18 Snack Foods That Peaked and Vanished
These nostalgic treats once flew off store shelves — but now, they’re just a memory.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some snacks burn bright and fast. They left behind fond memories and empty wrappers. These once-popular goodies disappeared from the spotlight, which have left many dismayed. This list takes a bite out of the snack foods that had their moment — then quietly faded away.
1. PB Crisps
orangebrompton on Flickr
Planters’ peanut butter-filled nuggets were a ’90s favorite. Sweet, crunchy, and addictive, they had a loyal fan base. Despite demand, they mysteriously disappeared — and still haven’t returned.
2. 3D Doritos (Original Version)
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
These puffed-up chips offered a new twist on a classic favorite. While they’ve made a recent comeback, they’re not quite the same as the original late ’90s version.
3. Pizzarias Pizza Chips
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Keebler’s savory snack tasted like a crispy slice of pizza. With bold seasoning and a unique crunch, they were everywhere in the early ‘90s.
4. Butterfinger BB’s
Judgefloro on Wikimedia Commons
These bite-sized Butterfinger balls were marketed with Bart Simpson’s help. Easier to snack on than the original bar, they developed a cult following.
5. Oreo O’s Cereal (Pre-2017 Version)
Explicit on Wikimedia Commons
Oreo O’s was a sugar lover’s dream: cookies for breakfast. Originally discontinued in the U.S. in 2007, it returned in 2017 — but fans insist the flavor isn’t the same.
6. Dunkaroos (Original Recipe)
:kirsch on Wikimedia Commons
Nothing screamed ’90s lunchbox like these cookies and frosting packs. They came back recently, but older fans say the classic version had a better formula.
7. Tato Skins
Andy Bullock on Wikimedia Commons
Keebler’s potato-based snacks tasted like loaded baked potatoes in chip form. Hearty, salty, and satisfying, they filled a gap between chips and crackers.
8. Yogos
steve loya on Flickr
These yogurt-covered fruit snacks were chewy, sweet, and a lunchbox hit. Parents loved the “healthy” label, while kids craved the candy-like taste.
9. Crispy M&M’s (Before the Relaunch)
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
Originally introduced in 1999, these crunchy-core M&M’s were briefly discontinued in the 2000s. Though brought back, longtime fans argue the original formula hit differently.
10. Pepsi Blue
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
A berry-flavored soda with a neon look, it stood out in early 2000s vending machines. Though not technically a food, it paired well with snacks — and vanished by 2004.
11. String Thing
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
These fruity, colorful snacks let kids play with their food before eating it. Twisted, stretchy, and totally artificial, they were oddly satisfying.
12. Swoops
eklim on Flickr
Shaped like Pringles but made of chocolate, these thin Hershey’s treats were oddly elegant. They broke easily, melted fast, and were expensive — but unique.
13. Fruit String Roll-Ups (Early Formulas)
inazakira on Flickr
The old-school version had a chewier texture and wilder flavors. While the brand still exists, the original appeal and packaging are long gone.
14. Planters Cheez Balls (Original Recipe)
Tandem X Visuals on Unsplash
These neon-orange puffs came in a signature blue canister. They briefly returned in 2018, but the taste didn’t live up to the memory.
15. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies
~ tOkKa on Flickr
Hostess filled these green-glazed snack pies with vanilla pudding. Tied to the cartoon’s popularity, they were both weird and wonderful.
16. Reggie! Bar
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Named after baseball legend Reggie Jackson, this caramel, peanut, and chocolate bar was a hit in the late ’70s. Sports fans loved it — but it never had staying power.
17. Ecto Cooler
Phil Dokas on Flickr
Hi-C’s tie-in with Ghostbusters delivered a citrus-flavored green juice that kids went crazy for. Even adults remember the neon drink fondly.
18. Chocolate Vanilla Creme Pop-Tarts
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This flavor combo was rich, nostalgic, and different from current offerings. It had a devoted fan base before being discontinued.