This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
Some treats feel too good to skip, even if the price is a little steep. Boomers know what’s worth the splurge and what just isn’t.
They’ve lived through lean years and learned when to say yes. These are the foods they happily pay more for and why each one brings joy.
Real Maple Syrup
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Boomers know the difference. Real maple syrup has deep flavor and a cozy warmth that fake versions just can’t match. They use it slowly, drizzled on pancakes, stirred into oatmeal, or even as a glaze. It’s a small bottle of rich, golden comfort.
Fresh Baked Bread from a Local Bakery
There’s something about a warm loaf with a crisp crust and soft inside. Boomers love grabbing bread from a real bakery. The smell fills the kitchen, and each slice tastes alive. It feels handmade, hearty, and always makes toast feel special.
Imported Olive Oil
Many boomers don’t mess around with cheap oils. A quality olive oil, especially from Italy or Greece, makes everything better. They drizzle it over roasted veggies, dip fresh bread into it, and treat it like a finishing touch. It adds simple, everyday luxury.
Seafood from the Local Market
Fresh fish isn’t cheap, but it’s a favorite splurge. Boomers often buy from trusted fishmongers or docks nearby. It’s about flavor, health, and knowing where it came from. When dinner’s grilled salmon or buttery scallops, it feels like a restaurant right at home.
Artisan Ice Cream
A small pint, maybe five or six bucks, feels like a full on treat. Boomers pick flavors like honey lavender or dark chocolate sea salt. They take their time with it, one spoonful at a time, maybe on the couch, maybe with a smile.
High Quality Coffee Beans
Cheap coffee just doesn’t cut it anymore. Boomers gladly spend more for fresh ground beans with a deep, rich flavor. Mornings feel more intentional with a great cup. It’s not just caffeine, it’s a slow, warm ritual that sets the tone for the whole day.
Related Post: 15 Grocery Finds Only Available In Local Markets Across The Midwest
Real Vanilla Extract
They skip imitation vanilla and go straight for the real stuff. Just a teaspoon adds warmth and depth to cookies, pancakes, and cakes. It lasts a long time and makes every baked thing feel richer. Boomers swear by it, especially around the holidays.
Related Post: 12 Plant Based Snacks That Boomers Are Secretly Loving
Butcher Cut Meats
When it’s time to grill, roast, or slow cook something memorable, boomers visit the butcher. They trust the quality and enjoy the personal service. A good steak or pork roast becomes the centerpiece of a relaxed dinner. It’s not often, but it’s always worth it.
Related Post: 12 Childhood Snacks Boomers Loved That Are Now Trendy Again
Bakery Cakes for Special Occasions
They believe birthdays and anniversaries deserve something beyond a grocery sheet cake. A cake from a small bakery, fluffy, moist, with real buttercream, feels like love on a plate. Boomers don’t need a reason to celebrate. They just need a good slice and good company.
Related Post: 14 Snacks Disappearing From Shelves That Everyone Will Miss
Farm Fresh Eggs
They swear farm eggs taste better, yolks are deeper, richer, and the eggs feel more satisfying. Boomers often buy them at local markets, enjoying both the freshness and the connection to small farms.
Related Post: 12 Canadian Ingredients That Are Turning Into Global Foodie Staples
Dark Chocolate from Local Makers
They skip the candy aisle and head for handcrafted bars with real cocoa, sea salt, or chili. Boomers enjoy the richness and slow melt of good chocolate; it feels like a grown up treat that doesn’t need to be shared.
Related Post: 13 Snacks Gen Z Swears By That Boomers Just Don’t Understand
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Frozen Croissants or Pastries from Bakeries
Rather than settle for mass produced brands, many boomers splurge on frozen take home pastries from local bakers or gourmet shops. They bake them fresh at home, filling the kitchen with buttery joy on a quiet morning.
Related Post: 14 Small Town Grocery Stores With Big City Prices That Shock Locals
Gourmet Canned Tuna or Sardines
Boomers who grew up with canned tuna know the difference when it’s done right. They’ll spend more for oil packed, line caught varieties, perfect for salads, sandwiches, or simple meals that still feel nourishing and high quality.
Related Post: 14 Food Trends Canadian Boomers Are Surprisingly Embracing
For boomers, splurging on food isn’t about showing off; it’s about joy, memory, and flavor. These small indulgences add something meaningful to everyday life. Whether it’s bread, berries, or that perfect cup of coffee, they know what feels worth it and they savor every bite.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
15 Foods Every Gen Z Shopper Is Putting In Their Cart This Summer
Gen Z shops with purpose, craving flavor, fun, and function in every bite. Their carts are full of color, convenience, and foods that match their lifestyle.
This summer, it’s not just about snacks, it’s about vibe. These picks are aesthetic, snackable, often plant based, and made to share, post, or take on the go.
Read it here: 15 Foods Every Gen Z Shopper Is Putting In Their Cart This Summer
How to Save $100+ Every Month at the Grocery Store
From planning your meals to avoiding sneaky upcharges in the snack aisle, here’s a realistic guide to trimming your food budget without adding stress to your week.
Read it here: Things Moms Waste Money On (and Don’t Even Know It)
Is Walmart+ Still Worth It in 2025? The Truth After 3 Years
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
You’ll love these related posts:
- 15 Canned Goods Boomers Still Buy That Gen Z Would Never Touch
- 14 Breakfast Foods That Divide The Generations At The Table
- 13 Regional Ice Cream Flavors Americans Are Road Tripping For
- 13 Frozen Meals Millennials Made Cool That Boomers Always Trusted
- 13 Fast Food Menu Items Millennials Made Go Viral First