14 ’90s TV Jingles That Wouldn’t Air Now

The 1990s brought a wave of memorable TV jingles that stuck in your head for days. While some still hold up, others would never make it past today’s more thoughtful ad standards. Their tone, lyrics, or stereotypes would raise eyebrows now more than ever.

Tricia Quitales
July 14, 2025
5 min read

14 ’90s TV Jingles That Wouldn’t Air Now — Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

TV jingles from the 1990s were catchy, quirky, and often unforgettable, but many of them wouldn’t fly in today’s advertising climate. Shifts in social awareness, inclusivity, and messaging standards have redefined what is acceptable in mainstream media. Some of the most iconic jingles used humor or stereotypes that would now spark backlash. While they remain part of pop culture history, they reflect a different time in entertainment and marketing.

1. Mentos “The Freshmaker”

CFP brands on Wikimedia

The Mentos jingle was upbeat and quirky, promoting spontaneous decision-making and cheeky confidence. Each commercial featured someone bending rules or social norms in a humorous way. While fun at the time, some scenarios encouraged behavior that feels inappropriate today. The jingle’s lyrics and tone implied that success came through mischief. Today’s commercials tend to avoid glamorizing rule-breaking in this way.

2. Folgers “Peter Comes Home” Christmas Ad

JA Folger Co. on Wikimedia

The Folgers ad with the iconic jingle “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup” took a sentimental turn in the ’90s. One ad featured a brother-sister reunion that viewers later found uncomfortably intimate. Though unintentional, the awkward undertones created long-standing internet speculation. The jingle itself remains iconic but would be revised with more mindful storytelling. Emotional boundaries are taken more seriously in today’s family advertising.

3. Herbal Essences “Totally Organic Experience”

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This jingle came with moaning sound effects in shower scenes that bordered on suggestive. While intended to be funny and bold, it raised concerns over objectifying women. The ad’s over-the-top delivery would now be considered tone-deaf. Modern advertising for hair care emphasizes empowerment and inclusivity over innuendo. The jingle’s style wouldn’t pass current content review standards.

4. Toys “R” Us “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”

Toys “R” Us on Wikimedia

The childlike tune captured the joy of staying young and surrounded by toys. However, some critics pointed out that it glorified materialism at a young age. The lyrics reinforced shopping as a form of happiness. While catchy, it leaned too far into consumerism for today’s mindful parenting standards. Ads now focus more on creative play and learning than on endless purchases.

5. Nestlé Alpine White Bar

Nestlé on Wikimedia

The jingle had an ethereal, romantic sound, paired with soft-focus visuals and dramatic flair. It suggested that chocolate was not just candy but a luxury romance. Critics later pointed out the lack of diversity in casting and tone, which felt disconnected. The ad lacked cultural awareness and inclusivity. Today’s chocolate commercials tend to be more grounded and representative.

6. Crossfire Board Game “You’ll Get Caught Up in the…”

Chrysler on Wikimedia

This adrenaline-filled jingle paired with aggressive visuals made the board game look like a life-or-death battle. It was loud, intense, and had a theme closer to an action movie. While thrilling for kids in the ’90s, the tone feels far too violent for modern toy ads. Today’s parents expect games to promote teamwork and education. Jingles like this would be seen as overly aggressive.

7. Skip-It Toy Song

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The jingle endlessly repeated “Skip it, skip it” in a high-pitched, rapid delivery. Though playful, it became infamous for its earworm quality and chaotic energy. Its hyperactivity and relentless pace would likely be toned down today. Children’s ads now prioritize calmness and positive messaging. The jingle would be seen as too overstimulating by current standards.

8. Gushers “Heads Turning into Fruit”

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The jingle was wild and fun, backed by visuals of kids’ heads turning into giant fruit. It leaned into absurdity and surreal humor. But critics began to question the safety messages in food ads that blurred reality. The jingle’s carefree vibe could clash with today’s stricter marketing to children. Food advertising has become more health-conscious and realistic.

9. SlimFast “Give Us a Week” Jingle

Slimfast on Wikimedia

SlimFast’s jingle promised rapid weight loss in a week, backed by testimonials and upbeat tunes. The messaging prioritized appearance and quick results. In today’s more body-positive world, these claims feel problematic. Health experts now push for sustainable wellness over crash diets. The jingle’s promise would face intense scrutiny and legal concerns.

10. California Raisins “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”

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The claymation raisin characters dancing to Motown were charming but relied heavily on cultural stylization. While beloved, the jingle raised later discussions on stereotyping. Using animated characters with stylized voices and music is now more carefully approached. Brand mascots today are developed with cultural sensitivity in mind. The jingle’s approach would be restructured in a modern setting.

11. Juicy Fruit “The Taste is Gonna Move Ya”

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The jingle implied an almost supernatural burst of energy from chewing gum. Commercials featured people breakdancing, surfing, and flipping into action. It was bold and exaggerated, leaning into extreme sports culture. Now, these energy-focused claims would be considered misleading. Ads today are more fact-based, especially in food marketing.

12. Bubble Tape “It’s Six Feet of Bubble Gum for You, Not Them”

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The jingle was sarcastic and rebellious, painting adults as clueless and uncool. It told kids the gum was just for them and not to be shared. While funny at the time, its messaging feels exclusionary now. Modern ads aim to be more inclusive and respectful across age groups. The jingle’s tone wouldn’t hold up under today’s advertising ethics.

13. Chef Boyardee “Rolls Home” Commercial

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A jingle-free ad that featured the can of Chef Boyardee literally rolling home to a child. The concept became unintentionally creepy for some viewers. It was meant to be magical but felt unsettling to modern eyes. The lack of realism combined with a silent, eerie tone raised eyebrows. Today’s food ads favor relatable storytelling over surreal gimmicks.

14. HeadOn “Apply Directly to the Forehead”

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This jingle simply repeated the phrase “Apply directly to the forehead” over and over without context. It was jarring, confusing, and left many viewers annoyed rather than informed. While it gained notoriety, it is now a lesson in what not to do. Current advertising focuses on clarity, engagement, and value. Repetition without explanation no longer works with modern audiences.