If you grew up in the 90s, you know that the snacks back then were iconic. There was no shortage of colorful, sugary treats that filled our lunchboxes, fueled our after-school hunger, and definitely left their mark on our childhoods. From the neon drinks that probably glowed in the dark to nibbles that came with an interactive twist, the 90s were packed with all-star snacks that, sadly, many of us haven’t seen in years (but probably healthier that way).
The thing is, snacking back then wasn’t just about satisfying hunger. It was about status. Trading Dunkaroos for Gushers, getting your hands on a rare Shark Bite, or cracking open a bottle of Surge at recess made you the MVP of the lunchroom. But fast forward a few decades, and some of these legends have all but disappeared from grocery store shelves, leaving only the nostalgia behind.
So, if you’re ready for a stroll down memory lane, let’s get into 15 forgotten 90s snacks that deserve a comeback. Some of these may have slipped through the cracks of time, but trust me, they’ll all give you major snack envy.
Note: Some photos are not exact due to copyright concerns.
1. Dunkaroos
Who could forget Dunkaroos? These were the ultimate lunchbox snack. You had a pack of tiny cookies paired with an equally tiny container of icing. If you asked any kid, they’d tell you that the entire point of Dunkaroos was to pile as much frosting as humanly possible onto each cookie. It wasn’t just a snack but a masterpiece in every bite.
Though Dunkaroos were discontinued for years, they’ve recently made a comeback. Still, nothing quite beats the original 90s version, where you felt like a cookie-frosting architect.
2. 3D Doritos
Doritos are still around, but if you were snacking in the 90s, you’d remember 3D Doritos. They took the crunchy classic and gave it a literal twist. These puffed-up, hollow triangles added an extra dimension of fun to your snacking. Jalapeño Cheddar and Zesty Ranch were the fan favorites, offering that satisfying Dorito flavor with a whole new texture.
While they’ve returned in some form recently, the 90s original holds a special place in snack history as the perfect combination of crunch and airiness.
3. SqueezeIts
If you didn’t drink your juice from a neon plastic bottle shaped like a bizarre creature, were you even living in the 90s? Squeezits were exactly that: fruit-flavored sugary drinks in squeeze bottles that made snack time feel like an event. The names were just as fun as the packaging, with flavors like Chucklin’ Cherry and Silly Billy Strawberry.
They disappeared in the early 2000s, but for those of us who spent our childhoods popping off the tops and squeezing out the colorful liquid, Squeezits were a true lunchbox favorite.
4. Fruitopia
A drink that defined the 90s, Fruitopia was the ultimate “cool kid” beverage. It was sold as a fruity, alternative soda, but with names like Strawberry Passion Awareness and The Grape Beyond, it was more than just a drink—it was a whole mood. Posters plastered with psychedelic designs made it a staple in school cafeterias everywhere.
Despite its cult following, Fruitopia was replaced by Minute Maid products in the early 2000s. But for 90s kids, this fruity drink will always be the stuff of legends.
5. Shark Bites
Shark Bites weren’t just any fruit snack—they were THE fruit snack. Shaped like different species of sharks, including the elusive Great White, these gummy treats were the star of any packed lunch. Everyone knew that if you got a Great White in your pack, you were winning snack time that day.
Though they’ve since vanished, Shark Bites are still fondly remembered by anyone lucky enough to score that rare, pale gummy.
6. Planters Cheez Balls
Planters Cheez Balls were more than just another cheesy snack. Packaged in a bright blue canister, these tiny, crunchy cheese balls were pure 90s gold. Perfect for sharing (or hoarding), Cheez Balls had a flavor that seemed to linger long after you popped open the can.
Though they disappeared for a while, these snacks have made a brief comeback in recent years, much to the joy of their devoted fan base. But nothing beats cracking open that iconic blue can during their 90s heyday.
7. Surge
Before energy drinks were a thing, this radioactive-green soda packed a serious punch. Aimed at teenagers, Surge was like Mountain Dew’s wild cousin, full of caffeine, sugar, and a rebellious edge. It was the drink for anyone looking to amp up their game on the basketball court or, more likely, the video game console.
Surge was discontinued in the early 2000s, but its legend lives on. It even made a limited return for the die-hard fans who never stopped longing for that neon caffeine rush.
8. Gushers
Nothing says 90s snack like Gushers. These little fruit snacks exploded with a liquid filling that made every bite an adventure. The gooey, sugary insides made them one of the messiest yet most satisfying treats around. Plus, their commercials were unforgettable, kids turning into giant fruits after eating one? Pure 90s magic.
While Gushers still exist today, the nostalgia surrounding them remains unmatched. Back in the 90s, they were a lunchtime staple that had kids everywhere hooked.
9. Ouch! Bubble Gum
Ouch! Bubble Gum was as tasty as it was fun. Packaged in a tin that looked like a box of bandages, each stick of gum was wrapped to resemble a little bandage. The novelty factor was through the roof, and the flavors like watermelon and grape made it an instant favorite.
Sadly, Ouch! Bubble Gum disappeared from shelves, but for 90s kids, chewing on one of these “bandages” was a rite of passage.
10. PB Crunch
For peanut butter lovers, PB Crisps were a game-changer. These peanut-shaped, crispy snacks were filled with creamy peanut butter that satisfied even the strongest of cravings. Made by Planters, they had a loyal following among snack enthusiasts, and once you started eating them, it was hard to stop.
Despite their popularity, PB Crisps vanished in the late 90s, leaving fans longing for their return. To this day, there’s a dedicated online community still campaigning for a PB Crisps comeback.
11. Cosmic Brownies
Cosmic Brownies from Little Debbie were out of this world—literally! These fudgy treats were topped with tiny rainbow-colored candies that gave them an intergalactic vibe. Whether you ate them during lunch or snuck one as an after-school snack, Cosmic Brownies were the sugary indulgence every kid craved.
Although you can still find Cosmic Brownies today, the 90s version reigns supreme in our memories as a sugary masterpiece.
12. Ecto Cooler
Ecto Cooler was a whole event. Originally released as a tie-in to Ghostbusters, Hi-C’s Ecto Cooler was a citrus-flavored juice that was as neon green as the slime from the movies. It became an instant hit, and the connection to Ghostbusters gave it an extra layer of coolness.
Though it disappeared from shelves in 2001, Ecto Cooler made a brief comeback in 2016. Still, the 90s version will always be the real MVP of juice boxes.
13. Kudos Granola Bars
Granola bars didn’t always have to be boring. In the 90s, Kudos granola bars were loaded with chocolate, candy, and fun. They were drizzled with chocolate or filled with M&M’s. Kudos made snack time feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Though they’ve since disappeared, Kudos was the kind of snack you couldn’t wait to find in your lunchbox. Health food? Not exactly, but oh, were they good.
14. Yoplait Trix Yogurt
The 90s weren’t just about cereal. Trix Yogurt, made by Yoplait, took the colorful fun of Trix cereal and turned it into a creamy, swirled yogurt treat. The wild colors and bold flavors, like cotton candy, made it a favorite for kids who wanted something a little more exciting for their lunch.
Sadly, Trix Yogurt was discontinued, but it’s still remembered as one of the most vibrant snacks ever to hit the dairy aisle.
15. Butterfinger BB’s
Butterfinger BB’s were the perfect bite-sized version of the classic candy bar. They packed the same crunchy peanut butter and chocolate flavor but came in little round balls that were easy to snack on. Plus, they were made famous by Bart Simpson himself, “Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger.”
These treats were discontinued in the mid-2000s, but for those who had the pleasure of munching on Butterfinger BB’s in the 90s, they remain unforgettable.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
