1. Bubble Gum Cigars
Do you remember the thrill of pretending to be an adult with those bubble gum cigars? These candies, wrapped in paper to mimic the real thing, were a staple of birthday parties and holiday stockings. With their sweet, artificial flavor and powdery coating, they were an instant hit for kids who wanted to emulate their parents’ smoking habits in a fun, harmless way. However, the popularity of these gum cigars faded out over time, likely due to increasing concerns about tobacco-related imagery and the health implications associated with such products.
By the late ’90s, bubble gum cigars started to quietly disappear from store shelves. With rising awareness about childhood influences on health and behavior, many candy manufacturers phased them out, though some still cling to nostalgia by offering similar products in novelty stores. Despite their disappearance, they remain a fond, quirky memory for those who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, providing a taste of innocence mixed with a bit of cheeky fun.
2. Planters Cheez Balls
Before the era of gourmet popcorn and artisanal snacks, Planters Cheez Balls were the go-to snack for kids in the ’80s and ’90s. Their cheesy, airy texture was perfect for a quick munch during cartoons or road trips, and the iconic orange container was instantly recognizable. But, for reasons that remain a mystery, Planters discontinued them in 2006, leaving fans heartbroken.
Though they were briefly revived in 2018 due to popular demand, they never quite regained the same fervor they once had. The combination of nostalgia and the ever-growing array of snack options left Cheez Balls a relic of a simpler time. Today, many snack lovers still wistfully remember the flavor and texture that made them a childhood favorite.
3. Crystal Pepsi
If you were around in the ’90s, you might remember the hype surrounding Crystal Pepsi. This transparent soda was marketed as the cleaner, more “pure” version of regular Pepsi, promising the same taste but without the artificial coloring. It was a bold experiment in the soda industry, and for a while, it seemed like it might catch on.
However, despite the flashy ads and ambitious marketing, Crystal Pepsi just couldn’t compete with its cola counterparts. The transparent fizz didn’t last long on the shelves, with the drink being discontinued in 1994. Pepsi briefly brought it back in 2016 for a limited time, but it never achieved the same cult status it once had, slipping away from the public’s tastebuds once again.
4. Lunchables “Pizza”
Lunchables were a lunchtime staple for many kids in the ’90s and early 2000s, offering an easy and fun meal that combined snacks with the novelty of assembling your food. One version that gained particular popularity was the Lunchables “Pizza,” which came with small, round crackers, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and mini pepperoni slices to create your own mini pizzas.
Sadly, the pizza variety began to quietly disappear in favor of other combinations like turkey and cheese or ham and cheese. This change left many disappointed, as the pizza version was often the most fun and interactive option. While it’s still a fond memory for many, Lunchables has shifted to other convenience-focused meals in a world that’s always looking for something new.
5. Hostess Chocodiles
For many, Hostess Chocodiles were the ultimate indulgence—a combination of chocolate and Twinkies. These frosted treats featured a soft sponge cake surrounding a creamy filling, all coated in a rich layer of chocolate. They were a beloved snack during the ’80s and ’90s, perfect for a quick sweet treat.
Sadly, Hostess discontinued them for many years, and by the time the brand went bankrupt in 2012, Chocodiles were all but forgotten. While they made a brief comeback in 2014 after Hostess was revived, they never quite regained their former popularity. These chocolate-covered wonders are now a memory for those who still miss their sweet, satisfying taste.
6. Hershey’s S’mores
If you were a fan of summer campfires, you probably remember the delightful combination of Hershey’s chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers that made up a perfect s’more. Hershey’s even capitalized on this nostalgia by creating a pre-packaged s’mores bar in the early 2000s. The candy was a convenient way to get the flavor of a s’more without the need for a fire.
Despite its initial popularity, the Hershey’s S’mores bar quietly disappeared from store shelves, leaving fans disappointed. It wasn’t the easiest product to make a lasting impression in a market increasingly dominated by exotic candy varieties and new flavor combinations. Today, the s’mores concept lives on in the form of various other candy bars, but nothing quite captured the simplicity of the original Hershey’s version.
