalgia-driven. We didn’t eat a lot of packet stuff growing up because that was for rich people. Except 2 minute noodles, that shit is for everybody.
☠ Cereal. I particularly like Nutri-Grain, Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, and Just Right. With cream on top.
☠ Chocolate Yogo
☠ Kraft Mac and Cheese in a box. Microwave version, too.
☠ Instant coffee
☠ Devondale plastic cheese (it’s rennet-free. I called them. Then actually did a happy dance)
☠ McDonald’s bacon and egg McMuffin minus the bacon. Replaced with the hash brown.
☠ Vegemite and cheese sandwiches on white bread with the crusts cut off
☠ Potato gems
☠ Corn Jacks
☠ Scotch Finger biscuits with the chocolate on the back
☠ Barbecue sauce (especially American), steak sauce, may as well just eat a cup of high-fructose corn syrup
☠ Ranch dressing in a bottle
☠ Kraft peanut butter
☠ Iced coffee
☠ For years my favourite hangover food (or solo dinner) was the microwaved mashed potato from Woolies, with a microwave gravy. Pour gravy over potato, eat that layer off, pour more gravy over, repeat.
Ok spill – what do you eat?!
Robyn B | Modern Day Missus says
July 4, 2014 at 11:59 amOoohhhh girl, that microwave pasta is nasty! Although, I did write a post recently about how a work colleague and I (about 7 years ago now) used to devour those packs of mee goreng for lunch, which are definitely on par. Now I look at those packs and cringe. Since then, we’ve cleaned up our diets big time and she how organises health and wellness events. ha!
BUT….. I do have a weakness for BBQ shapes…. and a thing for those vegan sausages…. especially the Sanitarium ones that come in a tin.
I will also admit that in my house I have some of that vegan powdered custard from Organ…. and if I make an apple crumble, you can bet your bottom dollar, that shit is going on there!
Veggie Mama says
July 4, 2014 at 12:35 pmUgh, I cannot mee goreng for the life of me! And I think I’ve eaten about one packet of that microwave pasta in the last five years. I love how even your shame food is healthy. I think the oversaturation of my internet with wellness bloggers has made me rebel! GIVE ME ALL OF THE PRESERVATIVES!
Engaging Women - Martine Harte says
July 4, 2014 at 12:31 pmWhere do I start? Peanut M&M’s.. the entire packet..one sitting. And Coles do these quick gluten free chicken things.. just found out we have 3 Celiacs in the house so desperate for convenience. Gah!
Veggie Mama says
July 4, 2014 at 12:32 pmOh that must be so hard! Seriously, it’s like if you want to do it the right way, you have to spend a lot more time than you usually would. I really feel for you. I feel for you so much I’m probably going to eat a whole packet of Peanut M&Ms on your behalf. I’m so kind.
Engaging Women - Martine Harte says
July 4, 2014 at 12:38 pmSaved up for Thermomix for that reason but still have my ‘L’ Plates on. Thanks for your M&Ms empathy though.
Veggie Mama says
July 4, 2014 at 12:41 pmOoh do you follow Quirky Cooking? She’d have tons of stuff for you to try x
Engaging Women - Martine Harte says
July 4, 2014 at 12:47 pmDon’t because I’m a clueless, newbie blogger but I will. Thank you and thanks to all the bloggers for doing what they do so well. Game changers.
Veggie Mama says
July 4, 2014 at 12:57 pmThe gluten-free Thermomix queen! http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com.au/
Veganopoulous says
July 4, 2014 at 12:46 pmMy sister always got a corn jack, I used to pick off the end batter bits and that was it. I’d go a vegan chiko roll if I could find one. A lot of my nostalgia foods aren’t vegan, like Jam Fancies. My dad would acquire packets of biscuits from his work’s tea room every now and then and we’d be all excited to see what he brought home and Jam Fancies were a cause for celebration. Except sometimes he bought those fruit pocket biscuit things (Fruit and Nut maybe) and we’d be devastated. If I had to choose one thing overall though it would be fairy bread. Cut in triangles of course, otherwise it doesn’t taste the same.
