Some foods were once the ultimate status symbol, reserved for the wealthy who could afford rare ingredients, exotic flavours, or expensive imports.
If you weren’t part of the upper class, these foods were either completely unaffordable or considered too fancy for everyday meals. But thanks to mass production, better farming methods, and changing tastes, many of these once-exclusive items are now available to everyone. Some are still a bit pricey, but they’re no longer reserved for the elite.
1. Avocados weren’t always on toast.
Avocados might be a brunch staple now, but not too long ago, they were considered a rare and expensive treat. In the UK, they were once an exotic import, something you’d only find in high-end grocery stores or fancy restaurants.
Now, they’re everywhere. Whether mashed onto toast, blended into smoothies, or tossed in a salad, avocados have become a household staple. Prices have come down over the years, and despite the occasional avocado shortage driving up costs, they’re no longer a food that only the rich can afford.
2. Sushi was once a dish for the elite.
Today, you can grab sushi from supermarket shelves, high-street chains, or even petrol stations, but there was a time when sushi was strictly for the wealthy. Access to high-quality, fresh fish was limited, and proper sushi preparation required highly skilled chefs, making it a luxury dining experience.
Now, sushi is more accessible than ever. The rise of sushi chains, frozen sushi packs, and DIY sushi kits means anyone can enjoy what was once a delicacy reserved for fine dining. Even raw fish, once considered an oddity in the UK, is now completely normal.
3. Truffle-flavoured everything is now actually pretty common.
Truffles have always been a symbol of wealth, mainly because they’re rare, difficult to farm, and require trained dogs or pigs to find them. Fresh truffles still cost a fortune, but truffle-flavoured products have changed the game.
Now, you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to get a taste of truffles. Truffle oil, truffle crisps, truffle butter, and even truffle-infused mayonnaise are available at regular supermarkets. While purists argue that artificial truffle flavouring isn’t the same, it’s allowed more people to experience the taste of this once-exclusive ingredient.
4. Sparkling water used to be a posh choice.
There was a time when ordering sparkling water made you seem a bit fancy. It was mainly served in expensive restaurants, and if you had it at home, it was a sign that you were a little more refined than the average person.
Now, it’s as common as still water. Whether it’s plain, flavoured, or sold in cans, sparkling water has gone from a high-end choice to a mainstream drink. Even home carbonation machines have made it easy for people to make their own sparkling water without spending a fortune.
5. Quinoa was once a superfood for the wealthy.
Quinoa used to be one of those foods you’d only see in health-conscious restaurants or high-end grocery stores. It was marketed as a high-protein, gluten-free superfood, and for a while, it was something only the wealthy or ultra-health-conscious would eat.
Now, quinoa is widely available and much cheaper than it used to be. Supermarkets sell it next to rice and pasta, and you can find it in everything from salads to ready meals. It’s still seen as a ‘health food,’ but it’s no longer an exclusive item only available to those with deep pockets.
6. Prawns were once a rare treat.
Fresh prawns were once something you’d only see at high-end seafood restaurants or on the tables of the wealthy. Without modern fishing and refrigeration, they were difficult to transport and keep fresh, making them an expensive delicacy.
Now, prawns are everywhere. Supermarkets sell them fresh, frozen, and pre-cooked, making them easy to cook at home. From prawn cocktails to stir-fries, they’ve gone from being an elite seafood option to an everyday ingredient.
7. Almond milk and oat milk used to be incredibly niche.
There was a time when asking for almond or oat milk in a coffee shop would have got you a confused look. These alternative milks were once only available in health food stores and were associated with strict diets or high-end wellness trends.
Now, they’re completely mainstream. Most supermarkets have a whole aisle dedicated to plant-based milks, and nearly every coffee shop offers oat, almond, or soy milk as standard. What was once a niche product has become an everyday choice for people, whether for health reasons or just personal preference.
8. Blueberries were once ridiculously expensive.
Not too long ago, blueberries were a rare and expensive fruit, mainly used in fine dining or high-end desserts. They weren’t grown in large quantities in the UK, and importing them made them costly. Now, they’re a staple. You can buy them fresh or frozen in supermarkets at a reasonable price, and they’re found in everything from cereals to muffins. They might not be the cheapest fruit, but they’re no longer a luxury item.
9. Chia seeds were a high-end health trend.
Chia seeds became famous as a trendy superfood, often featured in expensive smoothie bowls and health-conscious Instagram posts. For a while, they were hard to find and sold at high prices in health food stores.
Now, they’re much more affordable. Supermarkets sell large bags of chia seeds for a fraction of what they used to cost, and they’re commonly used in porridge, smoothies, and even baking. What started as a wellness trend for the elite has now become a regular ingredient in many households.
10. Craft beer was once a luxury drink.
Craft beer used to be something you could only get from small breweries, expensive bottle shops, or high-end pubs. It was seen as a drink for beer enthusiasts, with small-batch brews carrying premium price tags.
Now, craft beer is everywhere. Supermarkets stock a huge range of independent brands, and even mainstream pubs offer craft options alongside regular lagers. What used to be an exclusive drink for beer snobs is now something anyone can pick up at the local shop.
