20 Sweets That Were the Definition of 90s
Taste the sweet-sugary treats that ruled the 90s snack scene.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 5 min read
Dive into a sugar-fueled nostalgia trip as we revisit sweets that defined the 90s snack scene, from chewy candies to crunchy cookies. These 20 treats were the ultimate indulgence for kids and adults—a sweet journey as we explore the candy-coated memories of a bygone era.
1. Pop Rocks
Evan-Amos on WIkimedia Commons
It’s a carbonated, exploding candy that pops in your mouth. It was the ultimate 90s fun: small, colorful wrapping but pure excitement inside. This cracker-like sensation and the burst of flavor make it unforgettable.
2. Push Pops
Editor182 (talk) on WIkimedia Commons
A candy on a stick with a twist-literally. You would push the candy up from the bottom one small bite at a time. Candy is unique, interactive, and fitting for a playful 90’s kid.
3. Fun Dip
Evan-Amos on WIkimedia Commons
This classic candy took it to a whole new level. You’d dip a stick into some type of sugary powder, and, well, voilà. There you have it: sweet and colorful, simple yet always so much fun to change the taste of candy to one’s preference.
4. Pixy Stix
Meaghan O’Malley on Wikimedia Commons
This sugar is high in a little packet. Colorfully sugar-coated sticks were the quickest and easiest way to get your sweet fix. Their bright colors and strong flavor combined to make them a favorite in the 1990s.
5. Nerds
Evan-Amos on WIkimedia Commons
These fruit-flavored candies come in many flavors. They’re the perfect snack size, reachable, and ready to go. Their crunch and burst of flavor made them popular with kids and adults alike.
6. Jolly Ranchers
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
Classic hard candy in a rainbow of flavors, it’s tough to bite but oh so satisfying. Long-lasting flavor and chew combine in a favorite treat.
7. Laffy Taffy
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
It was one of those chewy, stretchy candies with a joke in each wrapper. It was just the thing to get your morning going right—a sweet treat mixed with a laugh.
8. Smarties
Image of LaurelG
It’s small, colored candies that melt in your mouth. They were the classic candy to share or for oneself. The simplicity of such flavor made them eternal.
9. Mike and Ike
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Common
These soft, chewy candies come in a variety of flavors. They are fun, colorful, and really good to share with friends. With a soft texture and a burst of flavor, they were the popular ones.
10. Runts
Kc60657 on Wikimedia Commons
Chewy, fruity candies come in many shapes and sizes, making them fun, colorful, and suitable to satisfy that sweet craving. Weird shapes and flavors made Runts stand out from every other candy.
11. Airheads
Harrison Keely on Wikimedia Commons
It is a type of chewy, fruity candy that is so soft it almost melts in your mouth. It was fun and colorful, the perfect treat to just pick up and go. The soft texture and extreme flavor made it a favorite among many.
12. SweeTarts
Windell Oskay on Wikimedia Commons
Those little pieces of candy with so much chew usually carry on a tart sense and come in all different flavors. It was always a treat for those who liked the tart to balance their sweetness; it was a flavor one had to get used to. And therein lies the appeal: these bits are chewy in a satisfying way, as flavor explodes in your mouth.
13. Pop-Tarts
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
This toaster pastry came in a variety, from the tarty flavors to sweet, of which one would catch on. They were meant simply for a quick breakfast or at least a snack if on-the-go was required first thing in the morning. Those flaky crusts combined into sweet fillings became the favorite eating delights.
14. Dunkaroos
Dharma Lady on Flickr
It is the perfect after-school snack: a cookie and frosting dip duo. Crunchy cookies and creamy frosting—a match made in heaven. Satisfying that sweet craving was fun and easy.
15. Gushers
Thomson200 on Wikimedia Commons
It is a chewy candy with liquid inside that would burst in one’s mouth. It was a fun and messy treat for kids who loved surprises. The appeal was within the chewy texture and bursting of flavor.
16. Swedish Fish
Matthew Bellemare on Wikimedia Commons
This fish-shaped candies that are chewy, fruity, and soft. They were fun and colorful, just right for snacking. The softness of the candy and sweetness made them a favorite treat.
17. Dots
Crs3011 on WIkimedia Commons
Chewy candies in all colors and flavors were fun and colorful, great for sharing among friends. Their chewy texture and bursting flavor made them pop amongst the rest.
18. Bottle Caps
Kc60657 on WIkimedia Commons
A hard candy shaped like a bottle cap. They were pretty fun and reminded me of my childhood. The appeal was the hard candy texture and sweet flavor.
19. Sugar Babies
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
These are chew candy flavored with molasses—they are classic candy for those who like a little something bitter with their sweet. The way the chew joined with that unusual flavor element made Andy second to none.
20. Tootsie Rolls
John Trapp on Flickr
Varied sizes from a chewy chocolate candy. It was a traditional candy chosen at almost any moment when a person needed to have one quickly. They were fantastic and enjoyable because of their rich, velvety mouthfeel.