# Foods that were "improved" where you prefer the old version **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 10, 2011, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402 "2011-05-10T15:59:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/1 "2011-05-10T15:59:45Z")
Just as the title says - many times, food items are changed (particularly at fast food restaurants) and said to be improved, but there are always those who like the old versions better. For me: The new Wendy’s fries. I like the concept of fries with the skin still on, but the taste does not live up to the hype. The old Wendy’s fries tasted much more of the corn oil they use for frying, and I like that taste. Plus, I now have to order the fries without salt, because the sea salt makes them come out saltier than a salt lick! McDonald’s cheeseburgers. It’s been maybe 15-20 years since McDonalds switched away from those cheese slices that looked like regular cheese on the edges, but were lighter, thinner, and softer under the bun. I definitely liked those better than what they use now. The “real” cheese slices taste more artificial, and their color does not exist elsewhere in nature. I’m sure there are other items like these! ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/2 "2011-05-10T16:01:57Z")
Diet Coke with vitamins doesn’t taste very good. And if you’re drinking Diet Coke for the vitamins, you’ve got issues. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![mrklutz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ebca7d/32.png) [@mrklutz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrklutz)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/3 "2011-05-10T16:04:28Z")
Combos. This is actually a good thing, since they’re terrible for you. I suspect the original recipe was laced with heroin and the DEA forced them to change it. I could never open a bag without proceeding directly to the bottom, wallowing in cheesy crackery goodness. Then they “improved” the recipe and they hold no appeal for me at all. Mars, Inc… my arteries thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/4 "2011-05-10T16:06:30Z")
Wendy’s fries is definitely one of them and I suspect they will switch back. ---
**Author:** ![Indyellen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/indyellen/32/4176_2.png) [@Indyellen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indyellen)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/5 "2011-05-10T16:09:19Z")
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets. I prefer dark meat over white meat, and then they changed them to all white meat instead of a combination…doesn’t stop me from eating them occasionally, but they’re not as good. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/6 "2011-05-10T16:25:07Z")
Definitely agree with the chicken nuggets. I don’t like this all white-meat garbage. And y’all are crazy about the Wendy’s fries. Wendy’s old fries were terrible. These are at least edible. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/7 "2011-05-10T16:48:37Z")
Breyer’s Vanilla Ice Cream. Used to be the greatest thing, wit a simple list of ingredients – cream, sugar, vanilla bean. That’s it, But then they went and added goddam **Tara Gum** to the thing, which ruined both the taste and the consistency, and adds nothing: > **[Data Keluaran Togel HK - Result Nomer Keluaran Togel HK Terbaru dan Tercepat...](https://adailyscoop.com)** > > Keluaran HK tercepat dan terlengkap hari ini, memberikan informasi hasil keluaran data togel hongkong Pools atau judi togel HK I refuse to buy it any more. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/8 "2011-05-10T16:57:02Z")
I don’t specifically remember the old Wendy’s fries, but I actually _ **threw away** _ half of a small order of the new fries, that’s how bad they are. I am a huge fat ass, and I literally think that I nave never, ever thrown away fast food fries other than this one time. Joe ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/9 "2011-05-10T17:11:28Z")
McDonald’s Newman dressings replacing the old ones. Their vinaigrette dressing was the best ever. New Cherry 7up is awful. It’s not going to sell any better than the old one, but at least the old one tasted better. I wasn’t under the impression that Chicken McNuggets were supposed to taste better, but I agree the older ones tasted better. But to me it seems to be in the breading, not the chicken itself. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/10 "2011-05-10T17:13:59Z")
The Chicken McNuggets weren’t supposed to taste better, they were supposed to be better for you. Which if you’re including McNuggets as part of your diet, I don’t think it’s the dark meat that’s gonna cause problems. ---
**Author:** ![jayarrell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@jayarrell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayarrell)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/11 "2011-05-10T17:32:13Z")
McNuggets and Breyers were the first two to come to my mind. I propose the apple pie at McDonalds. I wish it were easier to find the fried ones. Not only do they taste better than the baked they are healthier too (fried = less calories, fat, sodium, sugar per McD’s own nutrition charts). ---
**Author:** ![Noelq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noelq/32/16438_2.png) [@Noelq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noelq)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/12 "2011-05-10T17:41:22Z")
Almost every damn place that stopped using good old lard to make french fries, and then stopped salting them immediately after frying. The oil they use nowadays just doesn’t make the fries crispy and fluffy like before, and a slightly-cooled-down french fry just doesn’t hold the salt like a freshly-fried fry. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/13 "2011-05-10T17:47:58Z")
Classic Coke using sugar instead of HFCS McDonald’s fries, when they stopped using tallow. Probably others, too, but those are what come to mind first. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/14 "2011-05-10T17:52:04Z")
Wheatables crackers back in the late 1980s were great. Very, very yummy. But then they messed with the recipe and made 'em awful. Dunno if they’re even sold anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/15 "2011-05-10T18:00:05Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > But then they went and added goddam **Tara Gum** to the thing, which ruined both the taste and the consistency, and adds nothing: > > [http://adailyscoop.com/2006/09/11/breyers-natural-ice-cream-and-tara-gum-unilevers-response/](http://adailyscoop.com/2006/09/11/breyers-natural-ice-cream-and-tara-gum-unilevers-response/) The Unilever response makes it sound like the idea was to cover for suboptimal shipping and storage. As always, this is a benefit to the producer and seller, not at all for the consumer. ---
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/16 "2011-05-10T18:15:34Z")
I was a kid when Whatchamacallit candy bars first came out - peanut krispies covered in chocolate. Yum. Then they went and added caramel. For no reason. 30 some-odd years and I’m still bitter. ---
**Author:** ![Greg\_Charles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/17 "2011-05-10T18:20:43Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Classic Coke using sugar instead of HFCS Totally agree! Or totally disagree, depending how you parse that. I hate the corn syrup sodas. Fortunately, I live near the border so Mexican-bottled Coke made with real sugar is often available. ---
**Author:** ![Carl\_Corey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Carl\_Corey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carl_Corey)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/18 "2011-05-10T18:37:38Z")
> [@Marlitharn](#): > > I was a kid when Whatchamacallit candy bars first came out - peanut krispies covered in chocolate. Yum. Then they went and added caramel. For no reason. 30 some-odd years and I’m still bitter. Me too! I thought I was the only one! ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/19 "2011-05-10T18:47:47Z")
Dominos wings. The new ones have some kind of breading on them that makes them limp and soggy instead of crispy. And they give you 2 less! The old ones were very simple: fried wings coated with sauce; the skin was crispy and you got 10. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2011, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402/20 "2011-05-10T18:50:14Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > Breyer’s Vanilla Ice Cream. > > Used to be the greatest thing, wit a simple list of ingredients – cream, sugar, vanilla bean. That’s it, > > But then they went and added goddam **Tara Gum** to the thing, which ruined both the taste and the consistency, and adds nothing: > > [http://adailyscoop.com/2006/09/11/breyers-natural-ice-cream-and-tara-gum-unilevers-response/](http://adailyscoop.com/2006/09/11/breyers-natural-ice-cream-and-tara-gum-unilevers-response/) > > I refuse to buy it any more. Wait, so that’s what happened to Breyers? That ice cream used to melt in my mouth, but now is just blah! I’ve now switched to Eddies Vanilla Bean, which is as close as I can find to that clean, melt-in-your-mouth quality. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-that-were-improved-where-you-prefer-the-old-version/581402.md?page=2)