15 School Snacks That Always Got Traded Away
Here's a nostalgic look at the school snacks that kids were most willing to swap, turning every lunch break into a mini trading market.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
School lunch was never just about eating; it was about trading snacks like currency. Certain treats were so desirable that they became the backbone of playground negotiations. From sweet to salty, these snacks defined the lunchtime economy of countless childhoods.
1. Fruit Roll-Ups
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Brightly colored and sticky, Fruit Roll-Ups were practically edible art supplies. Kids loved peeling them apart, stretching them thin, or sticking them to their tongues. If you pulled one out of your lunchbox, it was guaranteed someone would offer chips or cookies in exchange. The fun factor made them more valuable than almost any other snack.
2. Dunkaroos
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Dunkaroos were the holy grail of lunch snacks, pairing crunchy cookies with sweet frosting. The portion of frosting was always just enough to make each bite feel indulgent. Because they were often more expensive, not every kid had them, making them a hot commodity for trades. Few snacks held as much bargaining power as these.
3. Gushers
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With their chewy outside and juice-filled centers, Gushers were messy but irresistible. Kids would trade nearly anything for even one pouch, because no other snack gave that surprising burst of flavor. They were seen as more “fun” than regular fruit snacks, making them a top-tier trade item. Anyone with Gushers was instantly popular at the lunch table.
4. Capri Sun
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The silver pouch of Capri Sun was iconic, but more importantly, it made you look cool sipping it with the little straw. Flavors like Pacific Cooler were top favorites, and no one could resist a cold pouch on a hot day. Kids who had boring milk cartons would gladly swap for one. The drink carried just as much weight as a good snack in trades.
5. Lunchables
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Lunchables were basically the complete meal kit version of a snack, with mini pizzas or cracker stacks. The pizza Lunchables, in particular, were the most coveted, with their sauce, cheese, and tiny crusts. Having one made you a power player in lunchtime negotiations. People would line up to offer two or three lesser snacks for a trade.
6. Hostess CupCakes
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Chocolate cake with that cream swirl in the middle was an automatic win. These cupcakes were soft, rich, and often felt like a “bonus” compared to healthier snacks. Parents rarely packed them daily, which made them even more sought after when they appeared. They were perfect for trading with kids who wanted something sweet to round out their lunch.
7. Goldfish Crackers
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Goldfish may have been marketed as “the snack that smiles back,” but they also disappeared quickly in the lunchroom. Their salty, cheesy flavor made them universally appealing. Since they came in resealable bags, kids often traded handfuls rather than the whole pack. They were versatile enough to appeal to both sweet-tooth and salty-snack kids.
8. Oreos
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Oreo cookies had universal appeal, whether eaten whole, dunked in milk, or twisted apart to lick the filling. Many kids had plain cookies, but Oreos stood out as premium. They were especially desirable if they were the Double Stuf version. Even a couple of cookies could land you a serious trade.
9. Doritos
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The bold flavor of Doritos, especially Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch, made them a lunchtime star. A kid with a bag of Doritos often found themselves swarmed with offers. Unlike plain chips, Doritos had a taste that felt unique and exciting. They could easily be traded for desserts or specialty snacks.
10. Rice Krispies Treats
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These sticky, marshmallow-packed squares were both chewy and crunchy, making them irresistible. Homemade versions were popular too, but the packaged blue-wrapped ones had extra status. They often disappeared fast in trades because kids considered them a “premium dessert.” Even kids with chips or candy were quick to offer swaps for these.
11. Twinkies
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Twinkies, with their spongy golden cake and cream filling, had a nostalgic charm even back then. They were often seen as a “classic” snack that not every parent packed. Because they were filling and sweet, kids happily swapped away salty snacks for them. Their reputation as a fun treat made them a lunchroom staple for trades.
12. Cheez-Its
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Cheez-Its were sharp, salty, and addictive, making them a strong lunchtime contender. Their small square size made them easy to share or trade by handful. Kids would trade cookies or candy for these if they wanted a break from sweets. They offered a savory balance to a lunch filled with sugary snacks.
13. Pop-Tarts
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Though often a breakfast food, Pop-Tarts showed up in plenty of lunchboxes. The frosted varieties, like Strawberry or Brown Sugar Cinnamon, were especially popular. Kids could eat them cold or at room temperature, which made them convenient. They were often split and traded, with each pastry working as its own bargaining chip.
14. Pringles
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Pringles stood out because they came in their iconic tube, making them feel fancier than regular chips. Their perfectly uniform shape made them fun to eat and share. Kids who only had plain potato chips often looked to trade up for these. Flavors like Sour Cream and Onion carried extra trade power.
15. Little Debbie Swiss Roll
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Swiss Rolls were chocolaty, creamy, and fun to unroll before eating. They offered more indulgence than standard snack cakes. Kids who had them often became instant trade targets. Just one roll could fetch a solid swap like chips or fruit snacks.