22 Retro Snacks American Kids Used To Love
There was nothing quite like the joy of rushing home after school and grabbing your favorite snack from the pantry. Whether it was packed in a lunchbox, bought from the school cafeteria, or shared with friends, these treats were the ultimate reward after a long day.
From the sugary, sticky delights that left your fingers coated in sweetness to the salty, cheesy classics that made snack time legendary, these childhood favorites hold a special place in our hearts.
Some still bring joy to children today, while others have faded into sweet memories.
1. Dunkaroos
Few snacks could match the sheer excitement of peeling open a pack of Dunkaroos. First introduced in 1990, this snack paired crunchy graham cookies with a cup of sweet, creamy frosting, creating an interactive treat that kids couldn’t get enough of.
Whether you carefully rationed your frosting or went all in with a thick dunk, Dunkaroos were all about fun and indulgence. Their popularity soared throughout the ‘90s, but they were discontinued in the early 2010s—only to make a triumphant comeback in 2020 after an outpouring of nostalgic demand.
2. Fruit Roll-Ups
There was something incredibly satisfying about unrolling a sticky, vibrant Fruit Roll-Up. Launched in the 1980s, this chewy fruit snack quickly became a lunchbox must-have.
Kids loved stretching them, twisting them, and even using the peel-off shapes to decorate their tongues. Available in a variety of bold flavors and eye-catching colors, Fruit Roll-Ups were a mix of sugar, fun, and creativity—and the best part?
They’re still around today, keeping the nostalgia alive for a whole new generation.
3. Pop Rocks
If there was ever a snack that felt like a science experiment in your mouth, it was Pop Rocks. Released in the late 1970s, these tiny candy crystals exploded with a delightful fizz, making snack time an experience.
Rumors swirled about what would happen if you ate Pop Rocks with soda (spoiler: nothing dangerous), but that only added to their legendary status.
While their initial popularity faded over time, Pop Rocks never completely disappeared—and they still offer that signature popping sensation for curious candy lovers today.
4. Planters Cheez Balls
Nothing said cheesy goodness quite like Planters Cheez Balls. Packaged in a bright blue canister, these neon-orange, finger-staining snacks were an ’80s and ‘90s classic.
The crunch was satisfying, the cheese flavor was bold, and once you popped the lid, it was impossible to stop eating them.
Though they vanished from shelves for years, Planters finally revived them by popular demand, proving that some snacks are just too good to stay gone forever.
5. Ring Pop
More than just a sugary treat, Ring Pops were the ultimate edible fashion statement. Introduced in the late 1970s, these giant, jewel-shaped lollipops came in bright colors and fruity flavors, making kids feel like snack royalty.
Whether you wore one proudly on your finger or tried to make it last as long as possible, Ring Pops were both a treat and a status symbol. And guess what? They’re still around today, proving that good candy never goes out of style.
6. Pepsi Blue
Nothing captured early 2000s energy quite like Pepsi Blue. With its electric-blue hue and berry-citrus flavor, this soft drink stood out from the crowd when it launched in 2002.
Its bold marketing campaigns and tie-ins with music and pop culture made it an instant hit, but despite its devoted fan base, it was discontinued just two years later.
Thankfully, Pepsi brought it back briefly in 2021, giving fans a taste of one of the most unforgettable sodas in history.
7. Magic Middles
Keebler’s Magic Middles were no ordinary cookies—these shortbread delights hid a gooey chocolate or peanut butter center that made every bite a little moment of magic.
Introduced in the late ‘80s, they quickly became a fan favorite, offering the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy. Sadly, Keebler discontinued them in the mid-‘90s, leaving snack lovers longing for their return.
Even today, fans still campaign for their comeback, proving their legendary status in cookie history.
8. Surge Soda
If you were a kid in the ‘90s, you probably remember Surge—the neon-green, high-energy soda that was Coca-Cola’s answer to Mountain Dew.
Launched in 1996, Surge was marketed as the drink of choice for thrill-seekers—its bold ads encouraged reckless fun, skateboarding, and adventure.
Though it was discontinued in 2003, nostalgic fans rallied for its return, leading to a limited re-release in 2014. Even today, it remains a beloved cult classic among ‘90s kids.
9. Oreos O’s Cereal
What if you could eat Oreos for breakfast? That’s exactly what Post’s Oreo O’s cereal delivered when it hit shelves in 1998.
With its chocolatey cereal rings and creamy white specks, it was the closest thing to eating a bowl of milk-drenched Oreos. Sadly, it was discontinued in the early 2000s, but after years of demand, it made a glorious comeback in 2017—proving that some childhood dreams never fade away.
10. Bubble Jug
Only the ‘90s could have produced something as weird and wonderful as Bubble Jug gum. Manufactured by Hubba Bubba, this candy looked like a bottle of powder—but the moment it hit your mouth, it transformed into chewy bubble gum magic.
Its bright pink container and extreme sour flavors made it an instant playground favorite. While it’s long gone from stores, kids who grew up in the ‘90s still remember the fun and slightly messy experience of pouring gum powder into their mouths.