Veggie Mama says
July 4, 2014 at 1:00 pmI thought Jam Fancies were vegan? I have vegan friends who say they are? Or the English Jammy Dodger version? Hm. I must look into that. Those fruit pillows are vile.
Oh wait, I’ve checked – the Paradise brand Jam Fancies are vegan: http://www.livingvegan.com.au/vegan-cheat-sheet/
Mel Kettle says
July 4, 2014 at 2:16 pmPlastic cheese is my favourite – I never buy it but my FIL does so I have sneaky pieces when I visit him. My mother REFUSED to buy it when I was a kid. BTW love this post idea – going to do my own if you don’t mind. Thanks 🙂
Tasha Batsford says
July 4, 2014 at 2:37 pmI haven’t eaten it, but I have a HUGE hankering for super noodles
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:07 amIt doesn’t count if you haven’t eaten it!
Reannon @shewhorambles says
July 4, 2014 at 2:40 pmThe list is loooooong. I’m a junk food lover from way back but these days I try to curb the desire to stuff my pie hole with sugary, fatty, preservative filled delicious-ness.
Here’s a few that I’d struggle to ever fully give up-
Coke. I’d drink that shit all day every day, especially post mix. Coke fixes all that ails you.
Potato Gems smothered in gravy from a box.
Spicy 2 minute noodles eaten between white bread smothered in butter.
Party pies & sausage rolls.
Tim Tams & Kingston biscuits. Its just best if I dont have those in the house.
Kit Kat & Twix.
Red Rock Chilli chips eaten in a white bread sandwhich.
McChicken burger stuffed with fries.
Man I’m hungry now…..
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:07 amWhat’s the deal with post mix coke? People love it so hard and it’s not even the real sort! Coke in a can is the best.
Reannon @shewhorambles says
July 5, 2014 at 7:26 amOf course coke in a can is best! Except if you can get post mix coke, then post mix is best.
I think it was all the years working at McDonalds that got me into it. That shits good whether it’s 5am or 11pm!
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:21 pmthis is true. except the post mix stuff cos I just can’t get my head around that!
Rosierockets says
July 4, 2014 at 2:50 pmI would trade my furbabies for a lifetime supply of Reece’s Pieces! The combo of PB and chocolate is just what life is all about. Oh and dim sims, fried or steamed as long as there is a shit ton of soy sauce mmmmmmm
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:06 amI found the steamed was better at delivering soy sauce 😉
Kate Johnston says
July 4, 2014 at 4:10 pmPeanut M&Ms, Maltteasers and chicken flavoured chips. Although I use the term chicken flavour loosely, I have never eaten actual chicken that tasted like that. When I was in high school my friends and I would dip fries into caramel sundae from Maccas, makes me fell a little sick to think about now.
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:05 amI hear that’s pretty popular actually!
Angie@TheLittleMumma says
July 4, 2014 at 4:42 pm– Deep fried potato – all the kinds. Hot chips. crisps, wedges. Oil, potato, salt. Get into my face immediately. Fries with aioli. Just say YES!
– Dark cooking chocolate buds
– KFC chicken – you know the kind you could wring the oil out of? Yeah, that.
– COKE COKE COKE – all my blood for the sweetness of her 375ml can
Weirdly, I have gone off take-out pizza and far prefer homemade. And I haven’t been able to touch packet pasta since early adulthood. I was a huge Alfredo fan and Kraft Mac n Cheese was the shiz but now, with my very grown up palate, I dislike the flavour of chemicals.
And yet, Coke. I think Coke is exempt because there is no alternative to Coke. When you make real, delicious homemade pasta, all fresh herby and grated parmesany, it’s superiority to the packet gear is undeniable. But Coke is not a convenience version of a healthier thing. Coke is Coke. It’s meant to taste like chemicals. And god damn it, I love them hard.
