11 Snack Foods from the ’90s That Should Make a Comeback
Many popular 1990s snack foods disappeared from shelves, but fans still hope for their return.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1990s brought a wave of unique snack foods that captured the attention of kids and adults alike. Some were discontinued due to low sales, recipe changes, or marketing shifts. Despite this, many of these snacks remain nostalgic favorites and are still missed by fans.
1. Dunkaroos
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Dunkaroos were small cookies paired with frosting for dipping, making them a lunchbox favorite. They were discontinued in the U.S. around 2012 after a drop in sales. Fans consistently asked for their return on social media for years. General Mills finally brought them back in 2020, but many still miss the original flavors and packaging from the ’90s.
2. Pepsi Blue
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Pepsi Blue was a bright blue, berry-flavored soda introduced in 2002 and targeted at younger consumers. It had a short run in the U.S. due to mixed reviews and declining sales. The drink gained a cult following years later through online discussions and nostalgia. Pepsi briefly brought it back in 2021 for a limited time before discontinuing it again.
3. Fruit Roll-Ups (Classic Versions)
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Fruit Roll-Ups have been around since the 1980s, but many fans miss the original 1990s versions with punch-out shapes and wild tie-dye colors. These playful features were gradually removed in later years. General Mills changed the product design to meet new health standards and simplify production. People still talk about how fun and flavorful the classic ones were.
4. Lunchables
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Lunchables were a staple of 1990s lunchboxes, and while many versions still exist, some original varieties, such as taco and deep-dish pizza, are no longer widely available. The pizza version, especially with the dessert and drink included, was a favorite among kids. Some ingredients and combinations have changed over the years, leaving longtime fans disappointed. Many still look for the exact versions they remember from the 1990s.
5. 3D Doritos
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This variation of Doritos featured puffed, tube-shaped chips with a hollow center. They launched in the mid-1990s and stood out due to their shape and crunch. Although they were discontinued in the 2000s, many fans called for their return. A new version was re-released in 2020, though some say it’s not quite the same as the original.
6. Squeezit
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Squeezit was a fruit-flavored drink sold in colorful plastic bottles that kids squeezed to drink. The bottles featured fun character faces molded into the plastic. Originally discontinued in 2001, it returned briefly in 2006 and again in limited releases. The drink is no longer available, but many still mention it in nostalgic food discussions.
7. Planters Cheez Balls
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These bright orange, cheesy snacks came in a blue canister and were known for their bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They were discontinued in 2006, which disappointed many snack fans. After continued demand, Planters brought them back in 2018. The new version has stayed on shelves but still gets compared to the original.
8. Crispy M&M’s
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This version of M&M’s had a crunchy rice center covered in milk chocolate and a candy shell. Launched in 1999, they were a hit with people who wanted a lighter texture. Discontinued in the U.S. in 2005, they remained available in some other countries. Due to popular demand, they were reintroduced in 2015.
9. Oreo O’s Cereal
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Oreo O’s turned the famous cookie into a breakfast cereal, launched in 1998. It was sweet, chocolatey, and very popular with kids. The cereal was discontinued in 2007 in most markets, though it remained available in South Korea for years. Post officially brought it back to U.S. shelves in 2017.
10. Melody Pops
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Melody Pops were lollipops shaped like whistles that actually produced sound when blown into. They were popular for combining candy and play, especially among younger kids in the 1990s. The product was made by Chupa Chups and sold in many countries, but it became harder to find in the U.S. over time. Though still sold in limited markets, they are mostly absent from major retail stores today.
11. Ecto Cooler
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Ecto Cooler was a green citrus-flavored drink released by Hi-C in 1989 to promote the animated Ghostbusters series. It gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, recognized for its vibrant colors and tie-in branding. After being discontinued in 2001, fans repeatedly asked for its return. It briefly came back in 2016 for the Ghostbusters reboot but hasn’t returned since.