11. French Toast Crunch
For kids who loved breakfast and sugar in equal measure, French Toast Crunch was the ultimate cereal. Launched in the mid-1990s, these tiny, toast-shaped pieces were packed with a sweet cinnamon-maple flavor that turned every morning into a treat.
Its unique look and sugary goodness made it an instant hit, but to the disappointment of many, General Mills discontinued it in 2006. After years of passionate pleas from fans, the cereal finally returned in 2014, proving that some flavors are too good to stay forgotten.
12. Planters P.B. Crisps
Peanut butter lovers still mourn the loss of Planters P.B. Crisps, a 90s snack that combined a crispy cookie shell with a creamy peanut butter filling.
They were rich, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying, making them a favorite for anyone who loved the perfect mix of salty and sweet.
Though they were discontinued in the early 2000s, the demand for their return has never wavered—with dedicated fans still hoping for a revival.
13. Astro Pop
Born out of the space race era in the 1960s, Astro Pops were as much fun to look at as they were to eat. Their long, colorful, rocket-like shape made them a favorite among kids who loved science and sweets alike.
Each layer of the lollipop had a different flavor, making it a multi-stage candy experience. While production stopped in 2004, there was a brief revival in 2010—a small, nostalgic glimpse into a time when space exploration captured imaginations and taste buds alike.
14. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies
If you were a kid in the early ‘90s, you probably remember Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies—a bright green snack filled with sweet vanilla pudding.
These hostess pies were inspired by the wildly popular TMNT cartoon, and while they may have looked questionable, their sweet, gooey goodness made them irresistible.
Though they disappeared by the mid-’90s, they remain one of the most legendary themed snacks of all time.
15. Crystal Pepsi
In the early ‘90s, Pepsi decided to reinvent soda—by making it clear. Crystal Pepsi was marketed as a clean, refreshing alternative to dark sodas, but while its transparent appearance was cool, the taste was a little too familiar to regular Pepsi drinkers.
It was discontinued after just two years, but the demand for its return never faded. Over the years, Pepsi has revived Crystal Pepsi in limited releases, proving that while it was ahead of its time, its legacy still lingers.
16. Jell-O Pudding Pops
Nothing hit the spot on a hot summer day quite like Jell-O Pudding Pops. These creamy, frozen desserts came in chocolate, vanilla, and swirl flavors, making them a top-tier choice for kids and adults alike.
They had a rich, silky texture that was unlike any other frozen treat, but despite their popularity, they were phased out in the 2000s. While you can still find similar alternatives, nothing quite replaces the original Pudding Pop experience.
17. Pepsi AM
Imagine waking up and grabbing a Pepsi instead of a cup of coffee. That was the idea behind Pepsi AM, a soda launched in the 1980s that was specifically designed for mornings.
With extra caffeine and a slightly lighter flavor, it attempted to take over breakfast routines, but America wasn’t quite ready for morning soda. Pepsi AM was discontinued after a short run, but it remains one of the strangest experiments in soda history.
18. Squeeze Pop
Who needed lollipops when you had Squeeze Pop—a gooey, liquid candy that came in a plastic tube?
This quirky treat from the ‘90s let kids squeeze out as much or as little as they wanted, making for a sticky, sugary experience. Its bold colors and tangy flavors made it a favorite among kids, but as snack trends shifted, Squeeze Pop faded from shelves.
Still, those who remember it can’t forget the fun of squeezing candy straight from the tube.
19. Giggles Cookies
Giggles Cookies were the perfect mix of fun and deliciousness—featuring a cute smiling face design with creamy chocolate and vanilla fillings inside.
Their playful look and rich taste made them a beloved lunchbox staple in the ‘80s, but sadly, they were discontinued in the early ‘90s. Though they’re long gone, they remain a cherished memory for those who enjoyed their smiling sweetness.
20. Screaming Yellow Zonkers
With a name as unique as its flavor, Screaming Yellow Zonkers was a sugary, buttery popcorn snack that stood out in the crowded world of snack foods.
Packaged in a bright, joke-filled box, this snack became a cult favorite from the late ‘60s through the early 2000s. Though it’s no longer widely available, it remains one of the most whimsically branded snacks in history.
21. Soda-Licious Gummies
Soda-Licious Gummies were a dream come true for soda lovers, with each chewy candy shaped like a tiny soda bottle and flavored to match popular soft drinks.
From cola to root beer, they were fizzy, sweet, and incredibly fun to eat. While they were discontinued in the late ‘90s, they remain a nostalgic favorite for anyone who loved soda-flavored treats.
22. PB Max
Peanut butter lovers still talk about PB Max, the rich, chocolate-covered peanut butter bar that was a true ‘90s favorite.
It had layers of crispy, crunchy goodness, making it a top-tier candy bar, but for reasons unknown, it was discontinued far too soon. Despite its short-lived run, PB Max remains one of the most missed candy bars of all time.