As we reminisce about the good old days, it's funny how certain memories can trigger a sense of nostalgia, and sometimes, even a hint of envy. For many Australians, growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the contents of one's fridge could be a subtle indicator of social status. Believe it or not, the presence of a particular item was enough to make you the envy of your peers: a fridge stocked with cans of soft drinks.

Back in the day, having a fridge filled with fizzy drinks was akin to a luxury. It wasn't just about quenching your thirst; it was a symbol of affluence. A TikTok user, @Lozleeinfunee, recently brought this conversation to the forefront, reminiscing about how, as a child, visiting friends with a fridge full of soft drink cans made her think they were well off. Now, as an adult, she proudly shows off her crisper drawer packed with Diet Coke, feeling like she's finally 'made it'.

Soft drink cans in the fridge were seen as a sign of wealth by social media users. Credit: @Lozleeinfunee / TikTok

'It felt like I was grabbing a can of gold,' she says in her viral video, which has resonated with thousands, sparking a wave of likes and comments. The sentiment is clear: for those who grew up with less, the sight of a fridge stocked with individual cans of soda was nothing short of dazzling.

This phenomenon wasn't just about the drinks themselves; it was about what they represented. In an era when a two-litre bottle of soft drink was a treat to be savoured and often went flat before it could be fully enjoyed, the idea of having a selection of cans at your disposal was a luxury many could only dream of.

The conversation has opened up a floodgate of memories among Aussies, with many sharing their own experiences. 'We'd only get soft drink cans at Christmas time,' one person recalls. Another mentions the all-too-familiar scenario of a shared family bottle going flat too soon. And then there are those who remember visiting friends' houses, only to be awestruck by a secondary fridge in the garage dedicated solely to an array of chilled beverages.

The divide between the classes, as highlighted by the TikTok user, is a real and tangible memory for many. It's a reminder of simpler times when the markers of wealth were less about the latest gadgets and more about the small comforts and conveniences that not everyone could afford.

For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, this might bring back memories of your own childhood or how you raised your children. Did you grow up with a fridge that was a treasure trove of fizzy delights, or was a can of soft drink a rare treat to be savoured? And how has this shaped your view of the little luxuries in life?

Credit: TikTok​

We invite you to take a trip down memory lane and share with us: Was your fridge a status symbol growing up? Did you have a variety of soft drinks ready for family and guests, or was this something you aspired to do? Let's discuss how these seemingly small details were part of a larger narrative about wealth and class in Australia's past.

Key Takeaways

• Having soft drink cans in the fridge was seen as a sign of wealth by TikTok user @Lozleeinfunee.
• The TikTok video where the user shows off her crisper drawer full of Diet Coke has gone viral with many likes and comments.
• Many Australians shared their own experiences, noting that soft drinks were a luxury item only occasionally available in their households.
• The topic sparked a discussion about the divide between social classes based on the presence of soft drinks in the home.

And while you're here, why not share your thoughts on how these symbols of status have changed over the years? What are the modern equivalents of the 'canned soft drink in the fridge'? Engage with us in the comments below, and let's have a conversation about the quirky indicators of wealth from our youth to today.

 

[Jo Piper3]

The powder stuff was probably "Saline" which came in both orange or lemon and made by Parsons - best thirst quencher you could get.

Thanks, I remember now it was called Fruit Saline.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Believe it or not we didn’t even have a fridge let alone know what fizzy drinks (or pop) was

I grew up with my parents living in a shoebox in the middle of Parramatta Road. Back in the 1960s, we used to clean the oil stains off the road with a toothbrush for 25 hours a day.

When one of us got hit by a car, we would take the corpse back to the shoebox, fillet it then barbecue the pieces on the hot bitumen.

Those were the days....

 

[Littleboy8]

The powder stuff was probably "Saline" which came in both orange or lemon and made by Parsons - best thirst quencher you could get.

I still buy saline today it’s great in summer for a refreshing drink and if you want to have a big burp anytime

 

[marni]

You had a fridge??

 

[Wandiwa]

Santa used to put 1 can of Fanta in my sock each year, a steel can that needed to be opened with a can punch opener.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

I grew up with my parents living in a shoebox in the middle of Parramatta Road. Back in the 1960s, we used to clean the oil stains off the road with a toothbrush for 25 hours a day.

When one of us got hit by a car, we would take the corpse back to the shoebox, fillet it then barbecue the pieces on the hot bitumen.

Those were the days....

That’s nothing when we were young we used to live in a hole in the road.,,…