1. Taco Bell Taco Bellgrande Chips
Before Taco Bell became synonymous with late-night drive-thrus, they dipped into the snack aisle with Taco Bellgrande Chips. These were triangular, corn-based chips seasoned with the same bold, zesty flavors you’d expect from their restaurants. The packaging even featured the familiar Taco Bell logo, making it feel like you were sneaking a fast-food fix at home says the Takeout.
They were spicy, salty, and totally different from your average tortilla chip. Some people even claimed they tasted like the taco meat itself, which might explain why they were such a hit with fans of the chain. But like many novelty snacks, they didn’t stick around for long. Whether it was competition from Doritos or just limited appeal outside Taco Bell lovers, the chips were eventually discontinued. Still, they’ve lived on in snack memory as one of the more adventurous spin-offs of a fast-food brand. And they’re a reminder of a time when every aisle at the store felt full of wild experiments adds Tasting Table.
2. PB Crisps
Planters might be best known for its peanuts, but in the ’80s and early ’90s, they gave us PB Crisps—those magical little peanut-shaped snacks filled with creamy peanut butter and wrapped in a crispy cookie shell. They somehow balanced sweet and salty in the best possible way and didn’t taste like anything else on the market shares Yahoo.
They were deceptively light, so it was all too easy to go through a whole bag in one sitting without realizing it. Then, out of nowhere, they were gone. Planters discontinued them with little explanation, and snack fans have been mourning them ever since. For a while, rumors of a comeback would surface every few years, but it never panned out. They’re still talked about with a kind of reverence, like a lost treasure from a simpler time. Nothing quite hits that nostalgic peanut butter note the same way adds Chowhound.
3. Dunkaroos (Original U.S. Version)
Dunkaroos were the ultimate ’80s and ’90s kid power snack—a little pack of cookies with a side of sugary frosting you could dip to your heart’s content. The original U.S. version featured cinnamon graham cookies shaped like kangaroos and came with a variety of frosting flavors, from rainbow sprinkle to chocolate.
They felt like dessert disguised as a snack, and that made them irresistible. But by the early 2010s, they were pulled from shelves in the U.S., quietly disappearing and leaving behind a generation of disappointed fans. You could still find them in Canada for a while, which only added to their cult status. Petitions for their return popped up regularly, and they finally came back in 2020, though many say the new version just doesn’t hit the same. Whether it’s the recipe or just nostalgia doing the heavy lifting, the original Dunkaroos had a charm you can’t quite recreate. They made snack time feel like a party, one dip at a time.
4. Hostess Pudding Pies
Hostess Pudding Pies were a sweet tooth’s dream come true. These handheld treats had a thick, glazed crust and were stuffed with rich, creamy pudding in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and banana. Unlike fruit pies, they felt more like a true dessert, and biting into that cold, gooey center was oddly satisfying.
They were a staple at gas stations and school lunches throughout the ’80s, offering that just-slightly-forbidden thrill of eating pie out of a crinkly wrapper. But over time, they faded from view as Hostess trimmed down its lineup. Maybe the demand wasn’t enough, or maybe they were just too indulgent for changing tastes. Either way, they’re gone, and fans still long for their return. The texture, the flavor, even the shiny packaging—it all felt like a little moment of joy. And no snack since has quite filled their shoes.
5. Magic Middles
Magic Middles by Keebler were soft, chewy cookies with a gooey fudge or peanut butter center that somehow stayed melty even at room temperature. The name wasn’t just marketing, it really felt like magic when you bit into one and hit that warm, creamy filling.
They felt like the ultimate lunchbox upgrade, a treat that made the whole day better. For reasons that still frustrate fans, they disappeared in the late ’90s. Keebler never gave a clear reason why, but maybe the production was too expensive or too messy. There’s been demand for a comeback ever since, and even a few knockoffs, but nothing tastes quite the same. Those cookies had a homemade feel, like something your grandma might whip up if she also had a secret fudge lab in her kitchen. They were gone too soon, and we’re still not over it.
6. Cheetos Paws
Cheetos Paws were a fun twist on the classic Cheetos snack, shaped like little animal paw prints and coated in that unmistakable neon-orange cheese dust. Launched in the late ’80s, they had a puffier, lighter texture compared to regular crunchy Cheetos, which made them perfect for kids who liked to let snacks melt in their mouths.
They were playful, easy to eat, and somehow just a little more fun than the regular shapes. But despite their popularity, they didn’t stick around for long. They quietly disappeared from shelves in the ’90s, leaving fans wondering what happened. Occasionally, there have been limited-edition returns, but never as a full comeback. People who grew up with them still remember the feel of the puffed paws and the way the cheese dust clung to your fingers. They were silly, yes, but sometimes silly is exactly what makes a snack great.
7. Hostess Chocodiles
Chocodiles were basically chocolate-covered Twinkies, and if that sentence alone doesn’t bring you joy, you probably didn’t grow up in the ’80s. They were soft, sweet, and had just the right amount of chocolate coating to make you feel like you were eating something extra special.
