# HOLY CRAP! Spaghetti-O's are disgusting! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 28, 2008, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598 "2008-06-28T21:25:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/61 "2008-07-03T20:23:59Z")
Both my kids have loved them but they taste metallic to me. I’m not picky either. I’ll eat the heck out of some generic chicken noodle soup and I love Swanson’s canned chicken and dumplings but all those tomato based foods have that metallic taste I can’t get past. I remember eating potted meat and saltines with my grandpa, and as fond as the memory is, I have no desire to _ever_ recreate it. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/62 "2008-07-04T06:14:55Z")
[QUOTE=Bambi Hassenpfeffer] From horrified memory: “Mechanically separated chicken, partially defatted cooked beef fatty tissue, beef hearts, partially defatted cooked pork fatty tissue, water, salt, less than 2% of: mustard, natural flavorings, dextrose, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite.” That’s the (old) Armour recipe, burned into my mind from having seen it on the shelf daily for the past 9 years at work. They recently changed it – I think they dropped the partially defatted beef fatty tissue. [/QUOTE] Very good! From here: [http://www.pk.org/pottedmeat.html](http://www.pk.org/pottedmeat.html) > [@](#): > > Armour Potted Meat Food Product ingredients: Mechanically Separated Chicken, Beef Tripe, Partially Defatted Cooked Beef Fatty Tissue, Beef Hearts, Water, Partially Defatted Cooked Pork Fatty Tissue, Salt. Less than 2 percent: Mustard, Natural Flavorings, Dried Garlic, Dextrose, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite > > Hormel Potted Meat Food Product ingredients: Beef Tripe, Mechanically Separated Chicken, Beef Hearts, Partially Defatted Cooked Beef Fatty Tissue, Meat Broth, Vinegar, Salt, Flavoring, Sugar, Sodium Nitrite. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/63 "2008-07-04T07:28:15Z")
[QUOTE=gravitycrash] Potted meat products… I can’t believe my parents fed this to me. When I got old enough to bother looking at the ingredients and the first or second thing labeled was beef hearts I wanted to retch. Second item I think was beef lungs or mechanically separated meat. [/QUOTE] Eh, heart is just muscle tissue. It isn’t the tenderest cut, but if you’re gonna pulverize the meat anyway, it’ll make a decent ingredient. It needs long slow cooking. Liver, on the other hand, is just plain nasty. My mother was on Weight Watchers when I was growing up, and back then, she had to have two dinners a week with organ meat in them. She chose liver, which she rather likes. I despise liver now and I did then. Nowadays I am vindicated by all the evidence showing how bad for you liver really is. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/64 "2008-07-04T07:32:33Z")
[QUOTE=Sublight] My surrogate grandma was our Italian next-door neighbor who insisted on making pasta and sauces from scratch. I think if my mom had ever served pasta from a can grandma would have reported her for child abuse. In any case, I only had spaghetti-oh’s once at a friend’s house, and I remember thinking they were foul even as a ten-year-old. [/QUOTE] My mother learned to cook pasta dishes from her Sicilian mother-in-law, my Grandma Bodoni. Grandma always put anise in her spaghetti sauce, so my mother did too. I HATE anise. (Yes, I hate a lot of food.) I’d eat canned spaghetti as a kid, though, and every time, my father would threaten to disown me. I must admit, sometimes I’ll eat a can of beef ravioli, with some provolone melted on top. However, I’d much, much rather eat my own lasagna or manicotti or stuffed shells with meat sauce. ---
**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:** [July 4, 2008, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/65 "2008-07-04T13:18:07Z")
Regular Spaghetti-O’s and the ones with meatballs are awful. But the ones with sliced franks RULE! They don’t have the “cheese” in the sauce, so they are edible, at least to me. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/66 "2008-07-04T13:51:35Z")
[QUOTE=Lynn Bodoni] Liver, on the other hand, is just plain nasty. My mother was on Weight Watchers when I was growing up, and back then, she had to have two dinners a week with organ meat in them. She chose liver, which she rather likes. I despise liver now and I did then. Nowadays I am vindicated by all the evidence showing how bad for you liver really is. [/QUOTE] My mom would serve chicken livers too, and basically just fried, no sauce to soften the blow. In my house, there was a quota the kids had to eat even of things they didn’t like, and I think for chicken livers it was two. (The other offender? Four Brussels sprouts.) The texture, the density–bleah. I love Alton Brown but I cringed all the way through his chicken liver pate show. It brought back some hideous memories. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/67 "2008-07-04T16:24:24Z")
My husband loves liver, chicken or beef. Sometimes he’ll buy some liver and make it for himself, because I have no idea how to make it, nor do I wish to learn. He makes beef liver and onions with gravy, and it looks delicious…I’ve even tried a bite. It’s still LIVER. He will not let me give the cats the chicken giblets, as he wants them for himself. I like Brussels sprouts, unless they’re bitter. We had to eat a certain amount of whatever was in front of us, too. Since my IBS started about when I reached adolescence, this made for some Fun Times for me. ---
**Author:** ![Not\_A\_Tame\_Lion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e36b37/32.png) [@Not\_A\_Tame\_Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_A_Tame_Lion)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/68 "2008-07-04T20:19:26Z")
I blame Campbell’s for this. I used to love Spaghetti-O’s, and I ate them (occasionally) all the way from childhood up until a few years ago, so it’s not a “changed (adult) palate” thing. (For the record, I’m 39, so I had plenty of years as an adult eating Spaghetti-O’s.) I’m convinced that when Campbell’s bought out Franco-American, they changed the recipe. Spaghetti-O’s were never gourmet, but they’re much worse now. Almost barfy, as noted above. I swore off them a couple of years ago, and haven’t had any since. Probably one more example of some genius trying to “improve” something that was fine to begin with. We get that a lot around here. ---