7. The McDLT
The McDLT was a standout on McDonald’s menu in the ’80s, offering a unique twist on the standard burger. What made the McDLT different was its packaging: a two-compartment box that kept the hot components of the burger (beef patty and cheese) separate from the cold ones (lettuce, tomato, and pickles). This was to keep the toppings fresh and crisp, giving you the “freshly made” feeling even after it was handed over the counter.
Despite its gimmicky success, McDonald’s discontinued the McDLT in the early ’90s, citing the high cost of the specialized packaging. It left a generation of fans wondering why it couldn’t have lasted longer. Though it didn’t have the longevity of some other fast food items, the McDLT has lived on as a nostalgic symbol of the fast food industry’s innovation during its golden years.
8. Jell-O Pudding Pops
There was a time when Jell-O Pudding Pops were a quintessential frozen treat. These popsicles, made of creamy pudding and coated with a chocolate shell, were a favorite of kids during the summer months. They were an easy, convenient way to enjoy pudding on a hot day, and they even had a touch of nostalgia with their smooth, rich taste.
Unfortunately, these iconic frozen treats disappeared in the late ’90s, leaving behind a longing for their unique combination of chocolate and pudding. Though they briefly returned to the market in the 2000s, they failed to capture the same magic they once had. Today, many still reminisce about these sweet, frozen treats, and they remain one of the most missed snacks of the past.
9. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe
McDonald’s Arch Deluxe was an attempt to reimagine fast food in a more “sophisticated” way. Launched in the late ’90s, this burger featured a premium beef patty, mustard-mayo sauce, and a more upscale bun. It was aimed at adults who felt that McDonald’s menu was too geared toward children.
Despite the intense marketing campaign, the Arch Deluxe didn’t make the lasting impression McDonald’s hoped for. Its taste didn’t quite meet expectations, and the adult demographic didn’t embrace it as McDonald’s had hoped. The Arch Deluxe quickly disappeared from menus, though its failure remains a curious blip in McDonald’s otherwise successful history.
10. Twix Peanut Butter
For a period, Twix made a peanut butter version of their iconic candy bars. This variation replaced the traditional caramel with a creamy peanut butter layer, sandwiched between a crunchy biscuit and coated in milk chocolate. While it didn’t completely replace the original Twix, it was a popular choice for peanut butter lovers.
Unfortunately, the Twix Peanut Butter flavor quietly vanished in the early 2000s, leaving fans wondering what happened to it. Despite being a delicious combination of flavors, it didn’t manage to gain enough sustained popularity to stay in production. Today, Twix’s original caramel version is still going strong, but many miss the rich, nutty version that once existed.
11. Surge Soda
Surge was Coca-Cola’s answer to the popularity of Mountain Dew. A highly caffeinated citrus soda with a strong flavor, it quickly became a cult classic for ’90s kids who were looking for something different. Surge was marketed with an energetic attitude, catering to a young, rebellious audience.
Unfortunately, despite its initial success, Surge disappeared from shelves in the early 2000s. Fans were disappointed, but in 2014, Coca-Cola brought it back for a limited time due to an outcry from its fanbase. Though it’s still available online, it’s not quite the same as it once was, and the soda’s brief return only served to remind people of how special it was in its heyday.
12. Dunkaroos
Dunkaroos were the ultimate lunchtime snack for kids in the ’90s. These little containers included cookies and a cup of frosting for dipping, making snack time both fun and sweet. The cookie-to-frosting ratio was perfect, and they quickly became a favorite for children across the country.
Despite their success, Dunkaroos were discontinued in the early 2000s, much to the dismay of fans. Though they briefly returned to stores in 2020, it was only for a limited time. Dunkaroos are a perfect example of a snack that was more about the experience than the food itself, and their absence has left a hole in many snack lovers’ hearts.
13. Fruitopia
In the ’90s, Fruitopia was all the rage. Known for its colorful, fruit-flavored drinks, it was marketed as a more natural alternative to sodas, appealing to health-conscious kids and teenagers. Its brightly colored bottles and unique flavors like “Shy Orange” and “Mango Meltdown” made it stand out from the competition.
But despite its early success, Fruitopia slowly disappeared from shelves, replaced by new brands and trends in the beverage market. It was officially discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving a generation of fans who still wish they could find that vibrant, fruity drink again. Though it’s no longer available in stores, the memory of sipping Fruitopia on a hot summer day remains strong for many.