Let’s get real for a second. Modern snacks are cool…. They’re glossy, over-engineered, and often “healthy.” But are they a cool as the snacks in the 90s? I’m talking about the neon colors, the bizarre shapes, and the sugar high that could power a small engine. Some true masterpieces of snack food were taken from us far too soon. Therefore, it’s time to take a walk down memory lane and demand the return of these canceled snack foods from the 90s. Our lunchboxes are empty without them.
1. Dunkaroos
This was the holy grail of the 90s lunch table. In fact, if you had Dunkaroos, you were a king. Each pack had tiny, crunchy cookies (graham, vanilla, or chocolate). But let’s be real. Those cookies were just a shovel. Instead, the real prize was that little tub of frosting. That rainbow sprinkle-flecked vanilla frosting was a sugary, chemical-filled delight. Of course, no one ever had enough frosting for the cookies. It was a perfect, unbalanced system.
2. Planters Cheez Balls (The Original Can)
Forget the plastic bags. The real Cheez Balls came in that iconic blue cardboard can with the pull-off lid. The sound it made—that ‘fwoomp’—was the start of something special. Furthermore, these weren’t just cheese puffs. They were perfectly round, unnaturally orange, and would melt in your mouth. And yes, they turned your fingers a shade of orange that would last for days. Ultimately, it was a badge of honor. The new ones just aren’t the same.
3. Ecto-Cooler Hi-C
This was, without question, the greatest beverage ever created. It started as a tie-in for The Real Ghostbusters cartoon. However, it outlasted the show because it was that good. The drink itself was a terrifying shade of neon green (or “slime” green, rather). While it was supposedly a tangerine flavor, it really just tasted like “green.” This beverage was sweet, tangy, and the absolute symbol of a 90s childhood. We’ve been chasing that high ever since.
4. 3D Doritos
We had the technology! For some reason, Doritos decided the future was “puffing” their chips into hollow 3D triangles. And they were right. They came in a plastic, cup-like container with a pop-off lid. The crunch was revolutionary. Specifically, it was louder. It was more aggressive. The “Jalapeño Cheddar” flavor, in particular, was a masterpiece. Why did they take this glimpse of the future away from us? We weren’t ready for it, but we are now.
5. Altoids Sours
Before our palettes were destroyed by craft coffee, they were destroyed by Altoids Sours. These came in that iconic, pocket-sized aluminum tin. The tangerine flavor, for example, was the best. The experience was a five-stage journey: 1. Intense, mouth-puckering sour. 2. A brief moment of delicious, sweet fruit. 3. The realization it was now burning a hole in your tongue. 4. Pain. 5. Doing it again. Somehow, we miss the pain.
6. Squeezit Drinks
These were less a “drink” and more a “fruit-flavored liquid sugar delivery system.” The appeal was all in the packaging. For instance, the plastic bottles were shaped like cartoon characters. You had to twist off the little plastic top. Then you just… squeezed. It was a terrible way to drink, yet a fantastic way to feel alive. They were a staple of every class party and soccer game. Modern juice boxes just don’t have that personality.
7. Oreo O’s Cereal (The Real Version)
Yes, it’s “back.” But it’s not the same. The original 90s Oreo O’s had the little creme-flavored marshmallows. Essentially, it was a bowl of cookies and marshmallows covered in milk. This cereal was the breakfast of champions. In fact, it was the reason we got out of bed. The version today is missing that key ingredient. Consequently, it’s a pale imitation of the glory we once knew. We demand the marshmallows!
It Wasn’t Just Food; It Was a Vibe
Sure, some of these have come back in limited runs. But it’s not the same. These canceled snack foods from the 90s were more than just sugar and chemicals. First, they were lunch table currency. Additionally, they were sleepover staples. They were also a core part of growing up. Ultimately, they represent a time that was a little louder, a lot more colorful, and way more fun. We can only hope the snack gods hear our prayers and bring back the good stuff.
What’s the one 90s snack you would bring back right now if you could? My vote is on Dunkaroos. Tell me yours in the comments!
What to Read Next…
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The post 7 Canceled Snack Foods From the 90s We Desperately Need Back in Our Lives appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