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:10 amYeah I can’t do the packet pasta now, but loved it. I also can’t do chain store pizza, but I live so close to proper Italian pizza joints. And make my own at least once a week, that shit is the bomb! Agree about coke, you can’t replace it with a healthy version! It is what it is. I have it about four times a year, but enjoy it when I do!
Julie says
July 4, 2014 at 6:08 pmYum Cha in a box from the frozen food section, yes I know my partner is Chinese and for him this is the ultimate sin. But some days I just want to nuke it and add soya sauce.
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:05 amYou’ve just gotta do what you’ve gotta do! Soya sauce needs a vehicle like that sometimes.
Lila Wolff says
July 4, 2014 at 7:32 pmI was just talking about Corn Jacks today, burnt my mouth on those way too often.
At the moment on the odd occasion I’m alone and can sneak one (or four) in peppermint patties.
rebecca says
July 5, 2014 at 1:31 ampeppermint patties! Yes.
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:04 amI feel ripped off by today’s peppermint patties’
! So small.
The Plumbette says
July 4, 2014 at 7:58 pmCadbury chocolate, Tim Tams and mint slice. I love Ranch dressing too.
rebecca says
July 5, 2014 at 1:24 amMINT SLICE!
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:03 amI just bought buffalo ranch…
Lilybett and Boy says
July 4, 2014 at 10:10 pmWe were so deprived as kids – it was a celebration when we got cordial, a tin of jam, shredded wheatmeal biscuits, a tin of pineapple juice or a multipack of chips (never in the same shop). Does jam even come in tins anymore?
I think I ate my body weight in Indomie Mi Goreng pot noodles when I was pregnant. And more than a couple of potato scallops. And I’m all solidarity with Julie below on the frozen boxes of Yum Cha.
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:03 amYes! Plum jam does. Plum jam in a tin is the bomb.
Katie Rainbird says
July 4, 2014 at 10:30 pmOccasionally I buy the lime and black pepper crisps by Absolute Organic. Every week my husband buys our weeks’ worth of chocolate from Haigh’s and I eat a bit of it every single day. I’m back on pastry since I’m breastfeeding all day long again, but it’s not freezer pastry, it’s proper patisserie pastry, I eat about two a week. But I don’t have any secret shame foods because as you can see, I am a saint.
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:03 am*rolls eyes*
Bob says
July 5, 2014 at 12:41 amEVEN some products misleading organics have GMO’s you have to be very careful with labels because of the satanic lead American system of demonic influence over truth
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:02 amSure, Bob. Party on.
Bob says
July 6, 2014 at 1:39 amIsaiah 24.5 And the earth acted lawlessly on account of the ones inhabiting her; because they transgressed the law of the Everliving….
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:19 pmJesus!
http://31.media.tumblr.com/5fa1c10d351b1ad671bb2b9f0a2c0c57/tumblr_molt18k1r91s50e8so1_500.gif
Bob says
July 7, 2014 at 7:11 pmFor all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world.
There’s no equity in love in your perverse heart which supports mans subjective delusions: For this is the love of יהוה, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Your issue is that SIN in your life & that you whether it is good or not wish to be free from the boundary set up by Gods Righteous Judgments so you can remain in a perverse destructive lifestyle.
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.
Your heart is UNJUST. Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
I suggest before you pass judgment that you actually STUDY the BIBLE & find in the O.T. alone, why He came and who he was, with at least 2 witnesses for each point in harmony with the whole bible. I know you are a LAZY fool and hate to act in integrity so when you don’t or buck and holler it will not be anything I’ve not seen by impostors such as yourself – those who PROFFER a position and lack the intestinal fortitude to be intellectually honest with any balanced reason in their lives
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 7:16 pmAll right, Bob. Bar’s closed.
Bob says
July 7, 2014 at 7:27 pmNo integrity as expected.
Isaiah 43.15 I am יהוה, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
rebecca says
July 5, 2014 at 1:21 amCheese and vegemite sammys OR I have a thing for frozen pizzas! eep!
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
rebecca says
July 5, 2014 at 1:21 amAnd I’m known to need a can of coke some mornings for uhh.. healing purposes!
