12 Discontinued Ice Cream Flavors from the ’80s We Miss
The 1980s gave us some bold ice cream flavors that disappeared too soon but are still remembered by fans today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
During the 1980s, ice cream brands experimented with creative and unusual flavors. Some were tied to pop culture, while others were just ahead of their time. Although they didn’t last, many of these flavors still have a loyal fan base hoping for a comeback.
1. Ben & Jerry’s Dastardly Mash
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This chocolate ice cream flavor has pecans, raisins, and fudge chips. It was introduced as one of Ben & Jerry’s original pints but didn’t last into the next decade. The raisins were a controversial ingredient that many people didn’t enjoy. Still, the mix of textures made it memorable for those who liked it.
2. Häagen-Dazs Rum Raisin
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This was a rich, creamy flavor made with rum-flavored ice cream and sweet raisins. It had a strong taste that wasn’t for everyone, but it gained a loyal following. Eventually, it was pulled from most U.S. markets due to low demand. In some countries, though, it’s still available in limited stores.
3. Good Humor Candy Center Crunch
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This bar featured vanilla ice cream coated in a chocolate shell, with a surprise candy center. It was a favorite among kids who liked the mix of soft and crunchy textures. The candy center was a big draw but made the bar more expensive to produce. It quietly disappeared from freezer shelves by the early ‘90s.
4. Baskin-Robbins Lunar Cheesecake
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This was a limited-time flavor released to celebrate space exploration. It mixed cheesecake ice cream with chocolate and marshmallow swirls. Its unique name and rich taste stood out but didn’t return after its initial run. Some fans still ask for it at Baskin-Robbins locations.
5. Ben & Jerry’s Economic Crunch
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Released during the 1987 stock market crash, this flavor was a mix of vanilla with chocolate-covered almonds, pecans, and walnuts. It was intended as a light-hearted nod to tough financial times. The flavor itself was popular, but it was eventually retired. Ben & Jerry’s now lists it as part of their “Flavor Graveyard.”
6. Pillsbury Pudding Pop Ice Cream Bars
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These were part ice cream, part frozen pudding, and became a hit thanks to TV ads in the early ‘80s. They had a creamy texture that was different from regular popsicles. Over time, demand dropped, and production stopped. They’ve since gained a nostalgic following online.
7. Baskin-Robbins Apple Pie à la Mode
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This was a fall seasonal flavor that combined vanilla ice cream with chunks of apple pie and cinnamon. It tasted like a frozen version of the real dessert. Many people loved the warm spice flavor in contrast with the cold ice cream. It didn’t stay on the menu past the decade.
8. Good Humor Toasted Almond Bar
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This bar featured vanilla ice cream coated in crushed almonds and almond-flavored crumbs. It had a subtle, nutty taste that stood out from more sugary options. It was around for years but was eventually discontinued due to shifting demand. Some stores still carry similar versions under different brands.
9. Ben & Jerry’s White Russian
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This adult-inspired flavor combined coffee liqueur ice cream with fudge swirls. It was popular among fans of the cocktail and had a strong, rich flavor. Over time, alcohol-themed ice creams became less common. Ben & Jerry’s retired this flavor in the early 2000s, but it started in the late ‘80s.
10. Sealtest Pudding Ice Cream
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Sealtest was an old dairy brand that offered a pudding-based ice cream in the 1980s. The texture was extra smooth and creamy, unlike regular ice cream. Flavors included chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch. The brand faded away, and with it, these flavors disappeared.
11. Baskin-Robbins Concord Grape Sorbet
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This was a fruity, sweet sorbet made with real grape flavor. It stood out because grape isn’t a common ice cream or sorbet choice. It was light, refreshing, and different from the usual fruit flavors. Despite positive reviews, it was pulled after a short run.
12. Klondike Chocolate Choco Taco
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Before the more popular version became popular in the 1990s, Klondike tested an all-chocolate taco shell version in the late ‘80s. It was a darker, richer take on the novelty dessert. The shell was more brittle, which caused issues in shipping and storage. Years later, the product was updated and re-released in a new form.