15 Food Packaging Designs That Are Now Collector’s Items
These vintage food packages weren’t just containers — they became timeless treasures for collectors.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Food packaging isn’t just about holding snacks — it’s a snapshot of culture and design from the past. Some wrappers, boxes, and cans have gained cult status, turning into prized collectibles decades after hitting shelves. From retro logos to limited editions, these designs tell tasty stories from another era.
1. Kellogg’s Sugar Smacks (1950s)
Wikimedia Commons
With a cartoonish clown and bold, sugary lettering, early Sugar Smacks boxes are pure mid-century eye candy. The cereal might’ve changed, but the vintage artwork captures a simpler time.
2. Pepsi-Cola Glass Bottles (1940s)
Izabella Bedő on Pexels
Those curvy glass bottles with the red-white-blue swirl are now antique gems. Before cans took over, Pepsi’s glass silhouette was iconic.
3. Campbell’s Soup Cans (1960s – Warhol Edition)
Mike Mozart on Wikimedia Commons
Thanks to Andy Warhol, Campbell’s soup cans became an instant icon of pop art. The original labels from this era are highly sought after.
4. McDonald’s Styrofoam Burger Boxes (1980s)
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
Before eco-friendly packaging, these bright clamshells were everywhere. The colors stood out, and each box featured distinct branding for each item.
5. Jell-O Collectible Tins (1950s-60s)
Inside the Magic on Flickr
Back when gelatin was a meal staple, Jell-O came in cheerful, colorful tins. They featured housewives, family dinners, and old-school recipes.
6. Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Wrappers (1930s-40s)
Wikimedia Commons
Early wrappers had a more industrial look — simple fonts, brown tones, and thick paper. They’re prized for their raw, no-frills style. Unlike modern shiny versions, they feel handmade and rare.
7. Coca-Cola Holiday Bottles (1990s)
José Roitberg on FLickr
Limited-edition holiday bottles featured Santa Claus and snowy themes. These glass bottles only appeared once a year, making them instantly collectible.
8. Ritz Cracker Cans (1950s)
ZooFari on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, Ritz came in reusable metal tins that looked downright regal. Gold fonts, navy blues, and elegant trim made crackers feel fancy.
9. Cheetos “Chester Cheetah” Bags (Early 90s)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Before the edgy Chester we know today, there was a cooler, laid-back cartoon version. The early designs were wildly colorful and funky. These pouches have become fun-time collectibles.
10. Lucky Charms Box (1970s Original)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
The original Lucky the Leprechaun was rounder and a bit more mischievous. Early boxes had more muted pastels and less digital design. Fans of cereal history adore these early editions.
11. Tang Space Program Canisters (1960s)
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
Tang’s packaging proudly displayed its connection to NASA and the space race. It was science-themed and futuristic — perfect for kids dreaming of Mars. Those tin cans are now orbiting collector circles.
12. Planters Mr. Peanut Glass Jars (1930s)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Mr. Peanut first strutted across glass jars in top hat and monocle, exuding class. These containers held not just peanuts but a touch of elegance.
13. General Mills Star Wars Cereal Boxes (1978)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Released after A New Hope, these tie-in boxes were instant collector bait. They featured original trilogy characters and even mini-comics.
14. Heinz Baby Food Jars (1950s)
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
Vintage baby jars with soft-colored labels and smiling infants are now nursery collectibles. Their sweet innocence and classic typography win over glassware collectors.
15. Nabisco Animal Crackers Box (Early Editions)
Robert Fornal on Flickr
The original circus-themed box came with a string handle, like a mini toy. Early designs were hand-illustrated and whimsical. These boxes bring childhood memories flooding back.