Veggie Mama says
July 5, 2014 at 7:08 amUnderstood!
Jay - Moodie Foodie says
July 5, 2014 at 8:55 amPotato Gems (LOVE them!), KFC chips and gravy (best chippies ever), any burger ever invented (fave junk food), party pies (so cute) and any Cadburys chockie (mmmmmm) xo
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:16 pmAnything deep-fried with gravy!
Kylie says
July 5, 2014 at 8:59 amAaaaahhhh……what a fresh of breath air this post was! So good to hear about someone eating bad food in this day and age. I’m a healthy eater etc but indulgences are so ridden with guilt and shame that I feel I can’t admit amongst my clean eating friends that I’ve been craving a cheeseburger meal for weeks. I might just go and get me one today.
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:16 pmOh god, my eyes are sprained from the CONSTANT rolling they are doing after reading all the one-upmanship (and fear-mongering) about eating healthily. The internet drives me so nuts sometimes. I hope you enjoyed the fuck outta that burger meal!
Breanne says
July 5, 2014 at 9:32 amDark Lindt chocolate with sea salt eaten with Allen’s raspberry frogs.
Malteasers eaten with lolly bananas.
Coke, all the coke. That black liquid owns me!
Spring onion dip.
Cream cheese icing.
Iced coffee. Every which way it comes! Let’s get one soon woman!!!
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:15 pmI just bought a packet of spring onion soup so I can make that dip!
Corinne C says
July 5, 2014 at 11:01 amWine and cheese. The. End.
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:14 pmYes. yes.
MotherDownUnder says
July 5, 2014 at 12:04 pmAll kinds of boxed mac and cheese.
Classic potato chips smothered in onion dip.
Those garlic butter chicken balls that you can get at fish and chips shops.
Betty Crocker pre packaged chocolate frosting…straight up.
Creamy caesar dressing…but the Newman’s Own kind so at least I am helping support charities as I clog my arteries.
And I am about to go do the grocery shopping.
I bet you ten boxes of man and cheese that one or more of these items end up in my cart.
What are corn jacks?
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:14 pmTHIS glorious breaded + deep-fried cylinder of creamed corn: http://www.simplotfoodservice.com.au/Resources/WebSite/Product/Prod273.jpg
26 Years & Counting says
July 6, 2014 at 9:55 amLast year when I was trying to stay at work the rest of the day while sick with a cold, I went to the supermarket and bought vit c tablets and a yogo with mini m&ms. It made me feel so much better! I don’t know if it was the comfort food, the sugar rush, or the pretty swirly m&m colours distracting me, but it worked!
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:10 pmOh I forgot you could get those!
Kelley @ magnetoboldtoo says
July 6, 2014 at 8:26 pmHot salty fries when I am down.
Potato gems cause OMG POTATO GEMS.
And twisties. Oh cheese twisties… they are my ultimate indulgence. A whole packet. For lunch.
Veggie Mama says
July 7, 2014 at 2:09 pmI think that sounds like my dream banquet.
Eliza says
July 16, 2014 at 12:23 amTwisties. Ooh Twisties. I have to stop myself from pulling over on the way home from work and buying a huge packet to devour on the drive every.single.day. Sometimes I cave.
Rebecca Sharp says
July 8, 2014 at 10:23 amI used to eat those packet pastas and rices for work lunch in my late 20’s, I look at them longingly on the shelves in the supermarket now and wondering if they still taste the same 🙂 my guilty junk food now though is chicken fingers and chips!
Veggie Mama says
July 15, 2014 at 11:48 amHa I think they taste not as good as I remember. Which is both a good and bad thing!
Kkirby says
July 18, 2014 at 1:07 pmFurry friends chocolate… supporting the native animals.
Trudy says
June 18, 2016 at 8:49 ampizza ,crisps ,ALL the cheese ,coke (and yes I love post mix the best !) vegemite toast with butter dripping , veggie fingers and connoisseur ice cream ! I can eat half a tub of that shit without realising! I am not ashamed one bit !