1. Waffle Crisp
Waffle Crisp had everything going for it—a sweet, maple flavor, a delightful crunch, and the ability to make your whole kitchen smell like breakfast heaven. It was like eating tiny waffles drenched in syrup without having to fire up the griddle. First introduced in the ‘90s, this cereal developed a devoted following, but Post decided to pull the plug in 2018. Fans weren’t happy, and some even started hoarding boxes when they heard it was going away. The good news is it did briefly make a return, but it hasn’t stuck around permanently says Chowhound.
If you never tried Waffle Crisp, just imagine the best parts of waffles transformed into a crunchy, bite-sized cereal. It had that perfect balance of sweetness without being overpowering. Other maple-flavored cereals have tried to take its place, but nothing quite compares. If Post ever brings it back full-time, you can bet fans will be first in line to stock up.
2. French Toast Crunch
Cinnamon Toast Crunch gets all the love, but French Toast Crunch had a special kind of magic. Instead of flat squares, this cereal came in little bread-shaped pieces that looked exactly like tiny slices of French toast. Launched in the mid-’90s, it was packed with buttery, cinnamon goodness and had that unmistakable maple flavor. It disappeared from shelves in the mid-2000s, leaving fans heartbroken. When General Mills brought it back in 2014, people rejoiced, but it didn’t seem to stick around everywhere adds GMA.
Even when it was available, it sometimes felt like you had to go on a scavenger hunt just to find a box. The flavor was spot-on, and it made the milk at the bottom of the bowl taste like a melted cinnamon maple treat. Some cereals try to replicate that sweet, maple-y taste, but nothing quite nails it like the original. If it ever disappears again, fans will surely be begging for its return.
3. Oreo O’s (Original Formula)
Oreo O’s technically still exist, but die-hard fans know the version sold today isn’t quite the same. When it first came out in the late ‘90s, it was a sugar-lover’s dream—crunchy chocolate O’s coated in a creamy vanilla-flavored dust that mimicked the best parts of an actual Oreo. It disappeared from U.S. shelves in 2007, though for some reason, it stayed available in South Korea. When it made a comeback in 2017, people were thrilled—until they tasted it says Taste of Home.
The new version was missing that signature creamy coating, which made all the difference. It still had the chocolate crunch, but the lack of that special vanilla dusting left fans disappointed. A good cereal should taste just as good dry as it does in milk, and the original Oreo O’s had that perfected. While it’s nice to have a version of it back, the original formula is what really needs a comeback.
4. Sprinkle Spangles
If you grew up in the ‘90s, you might remember the magical experience of eating Sprinkle Spangles. This cereal was basically little star-shaped pieces covered in rainbow sprinkles, and it was everything a sugar-loving kid could dream of. The commercials even featured a genie granting the wish for a more fun breakfast. Unfortunately, the magic didn’t last long, and the cereal was discontinued in the late ‘90s.
It’s hard to understand why General Mills gave up on such a fun concept. The cereal had a unique vanilla-like flavor that was different from anything else at the time. If you were the type of kid who begged for donuts or cupcakes for breakfast, this was a slightly more acceptable option. With all the nostalgic cereals making a comeback, this one deserves another shot.
5. Rice Krispies Treats Cereal
Rice Krispies Treats Cereal wasn’t just your typical puffed rice—it was clusters of actual Rice Krispies Treats packed into a cereal box. It had that perfect marshmallowy sweetness combined with just the right amount of crunch. It somehow managed to capture the taste of a homemade treat in a way no other cereal has. Unfortunately, Kellogg’s discontinued it in 2020, leaving fans devastated.
There was just something so satisfying about the texture of this cereal. Each bite had a mix of crispy and chewy, just like biting into an actual Rice Krispies Treat. It made for an amazing snack even outside of breakfast. Plenty of cereals try to do the “treat” thing, but none have managed to replicate what made this one special.
6. S’mores Crunch
S’mores Crunch was a dream come true for anyone who ever wished they could have s’mores for breakfast. It had chocolate-flavored cereal pieces, tiny marshmallows, and graham cracker bits, all mixed together for the perfect balance of flavors. Launched in the ‘80s by General Mills, it didn’t last long, but those who remember it still talk about it. There have been a few other s’mores cereals since then, but none have quite nailed the magic of the original.
It had a satisfying crunch that held up well in milk, and the graham flavor actually tasted like the real thing. The chocolate pieces weren’t just an afterthought—they had a rich cocoa taste that brought everything together. Plenty of brands have tried their own take on a s’mores cereal, but the original formula was something special. A revival of this classic would be a win for nostalgic cereal lovers everywhere.
