Guilty pleasures come in all shapes and sizes, but for many of us, comfort food holds a special place in our hearts.
For one writer, that comfort food was Banquet’s frozen tuna pot pies. The perfect blend of saucy filling and just the right ratio of tuna, peas, and carrots, these pot pies were a childhood favorite.
But then, one day, they were gone. Banquet stopped making them. Why?
In this article, we’ll explore the mystery behind the disappearance of this beloved comfort food and try to uncover the truth behind why Banquet stopped making tuna pot pies.
Why Did Banquet Stop Making Tuna Pot Pies?
The answer to this question is not entirely clear, but there are a few possible explanations.
One theory is that the demand for tuna pot pies simply wasn’t high enough. While they may have been a favorite among some consumers, it’s possible that not enough people were buying them to justify continuing production.
Another possibility is that the cost of producing the tuna pot pies became too high. Perhaps the ingredients or manufacturing process became more expensive, making it no longer profitable for Banquet to continue making them.
It’s also worth noting that Banquet still produces chicken, beef, and turkey pot pies. It’s possible that these flavors simply sold better and were more profitable for the company.
The History Of Banquet’s Tuna Pot Pies
Banquet Foods, a subsidiary of Conagra Brands, is known for its line of frozen pre-made entrées, meals, and desserts. Banquet first introduced frozen meat pies in 1953 and then expanded into frozen dinners in 1955. In the following years, Banquet became popular with their Cookin’ Bags products. The company was purchased by RCA in 1970 and then sold to Con-Agra in 1980.
Banquet’s tuna pot pies were a favorite among some consumers, including the author of this article. However, the manufacture of these pot pies was eventually halted by Banquet. While turkey, beef, and chicken pot pies are still produced by the company, they are not nearly as good as the tuna pot pies according to the author.
The author’s mother would purchase frozen tuna pot pies from Banquet for a quick lunch during hectic times. The author tried to duplicate this childhood favorite dish for years but all the recipes discovered lacked that sauciness or called for salty, gloppy cream of mushroom soup from cans. The author finally found a tuna pot pie recipe that matches the flavor and saucy filling remembered after many tries and errors.
It’s unclear why Banquet stopped making tuna pot pies. One possibility is that the demand for them wasn’t high enough to justify continuing production. Another possibility is that the cost of producing them became too high. Regardless of the reason, fans of Banquet’s tuna pot pies will have to settle for trying to duplicate them at home using recipes like the one found by the author.
The Rise And Fall Of Tuna Pot Pie Popularity
Tuna pot pies were once a popular option for frozen meals, but their popularity gradually declined over time. In the mid-20th century, frozen pot pies were all the rage, and tuna pot pies were a common flavor option. However, as time went on, other flavors like chicken and beef became more popular, and tuna pot pies began to lose their appeal.
There are several possible reasons for this shift in popularity. One is that tuna is a more polarizing ingredient than chicken or beef. While some people love the taste of tuna, others find it too strong or fishy. This could have limited the appeal of tuna pot pies among consumers.
Another possibility is that the rise of health consciousness in the 1980s and 1990s played a role in the decline of tuna pot pies. Tuna is often associated with high levels of mercury, which can be harmful in large quantities. As more people became aware of this health risk, they may have been less likely to choose tuna pot pies as a meal option.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Banquet was not the only company to stop producing tuna pot pies. Other frozen food brands, including Swanson and Marie Callender’s, also phased out their tuna pot pie offerings over time. This suggests that there may have been broader trends at play that affected the popularity of tuna pot pies across the industry.
The Decision To Discontinue Tuna Pot Pies
The decision to discontinue Tuna Pot Pies may have been a difficult one for Banquet. It’s possible that they conducted market research and found that the demand for this flavor was not high enough to justify production costs. Additionally, it’s possible that the ingredients or manufacturing process became too expensive, making it no longer profitable for the company to continue making them.
It’s also worth considering that Banquet still offers a variety of other pot pie flavors, including chicken, beef, and turkey. These flavors may have simply sold better and been more profitable for the company. Ultimately, the decision to discontinue Tuna Pot Pies was likely based on a combination of factors, including demand, cost, and profitability.
Alternatives To Banquet’s Tuna Pot Pies
If you’re a fan of tuna pot pies and disappointed by Banquet’s decision to discontinue them, don’t worry – there are still plenty of alternatives available. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Homemade Tuna Pot Pie: As mentioned in the text above, making your own tuna pot pie at home is a great option. All you need is canned tuna, mushroom soup, veggies, and Bisquick (or another type of pastry mix). You can even add some grated cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
2. Other Brands: While Banquet may no longer make tuna pot pies, there are other brands that still offer them. For example, Marie Callender’s makes a tuna pot pie that is highly rated by consumers.
3. Seafood Pot Pies: If you’re open to trying a different type of pot pie, seafood pot pies are a great option. These pies typically contain a mix of shrimp, scallops, and/or crab meat, along with vegetables and a creamy sauce.
4. Tuna Casserole: If you’re craving tuna but don’t necessarily need it in pie form, consider making a tuna casserole instead. This dish typically includes pasta, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese.
Nostalgia And The Power Of Comfort Food
One reason why people may have been disappointed by the discontinuation of Banquet’s tuna pot pies is because of the nostalgia and comfort that comes with certain foods. Comfort foods are often associated with positive memories and emotions, making them a source of comfort and happiness for many people. This is why certain dishes, like chicken pot pie, have remained popular for generations.
In fact, the power of nostalgia and comfort food is so strong that it has even played a role in the success of some companies. For example, Morton’s frozen pot pies became a national brand in the 1950s thanks to a successful media campaign that introduced “Colonel Morton” to consumers across the country. The company’s chicken pot pie became a beloved comfort food for many Americans, helping to secure its place in the frozen foods industry.
Similarly, the Pancetta, White Bean and Swiss Chard Pot Pies recipe mentioned above was created as a way to expand the traditional chicken pot pie to include other comforting flavors and ingredients. The author believes that at their core, pot pies are the ultimate cooler weather comfort food, and that any ingredient added to the velouté-like sauce will be made ten times as delicious by its environment.
