Let’s face it: snacks in the ’90s just hit differently. They weren’t just food; they were a vibe, a part of growing up. I loved these as a kid, and as I dug through the archives of forgotten treats, I found myself grinning at memories I didn’t even know I still had. Some of these snacks were my lunchbox staples, while others were rare gems that felt like winning the lottery when they showed up in the pantry. Here are 22 discontinued snacks from the 90s snacks that are a time machine to a bygone snack era.
1. Dunkaroos
Oh, Dunkaroos—the snack that made dipping feel like an Olympic sport. Those little kangaroo-shaped cookies paired with sugary frosting were pure heaven. The vanilla frosting with rainbow sprinkles? Chef’s kiss. I used to hoard the frosting to make it last until the final cookie. Sadly, these disappeared for a while, although there have been some limited comebacks.
2. 3D Doritos
These puffed-up chips were as fun to eat as they were to look at. They were crunchy, airy, and came in classic flavors like Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch. I vividly remember thinking these were the “future” of chips. They’ve had a revival recently, but the originals will always hold a special place in my heart.
3. Squeeze-Its
Drinking a Squeeze-It felt like a rite of passage. These colorful bottles of sugary juice were a staple of every summer. The fun faces molded into the bottles made them even cooler. It’s wild to think now how much sugar was packed into those tiny bottles, but as a kid, I didn’t care one bit.
4. Planters Cheez Balls
You’d open the canister and be greeted by that signature cheesy scent. These were dangerously addictive—once you started, it was impossible to stop. I’d always end up with neon orange fingers, and I loved every second of it.
5. Surge
Ah, Surge. This neon green soda had a flavor that felt like a sugar-fueled adrenaline rush. It was the go-to drink for sleepovers and late-night gaming sessions. I can still hear the fizzy crack of the can opening.
Related: 90 Pics That Totally Sum Up The 90s
6. Gushers®
Gushers technically still exist, but they’re just not the same. In the 90s, these little fruit snacks filled with gooey juice were the ultimate lunchtime flex. The explosion of flavor—and the mild mess—made them unforgettable.
7. Shark Bites
These gummy snacks were shaped like sharks and came in an array of pastel colors. The rare white shark gummy was like finding gold. I remember trading snacks with friends just to get one.
8. Orbitz Drink
This always felt like drinking a science experiment. Orbitz was a clear fruity beverage filled with floating gelatin-like balls. I’m still not entirely sure what those balls were, but I remember being fascinated every time I shook the bottle.
9. PB Crisps
Imagine a peanut-shaped snack filled with creamy peanut butter—that’s PB Crisps. They were crunchy, sweet, and so satisfying. I had totally forgotten about these until I made this list, and now I wish they’d make a comeback.
10. Fruitopia
This fruity drink was everywhere in the 90s. With bold flavors and psychedelic marketing, it felt like the “cool” drink. Strawberry Passion Awareness was my jam, and I can still taste it if I think hard enough.
11. Viennetta Ice Cream
This was the fanciest dessert of the 90s. The layered, wavy ice cream and chocolate made me feel like I was in one of their ridiculously opulent TV commercials. I remember feeling so special whenever we had it.
12. Hi-C Ecto Cooler
Ghostbusters fans will remember this one. The green citrus drink was as much a marketing masterpiece as it was delicious. I still don’t understand why it ever disappeared. It was originally called Citrus Cooler, but rebranded as a marketing campaign for the release of the original Ghostbusters movie.
13. Butterfinger BB’s
These bite-sized Butterfingers were messy but so worth it. They melted too easily, leaving chocolatey fingerprints everywhere, but they were absolutely perfect for sharing—or hoarding for yourself.
14. String Thing
String Thing was pure fun. You’d unravel the colorful, stretchy candy straight from the wrapper and eat it in one long piece. It’s the kind of snack that made recess a blast.
15. Keebler Magic Middles
These cookies were a treasure. Each one had a gooey chocolate or peanut butter filling hidden inside. Biting into one felt like discovering a delicious secret.
16. Lunchables Fun Snacks
Remember when Lunchables tried their hand at dessert? These packs let you build your own little treats, like s’mores or cookies with frosting and sprinkles. As a kid, I felt like a culinary genius putting them together.
17. Koala Yummies
These adorable, koala-shaped cookies were filled with chocolate or strawberry cream. The cute designs made them irresistible, and they were fun to eat the ears and feet off of.
18. Waffle Crisp Cereal
Opening a box of Waffle Crisp was like stepping into a diner that only served waffles. The maple syrup aroma was unbeatable, and every crunchy bite was like a mini waffle party.
19. Reese’s Bites
These were basically mini Reese’s cups without the wrappers, making them perfect for snacking. I remember grabbing handfuls and trying not to eat the entire bag in one sitting.
20. Trix Yogurt
Trix Yogurt wasn’t just a snack—it was a color explosion. The swirled, vibrant colors made it feel like dessert disguised as something healthy. It’s one of those snacks that’s just fun to think about.
21. Jell-O Pudding Pops
Creamy, frozen, and oh-so-satisfying, these were a summer essential. The texture was smoother than a regular popsicle, and the flavors were spot on.
22. Crispy Wheaties ‘n Raisins
This cereal felt like an elevated version of Raisin Bran with an extra crunch. It wasn’t flashy, but it had a loyal fanbase—including me.
