18 Celebrity-Endorsed Products from the ’90s You Forgot
These '90s celebrity-backed products had their moment in the spotlight, but they might have slipped your mind—until now.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
The ’90s were packed with celebrity endorsements, from flashy sneakers to unexpected food tie-ins. Some of these products became instant hits, while others faded into obscurity. Whether it was a pop star promoting a perfume or an action hero selling an energy drink, these celebrity-backed items were once everywhere. Here is a look at 18 endorsements that made waves back then but are barely remembered today.
1. Michael Jordan’s Ball Park Franks
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
Even the greatest basketball player of all time had a hot dog brand. Michael Jordan’s Ball Park Franks hit the stores in the ’90s, with commercials highlighting that they were “MJ-approved.” They may not have been a slam dunk in the long run, but they sure had their time in the spotlight.
2. Britney Spears’ Got Milk? Campaign
Got milk? on Wikimedia Commons
The Got Milk? campaign featured many celebrities, but Britney Spears’ ad was one of the most iconic. Her perfectly placed milk mustache and popstar charm made it a standout. The campaign might be long gone, but that ad remains a piece of ’90s advertising history.
3. Shaquille O’Neal’s Shaq Fu Video Game
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
Shaquille O’Neal did not just dominate the basketball court—he also entered the video game world. Shaq Fu was a fighting game featuring Shaq as the hero battling through bizarre dimensions. It may not have been a masterpiece, but it still has a cult following today.
4. Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty Skincare
Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com on Wikimedia Commons
Cindy Crawford launched Meaningful Beauty in the ’90s, promising age-defying results. Her supermodel status made it a must-try for skincare enthusiasts. While the brand still exists, its ’90s roots are often forgotten.
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Planet Hollywood
Ank Kumar on Wikimedia Commons
Planet Hollywood was the place to be in the ’90s, and Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of its biggest backers. The star-studded restaurant was all about movie memorabilia and celebrity sightings. While some locations still exist, its golden era has long passed.
6. NSYNC’s Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Jingle
Alfredo Matheus Diez on Wikimedia Commons
Before NSYNC ruled the charts, they lent their harmonies to a Chili’s commercial. Their version of the Baby Back Ribs jingle became a surprise hit. It is a bizarre but fun reminder of their early days.
7. Pamela Anderson’s Jolt Cola Ads
Pamela Anderson on Wikimedia Commons
Jolt Cola was all about high energy, and who better to promote it than Pamela Anderson? The ads were flashy, fast-paced, and full of ’90s attitude. Jolt may not be as popular now, but it had its moment in the spotlight.
8. Hulk Hogan’s Pastamania
Petty Officer 1st Class Kristin Fitzsimmons, USN on Wikimedia Commons
Hulk Hogan took a swing at the restaurant business with Pastamania. The wrestling-themed eatery served up pasta dishes with over-the-top branding. It did not last long and became the legendary ’90s business flop.
9. Tyra Banks’ Flirt! Cosmetics
John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com on Wikimedia Commons
Before launching America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks had her own makeup line. Flirt! Cosmetics was all about bold, playful beauty. It eventually disappeared, but its ’90s packaging was peak Y2K style.
10. Mark Wahlberg’s Calvin Klein Ads
Peter Saville on Wikimedia Commons
Mark Wahlberg’s Calvin Klein ads were everywhere in the ’90s. His toned physique and attitude made him the perfect fit. Those black-and-white shots are still referenced in fashion history.
11. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Levi’s Ads
Levi Strauss & Co. on Wikimedia Commons
Jennifer Love Hewitt was the face of Levi’s in the late ’90s, bringing youthful energy to the brand. Her ads featured carefree poses and classic denim looks, capturing the era’s effortless, cool style.
12. George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Thanks to its catchy infomercials, the George Foreman Grill became a kitchen must-have. The former boxer convinced millions that grilling could be quick, easy, and healthier. The grill may still be around, but its ’90s commercials were unbeatable.
13. Spice Girls’ Pepsi Commercials
™/®PepsiCo, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
The Spice Girls and Pepsi were a match made in pop culture heaven. Their high-energy commercials featured exclusive songs and plenty of attitude. It was peak ’90s marketing at its finest.
14. Macaulay Culkin’s Honey Nut Cheerios Commercials
chrismetcalfTV on Wikimedia Commons
After Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin was the king of kid-friendly endorsements. His Honey Nut Cheerios commercials featured his signature smirk and playful attitude, making breakfast time feel like a blockbuster event.
15. Drew Barrymore’s CoverGirl Campaign
Dvdplr (talk), David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Drew Barrymore’s CoverGirl ads were all about effortless beauty. She brought a fun, fresh vibe to the brand’s classic tagline. It cemented her status as a ’90s beauty icon.
16. Mr. T’s Flavored Snack Bars
Miguel Discart on Wikimedia Commons
Mr. T took his tough-guy image into the snack aisle with his own branded bars. These treats promised strength and energy with every bite. They may be long gone, but their over-the-top packaging is unforgettable.
17. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Tag Heuer Ads
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Before Titanic made him a megastar, Leonardo DiCaprio was the face of Tag Heuer. His stylish ads gave the brand a fresh, youthful image—a perfect mix of Hollywood cool and classic sophistication.
18. Jackie Chan’s Hong Kong Cafe Endorsement
Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons
Jackie Chan’s action-packed career led to many endorsements, including a Hong Kong café chain. His commercials combined humor and high-flying stunts to sell a simple meal. It was a unique fusion of martial arts and marketing.