TV dinners were quite the novelty when they first appeared in the early 1950’s. For many, they are a nostalgic memory. As a kid, you probably had your favorite you would ask for at the store – it was almost like a special treat.
In the US, TV dinner is a generic term for any ready-to-eat meal. Usually, it refers to one that has been frozen and contains one individual portion or single serving. In the US, it usually includes meat or seafood, grain or carb such as pasta or rice, and a vegetable.
Originally, TV dinners were packaged in aluminum and reheated in the oven. Now it is more common to find them packaged in microwave-safe containers for heating in the microwave.
Several companies attempted to mass market the TV dinner with little success. The first successful company was Swanson’s which sold over 5,000 Thanksgiving-style dinners in their first year. The product invention was not new as they used similar packaging to what was already in use in the airline industry. However, their marketing promoted the product as the perfect individual meal to fit on a TV tray (just as the explosion of TV’s in homes was happening), and thus the TV dinner was born.
The first desserts were added in the early 1960’s and breakfast options became available in the late 60’s. Swanson was incredibly successful marketing their Hungry Man dinners, meals with larger, manly-sized portions, which are still sold today.
In general, the portions of TV dinners are bigger than they were before. Over time the texture and quality of TV dinners have significantly improved. Companies have figured out how to make reheated meals retain their texture and shape better. Nowadays you can find just about anything you want in the TV dinner or frozen meals section. However, it may come at a cost.
The meals have come under attack recently for preservatives and excess salt added to their meals in the effort to enhance quality and taste, as well as improve their shelf life. The push has been to reduce these ingredients so that convenience can be enjoyed without a health cost.
Considering the advancements in the last 50 years in the frozen food department, it is likely companies will continue to provide better and healthier products as time goes on. What was your favorite TV dinner? Let us know below!