**Author:** ![Sternvogel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sternvogel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sternvogel)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/69 "2008-07-04T22:38:42Z")
[QUOTE=Not A Tame Lion] I’m convinced that when Campbell’s bought out Franco-American, they changed the recipe. Spaghetti-O’s were never gourmet, but they’re much worse now. Almost barfy, as noted above. I swore off them a couple of years ago, and haven’t had any since. [/QUOTE] Nitpick: As the **Straight Dope Classic** linked to earlier in this thread notes, Campbell’s bought Franco-American in 1921. You’re referring to the dropping of the Franco-American brand name from the cans, which [was announced in 2004.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti-O%27s) ---
**Author:** ![Not\_A\_Tame\_Lion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e36b37/32.png) [@Not\_A\_Tame\_Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_A_Tame_Lion)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2008, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/70 "2008-07-05T01:20:42Z")
[QUOTE=Sternvogel] Nitpick: As the **Straight Dope Classic** linked to earlier in this thread notes, Campbell’s bought Franco-American in 1921. You’re referring to the dropping of the Franco-American brand name from the cans, which [was announced in 2004.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti-O%27s) [/QUOTE] I missed the earlier reference, and didn’t know about the previous relationship. I do, however, stand by the assertion that Spaghetti-O’s taste different now versus only a few years ago. Something changed, and it wasn’t something in my mouth. Amen. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/71 "2008-07-06T04:26:32Z")
[QUOTE=Cluricaun] Sorry, but Spaghetti-Os are one of those things where the generic doesn’t cut it. Lord only knows what they’re holding out on to keep the price down, but whatever it is it’s important. [/QUOTE] FINE! I was at the store today and got your genuine Chef Boyardee SpaghettiOs (they were on sale - got Lasagna & Beefaroni too). We shall determine sir, the merits of brand vs. generic and if these Spag-Os remain true to the stuff of my childhood. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/72 "2008-07-06T04:30:29Z")
[QUOTE=levdrakon] FINE! I was at the store today and got your genuine Chef Boyardee SpaghettiOs (they were on sale - got Lasagna & Beefaroni too). We shall determine sir, the merits of brand vs. generic and if these Spag-Os remain true to the stuff of my childhood. [/QUOTE] Sorry if I flamed you too hard lev…but it was too much fun! And if it teaches you the joy of “real” Spaghetti-Os, perhaps it will have been worth it! 😛😉 ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/73 "2008-07-06T18:23:50Z")
Well, it’s getting on lunch time here and I’m feeling peckish. Soon. We’ll get my verdict soon… ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/74 "2008-07-06T19:52:26Z")
Okay, just had a bowl of the real stuff. Marginally better, but still tastes a bit like baby food. Fresh ground black pepper & tabasco sauce helped. Probably the last can of that stuff I’ll eat the rest of my life. The other canned pastas like Beefaroni really are much better. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/75 "2008-07-06T21:22:37Z")
[QUOTE=Mama Tiger] As an adult, I find it best to stick to ice cream as comfort food. As I recall, even my kids wouldn’t eat Spaghetti-Os. Showing unusually good taste, I guess. [/QUOTE] I didn’t eat them either as a chlid, but then again, we didn’t have a lot of the more disgusting food staples of American childhood in my house either; to this day, I do not know what a Twinkie or a Ho-Ho tastes like, but I have tried a Zebra Cake. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/76 "2008-07-06T21:24:45Z")
[QUOTE=nashiitashii] I do not know what a Twinkie or a Ho-Ho tastes like, but I have tried a Zebra Cake. [/QUOTE] I have to admit, I much prefer the quagga cakes, but you just can’t find them anymore… ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/77 "2008-07-06T22:44:05Z")
As someone who has eaten something like a can of Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli every day for a week and a half, I’m getting a real kick out of this thread. There’s something about being pregnant that just makes me crave complete crap. ---
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2008, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/78 "2008-07-06T23:00:30Z")
Zebra cakes are the freaking _bomb_. In fact, Little Debbie is as much superior to Hostess as Lindor Truffles are superior to a mud pie. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2008, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/79 "2008-07-07T15:07:14Z")
[QUOTE=3acresandatruck] I can remember my Dad driving us past the Underwood plant in Arkansas on our way to vacation in Texas when I was a kid. I’d tell him we should stop and get a tour and maybe they’d give us free samples, too! **We never had it at home (too expensive)**, but sometimes they had it at our cousins’ house while we were there on vacation. drool… [/QUOTE] We only got the deviled ham very rarely on special occasions. How bad must it have been for deviled ham to be too posh for us? ---
**Author:** ![Caractacus\_Pott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@Caractacus\_Pott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caractacus_Pott)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2008, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598/80 "2008-07-07T19:14:29Z")
[QUOTE=jayjay] I have to admit, I much prefer the quagga cakes, but you just can’t find them anymore… [/QUOTE] Ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA! Great obscure reference! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-crap-spaghetti-os-are-disgusting/454598.md?page=5)