7. Dino Pebbles
Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles are still around, but people forget that Dino Pebbles once had a spot in the lineup. This ‘90s favorite was a mix of sweetened rice cereal and tiny marshmallow dinosaur bones, making breakfast feel like a prehistoric adventure. It was colorful, fun, and had a great balance of flavors. Sadly, Post decided to retire it, even though it had all the makings of a long-lasting favorite.
The marshmallows were what really set it apart, adding a soft texture that contrasted perfectly with the crispy cereal. It felt like a step up from regular Fruity Pebbles, which sometimes get soggy too quickly. Even today, people still talk about Dino Pebbles with nostalgia, hoping one day it will return. With all the dinosaur fans out there, this cereal could make a huge comeback.
8. Pop-Tarts Crunch
Pop-Tarts Crunch took everything people loved about Pop-Tarts and turned it into a cereal. It came in two flavors—Strawberry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon—both packed with that signature Pop-Tarts filling inside crunchy cereal pieces. It was launched in the mid-’90s, but for some reason, Kellogg’s didn’t keep it around. Even though there have been other Pop-Tart cereals since, none have truly captured what made the original so great.
The cereal pieces had a satisfying crunch while still managing to keep that gooey filling inside. It was just sweet enough without being overwhelming, and it actually tasted like the toaster pastry it was based on. Fans of the original still bring it up in cereal discussions, wishing for its return. If nostalgia trends continue, maybe Kellogg’s will finally bring it back.
9. C-3PO’s
Back in the ‘80s, Star Wars fans had their very own cereal in the form of C-3PO’s. This honey-sweetened oat and corn cereal was shaped like interlocking figure eights and had a simple yet delicious flavor. It was introduced in 1984 and didn’t last long, but it made a lasting impression. With Star Wars still being a massive franchise, it’s surprising they haven’t revived this cereal.
It had a light, slightly sweet taste that worked well for both breakfast and snacking. The marketing tied into the movies, making it an exciting cereal for kids at the time. Star Wars has brought back plenty of merchandise over the years, so why not C-3PO’s? If they ever decide to re-release it, fans young and old would likely grab a box in a heartbeat.
10. Smurf Berry Crunch
Smurf Berry Crunch was a bright and colorful cereal that perfectly captured the fun of The Smurfs. Released in the ‘80s, it had a fruity, berry-like flavor and turned the milk a vibrant shade of blue. It was one of those cereals that felt like a special treat every morning, especially for kids who loved the cartoon. The combination of crunch and sweetness made it a hit, but like many tie-in cereals, it didn’t stick around forever.
Despite The Smurfs making comebacks in movies and TV, the cereal never returned. It’s surprising, considering how many nostalgic brands have been revived in recent years. The flavor was distinct—sweet but not overly artificial, with just the right balance of berry goodness. If it ever made a return, it would likely be just as beloved as it was back in the ‘80s.
11. Hidden Treasures
Hidden Treasures was a cereal that lived up to its name—each bite-sized square looked the same on the outside, but some contained a surprise fruity filling inside. Released in the mid-‘90s, it was part of a wave of creative cereals that made breakfast more exciting. It came in three flavors—cherry, orange, and grape—which made every spoonful a bit of a mystery. It had a great crunch, and the filled pieces added an extra layer of sweetness without being overwhelming.
The unpredictability of which pieces contained filling made it fun to eat, and it was a cereal that actually felt unique. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, despite being well-loved by those who remember it. Plenty of cereals have tried to mix flavors, but nothing has quite recreated the fun of Hidden Treasures. A revival would bring back not just a great cereal, but a little bit of breakfast excitement.
12. Graham Cracko’s
Graham Cracko’s was a lesser-known but much-loved cereal from the ‘70s and ‘80s that gave people a reason to love graham-flavored cereals. It had a warm, honey-graham taste that wasn’t overly sweet but still satisfying. The texture was a perfect balance between crunchy and slightly airy, making it an easy favorite. It disappeared before the ‘90s cereal boom, leaving it mostly a fond memory for those who grew up with it.
There have been other graham-inspired cereals since, but none have quite matched the simple perfection of Graham Cracko’s. Golden Grahams is the closest thing available today, but fans argue that the original had a better texture and flavor. If brands are bringing back nostalgic cereals, this would be an excellent choice. Sometimes, the simple classics are the ones that deserve a second chance.