They had a limited distribution, so not everyone got to try them, and that only added to the mystique. Hostess quietly stopped making them in many areas, and for years, people weren’t even sure if they’d been discontinued or just moved to another region. They did make a comeback eventually, but many say they don’t taste the same. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe the original really was better. Either way, the original Chocodile is still a legend in snack history. That chocolate-Twinkie combo was pure ’80s genius.
8. Sodalicious Gummies
Made by Betty Crocker, Sodalicious gummies were fruit snacks with a fizzy twist, modeled after popular soft drinks like root beer and cola. They even had a lightly sour sugar coating that mimicked carbonation, which made them feel way more exciting than your average gummy bear.
They came in soda-shaped molds and were a hit for a few years, especially with kids who loved the novelty. But like so many fun snacks, they disappeared without warning. Maybe parents didn’t love the idea of soda-flavored candy, or maybe the demand just fizzled out. Either way, they’re gone, and nothing has quite filled the gap. The unique texture and flavor still pop up in nostalgic snack lists. If you had them once, you probably still remember the way they tingled on your tongue.
9. Nabisco Swiss Cheese Crackers
These Nabisco crackers were shaped like little Swiss cheese slices, complete with holes, and had a mild, cheesy flavor that was oddly comforting. They were a staple for snackers who wanted something savory but not overpowering, and they paired perfectly with lunches or TV time.
They were more subtle than other cheese snacks, and maybe that was their downfall. In a market of bold, in-your-face flavors, these delicate little crackers couldn’t keep up. Nabisco discontinued them quietly, and they became one of those “wait, what happened to them?” products. Fans have been pleading for their return for years, but so far, no luck. They had a light crunch and a refined taste that felt just a little more grown-up than Cheez-Its. And that made them perfect for kids and adults alike.
10. Crunch Tators
Crunch Tators had a spicy kick and came with a mascot—a gator in sunglasses—which pretty much tells you everything about their vibe. These kettle-cooked chips were thick, crunchy, and came in bold flavors like Mesquite BBQ and Hot Potato, which were a departure from the milder chips of the time.
They were made by Frito-Lay and had a cult following, especially among those who liked their snacks with some bite. But they didn’t last long, and by the ’90s, they were gone. Maybe they were too ahead of the spicy snack trend, or maybe the competition was just too fierce. Whatever the reason, they’re still missed by those who got hooked on that crunch and heat. These were not your grandma’s potato chips. They were a snack with attitude.
11. S’mores Grahams
Remember when Hershey’s tried to bottle the magic of a campfire treat into a convenient snack? S’mores Grahams were chocolate-covered graham cracker squares topped with marshmallow, and they actually pulled it off. You didn’t need a fire or a stick, just a sweet tooth.
They were sold in candy bar-style packages and became a go-to for kids who wanted dessert on the go. Unfortunately, they didn’t last. Maybe they were too rich, or maybe they just got overshadowed by other candy. Hershey’s has teased similar products since, but nothing has quite nailed the original. That perfect mix of crunch, marshmallow, and chocolate made it feel like a treat straight from a summer campfire. For those who loved them, they’re still missed.
12. Pizzarias Rolls
Different from the chips, these pizza-flavored snack rolls were like a less gooey cousin to pizza bagels, with a shelf-stable twist. They didn’t need to be frozen or heated, which made them lunchbox gold.
The flavor was unmistakably pizza, but the texture was more like a cracker-meets-roll hybrid. Kids loved them, adults were confused by them, and eventually, they were phased out. They never quite found their place in the snack hierarchy. But they scratched a very specific itch for pizza lovers who didn’t want to wait for the oven. They might not have been perfect, but they were fun, easy, and totally ’80s. And that made them lovable in their own way.
13. Shark Bites (Original Formula)
Shark Bites fruit snacks came with a little extra thrill—white shark gummies that were considered rare and exciting to find. The original formula had a more natural texture and flavor than later versions, and the shapes were crisp and detailed.
They were fun, fruity, and felt like a tiny underwater adventure in every pouch. Over time, the formula changed, and eventually, the original version was lost. The modern ones just don’t have the same bite. Kids who grew up with the original still talk about the magic of finding that elusive white shark. It was a small joy, but one that made snack time feel special. And that’s hard to replace.
14. Wacky Wafers
Wacky Wafers were giant, flat discs of fruity candy that tasted a bit like Sweet Tarts but were way more fun to eat. They came in a roll, and each wafer was about the size of a silver dollar, with a smooth, powdery texture that melted in your mouth.
They came in bright colors and fruity flavors like watermelon, banana, and green apple. For a while, they were a big hit, but eventually they faded away as candy trends shifted. They’ve made a few comebacks in limited runs, but the original version is what people really remember. Something about the size and texture made them feel like a candy you couldn’t find anywhere else. They were a standout in a world of small, boring sweets.