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10 Packaged Foods Making a Strong Comeback During Quarantine

Turns out, processed snacks are some of the most desired items at the grocery store right now.

Eating a snack to feel comforted and help you think of happier, simpler times? Yeah, we're all doing it during quarantine.

While we can't stress enough how important it is to eat healthy during lockdown, it's also just as important to let yourself indulge in a few feel-good items too—especially if it's a snack or meal that's familiar and has, historically, made you feel better.

In fact, there are several processed foods that are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Everyone, it seems, is reaching for the same comfort foods during this COVID-19 pandemic. So, we pulled together a list of the 10 grocery store items that are finding their way into more Americans hands during this unique point in history.

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Oreos

Oreos
Courtesy of Oreo

Whether its actually milk's favorite cookie or not, an Oreo is a favorite to many. Cracking open a bag of these cookies is both a delicious and comforting experience. And there are a lot of fun desserts you can make with Oreo such as s'mores with made with Oreos instead of graham crackers and drizzled with peanut butter?

Kraft American Cheese Singles

Kraft singles

When you were a kid, Mom or Dad probably whipped up grilled cheese sandwiches for you made with Kraft American Cheese Singles, right? If childhood is a pleasant memory for you, then maybe recreating that grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup may be just what you need to cope with the present.

6 Best Cheese Singles at the Supermarket, and 5 to Avoid

Reese's Puffs Cereal

reeses puffs

Reese's candy is one source of comfort, but then there's the equally delicious Reese's Puffs cereal. If this wasn't one of your favorite cereals as a kid (in addition to Captain Crunch) we don't know what you were munching on in the morning.

Cheetos

Small bag of Cheetos
Cheetos

Who would have ever thought cheesy, crunchy sticks would have been such a hit among so many different types of eaters? Cheetos are no doubt flying off the shelves at grocery stores right now.

Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes

Some people may feel uneasy about buying fresh produce during this time, and instead of reaching for a couple of potatoes that have been sitting out in the open, they might feel more comfortable purchasing a package of instant mashed potato mix.

Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts

kelloggs pop-tarts brown sugar cinnamon

There are few things as satisfying as eating a Pop-Tart that just popped out of the toaster. Everyone's favorite? Probably a tie between the Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae.

Hot Pockets Premium Pepperoni Pizza

hot pockets

We don't know about you, but every time we hear about Hot Pockets, we think of Jim Gaffigan's stand-up set where he jokes about them either coming out of the microwave, still slightly frozen in the middle or boiling hot. There never seems to be a "just right" temperature with these, yet Americans continue to take the risk.

Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls

little debbie strawberry shortcake rolls

Little Debbie has no shortage of packaged cookies, cakes, muffins, donuts, brownies, and little pies. One of the most beloved may just be the Strawberry Shortcake Rolls—i.e. the perfect way to get that sweet fix without having to indulge in a whole shortcake.

Maruchan Instant Ramen: Chicken Flavor

ramen

This food item was a hit in the college days because it was so cheap. With so many lay-offs and pay cuts, many are trying to cut back on costs at the grocery store.

YoCrunch Chips Ahoy!

chips ahoy vanilla lowfat yogurt

Health experts are chiming in and saying that probiotics are important to take right now to help sustain a healthy gut in response to this temporary lifestyle change of quarantining at home. This yogurt is not only naturally full of probiotics, but it also packs a little extra sweet treat on the top for you to swirl in. The Chips Ahoy variety enables you to get that familiar taste of cookie in every creamy bite.

READ MORE: Foods That are Scarce During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Cheyenne Buckingham
Cheyenne Buckingham is the former news editor of Eat This, Not That! Read more about Cheyenne
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