13 Childhood Snacks From the ’80s That We’d Love to Enjoy Again
From sugary cereals to chocolaty treats, snack time in the ‘80s felt like a celebration of fun and flavor.
While many of these goodies have disappeared from store shelves, they live on in the memories of those lucky enough to enjoy them. Whether it was an after-school indulgence or a lunchbox favorite, these snacks were more than just food—they were part of childhood itself.
So let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 13 snacks that we’d happily welcome back with open arms (and empty stomachs).
1. PB Max
For peanut butter lovers, PB Max was absolute perfection. Imagine a crunchy cookie base topped with a thick, creamy layer of peanut butter, all wrapped in rich milk chocolate. It was simple, delicious, and completely addictive.
Despite its huge popularity, PB Max mysteriously vanished from stores. The reason? Believe it or not, the Mars family just wasn’t that into peanut butter. (Yes, really.)
Even after all these years, fans still dream about its return. In a world where peanut butter and chocolate are still a match made in heaven, PB Max would fit right in.
2. Giggles Cookies
Long before emoji cookies were a thing, Giggles Cookies stole the show. Each sandwich cookie featured a smiling face with a chocolate or vanilla cream filling tucked between two crispy layers.
These weren’t just tasty—they were fun to eat. The bright packaging and playful design made them a favorite in lunchboxes and snack cupboards alike.
Even though they’ve disappeared, their legacy of sweet, smiling goodness remains. A cookie that actually grinned back at you? We’d buy them again in a heartbeat.
3. Pizzarias Chips
Pizzarias Chips weren’t just chips—they were pizza in snack form. These crunchy, triangular chips were loaded with the bold flavors of tomato sauce, melted cheese, and Italian spices.
Unlike other pizza-flavored snacks, Pizzarias actually tasted like real pizza, making them an instant favorite for after-school munchies and weekend movie nights.
Despite their loyal fan base, they mysteriously disappeared, leaving pizza lovers everywhere craving their comeback. Would they still be a hit today? Absolutely.
4. Oreo Big Stuf
Take a regular Oreo, supersize it, and you’ve got Oreo Big Stuf. This giant version of the classic cookie was massive, indulgent, and meant for serious snackers.
Each one was individually wrapped, making it feel more like a dessert than a cookie. It was a challenge to eat in one sitting, but let’s be real—we all tried.
Sadly, Oreo Big Stuf vanished in the ‘90s, but its legend still looms large. If it ever made a comeback, we’d gladly relive the challenge of finishing one.
5. Keebler Magic Middles
Keebler Magic Middles were a delicious little secret. From the outside, they looked like plain shortbread cookies, but one bite revealed a gooey chocolate (or peanut butter) center.
The contrast between the buttery cookie and creamy filling made them one of the best-kept treasures of the snack aisle. Simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.
Despite their cult following, they disappeared without a trace. Even today, fans still petition for their return. We can only hope the Keebler elves are listening.
6. Hi-C Ecto Cooler
Ecto Cooler wasn’t just juice—it was an event. This bright green, citrusy drink became legendary thanks to its tie-in with the Ghostbusters franchise.
The neon color made it instantly recognizable, and the tangy, slightly sweet flavor kept kids coming back for more. It wasn’t just a drink—it was a pop culture phenomenon.
Every now and then, Ecto Cooler briefly returns for special releases, but we’re still waiting for it to reclaim its place in lunchboxes permanently.
7. Planters Cheez Balls
If you grew up in the ‘80s, you probably remember orange-stained fingertips from eating Planters Cheez Balls. These bite-sized, crunchy, cheese-coated snacks were addictive in the best way possible.
Housed in their iconic blue canister, these little flavor bombs were a must-have for road trips, movie nights, and just about any snack break.
Thankfully, after years of demand, Planters brought them back. But will they stick around this time? We sure hope so.
8. Dunk-a-roos
Dunkaroos weren’t just a snack; they were an experience. The joy of dipping crunchy cookies into thick, sugary frosting made them one of the most beloved treats of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Kids would strategically ration the frosting to ensure maximum dunking potential. It was a snack-time ritual, not just a treat.
The good news? Dunkaroos have returned! But for those who remember the original, nothing quite compares to that first taste of nostalgia.
9. Fruit Wrinkles
Before fruit snacks became a staple in every pantry, there were Fruit Wrinkles. These small, chewy, fruit-flavored bites looked like mini versions of dried fruit but tasted way sweeter.
Packaged in tiny pouches, they were perfect for lunchboxes or an after-school sugar boost. Each bag was bursting with fruity goodness.
Though they’ve faded from store shelves, those who grew up in the ‘80s still remember their unique texture and flavor.
10. Carnation Breakfast Bars
Somewhere between a granola bar and a candy bar, Carnation Breakfast Bars made mornings a little more fun. Packed with chocolate, oats, and protein, they were both delicious and filling.
Though marketed as a nutritious breakfast option, let’s be honest—they tasted more like an excuse to eat chocolate first thing in the morning.
Discontinued years ago, their fans still miss the unique blend of taste and nostalgia.
11. Whistle Pops
Few candies were as entertaining as Whistle Pops. These lollipops doubled as actual whistles, meaning snack time could also turn into a mini concert (or a major annoyance for parents).
Each colorful pop lasted long enough to drive everyone crazy before finally being eaten. But let’s be real—that was half the fun.
While they’ve disappeared from candy aisles, their memory still echoes in the minds of ‘80s kids everywhere.
12. Squeezeits
Squeeze-Its weren’t just juice—they were a playground in a bottle. These squeezable plastic bottles let kids drink by squishing, smashing, and slurping their way to fruity refreshment.
The goofy cartoon faces on the bottles made them even more fun to drink.
Though they vanished from shelves, their wacky, colorful charm lives on in snack history.
13. Nerds Cereal
What happens when you turn tiny, tangy Nerds candy into a breakfast cereal? You get one of the most unforgettable (and sugary) cereals of all time.
With two separate compartments for different flavors, kids could mix and match their perfect bite. It was as fun as it was sweet.
Though it was short-lived, Nerds Cereal remains a legend among ‘80s snack fans.