The 1980s were a time of vibrant culture and unforgettable snacks. Many of these treats were beloved by children and adults alike, becoming an integral part of the decade’s nostalgia. Sadly, some of these snacks have disappeared from store shelves, leaving a void in our taste buds and memories. Here, we take a delightful trip down memory lane to explore 12 discontinued ’80s snacks that deserve a comeback. Each holds a special place in our hearts and on our taste buds, making us yearn for their return.
1. PB Max
PB Max was a delightful treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers in the ’80s. The snack featured a crispy whole grain cookie topped with creamy peanut butter and covered in rich milk chocolate. It was a perfect blend of textures and flavors that satisfied sweet cravings. PB Max was discontinued due to the Mars family’s dislike of peanut butter, but fans have longed for its return. Nostalgic snack enthusiasts continue to hope that one day, PB Max will grace store shelves once more, bringing back fond childhood memories with every bite.
2. Giggles Cookies
Giggles Cookies, with their smiling faces, brought joy to snack time. These sandwich cookies came in two flavors, chocolate and vanilla, with a playful cream filling. Each bite was a burst of fun and sweetness. The smiling design made them a favorite among kids, adding charm to lunchboxes. Despite their popularity, Giggles Cookies vanished, leaving fans with only memories of their quirky packaging. Enthusiasts still reminisce about those cheerful cookies, hoping for their return to create new generations of snack-time smiles.
3. Jell-O Pudding Pops
Jell-O Pudding Pops were the creamy, cool treat of the ’80s that everyone loved. These frozen delights came in chocolate, vanilla, and swirl flavors, offering a rich and smooth taste. Advertised by Bill Cosby, they quickly became a household favorite. Despite their popularity and unique texture, Jell-O Pudding Pops disappeared, breaking hearts nationwide. Fans fondly recall their creamy goodness and the joy of enjoying one on a hot summer day. Many still wish for their return, craving that unmatched pudding pop experience.
4. Altoids Sours
Altoids Sours were a tangy, addictive treat that left a sour punch on your taste buds. Known for their bold flavors and distinctive tin packaging, they quickly gained a cult following. Each tin was packed with intense flavors like raspberry, lime, and apple, offering a zingy escape from ordinary mints. Unfortunately, despite their popularity, Altoids Sours were discontinued, leaving fans yearning for that electrifying taste. The demand for their return remains strong among those who crave a burst of sour nostalgia.
5. Keebler Magic Middles
Keebler Magic Middles brought a touch of enchantment to the ’80s snack scene. These magical cookies featured a soft, buttery exterior with a surprise chocolate or peanut butter filling. They were a hit among cookie lovers, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Keebler elves, depicted in whimsical commercials, added charm to this irresistible treat. Sadly, they vanished, leaving a gap in cookie lovers’ hearts. Fans continue to reminisce about Magic Middles, wishing for their return to bring a little magic back to snack time.
6. Carnation Breakfast Bars
Carnation Breakfast Bars provided a convenient and nutritious start to the day in the ’80s. These bars were packed with vitamins and came in flavors like chocolate and peanut butter. Easy to grab on busy mornings, they offered a tasty solution for breakfast on-the-go. Despite their health appeal and fan base, they disappeared from the market, leaving many searching for a suitable replacement. Those who cherished Carnation Bars still hope for their return, longing for that perfect blend of nutrition and convenience.
7. Reggie! Bar
Reggie! Bar was a home run for candy lovers, named after the famous baseball player Reggie Jackson. This round candy bar was made of creamy caramel and peanuts, coated in rich chocolate. Released in the late ’70s and popular through the ’80s, it was a favorite among sports fans and candy enthusiasts. Despite its popularity, it was discontinued, leaving fans nostalgic for its unique flavor and sporting connection. Many still wish to see the Reggie! Bar return, hoping to enjoy its delightful taste once more.
8. Hostess Choco-Bliss
Hostess Choco-Bliss was a chocolate lover’s dream come true. This decadent snack cake featured layers of moist chocolate cake filled with creamy, rich chocolate frosting. Each bite was a heavenly experience, making it a beloved treat during the ’80s. Despite its indulgent taste and popularity, Choco-Bliss was discontinued, leaving chocoholics longing for its return. Fans still reminisce about the blissful moments shared with this irresistible cake, hoping for its sweet comeback to satisfy their chocolate cravings once more.
9. Screaming Yellow Zonkers
Screaming Yellow Zonkers were a popcorn snack with a humorous twist. Coated in sweet, buttery glaze, these yellow kernels offered a playful crunch perfect for movie nights. The whimsical packaging featured witty, offbeat designs that appealed to fans’ sense of humor. Despite their lighthearted charm and unique taste, Screaming Yellow Zonkers disappeared, leaving a legacy of laughter and flavor. Snack lovers continue to recall fondly the joy these little kernels brought, hoping for a surprise comeback that would once again elicit smiles and satisfaction.
10. Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi made its debut in the early ’90s but captured the ethos of ’80s transparency and innovation. This clear cola promised the same great taste of regular Pepsi without the caramel coloring.
Its marketing was as bold and refreshing as the drink itself, presenting a new era of soda consumption. Despite its short-lived presence, Crystal Pepsi’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who crave a clearer alternative to traditional colas.
Perhaps it’s time to revisit this transparent wonder and give it another chance in the spotlight!
11. Planters Cheez Balls
These delightfully crunchy snacks were a staple at every ’80s gathering. Encased in a signature blue and yellow canister, Planters Cheez Balls were easy to spot and even easier to devour. They offered a perfect burst of cheesy goodness that everyone could enjoy.
With a satisfying crunch and a lingering cheesy aroma, these tiny balls of joy had a way of bringing people together. Their iconic packaging and delicious taste make them a prime candidate for a comeback in today’s snack market.
12. Hi-C Ecto Cooler
Hi-C Ecto Cooler was more than just a drink; it was a pop culture phenomenon. Released in 1987 as a tie-in with the Ghostbusters franchise, its bright green color and citrusy flavor captured the imaginations of kids everywhere. Sipping Ecto Cooler was like having a piece of the Ghostbusters movie right in your lunchbox.
Though it was discontinued in 2001, the fervor for its return remains strong. This drink had an uncanny ability to spark joy with its tangy taste and ghostly branding. How many drinks can boast of being both delicious and spectral? Snacking in the ’80s simply wasn’t complete without it.
