1. Butterfinger BB’s
In the ’90s, Butterfinger BB’s were the perfect bite-sized version of the classic candy bar. Fans loved the crispy peanut butter centers covered in chocolate, and the fact that you could pop a handful at once made them dangerously addictive. They were even featured in memorable Simpsons commercials, which only added to their pop culture appeal. When they disappeared in the early 2000s, it left a lot of people wondering why something so beloved was pulled from shelves.
The official reason was that they were “too messy,” since the chocolate coating would melt easily, but that never stopped anyone from eating them. The good news is that Butterfinger has hinted at nostalgia-driven returns before, so fans still hold out hope for a comeback. After all, in the era of snack nostalgia, there’s room for a little chocolate dust on your fingers.
2. Dunkaroos
Dunkaroos were the ultimate lunchbox treat for kids of the ’90s, combining cookies with creamy frosting in one convenient pack. The concept was simple: dip, dunk, and enjoy. It felt like dessert disguised as a snack, which made every bite taste like breaking a rule. They were discontinued in the U.S. in the early 2010s, though Canada kept them around a bit longer.
Fans were so vocal about missing them that General Mills finally brought them back in 2020, but the magic wasn’t quite the same for some. Still, there’s something undeniably fun about dunking cookies into rainbow sprinkles again. If they ever brought back all the original flavors, from chocolate frosting to cinnamon graham, it might just feel like 1997 all over again.
3. Planters Cheez Balls
These neon orange snacks were the life of every sleepover and movie night in the ’80s and ’90s. Planters Cheez Balls had a unique flavor that wasn’t quite like other cheese puffs, thanks to their sharper, tangy taste and that iconic crunch. They came in the classic blue canister that everyone remembers seeing in their pantry.
When Planters discontinued them in 2006, fans were crushed, leading to petitions and social media campaigns begging for their return. The company briefly brought them back in 2018 for a limited run, and they sold out instantly. It’s proof that some snacks never lose their fanbase, and this one definitely deserves a full-time comeback.
4. Kudos Bars
Kudos were the snack that made granola feel like a treat. Introduced in the ’80s, they were essentially candy bars disguised as healthy snacks, coated in chocolate and packed with nuts or M&M’s. Kids felt like they were getting away with something when they found one in their lunchbox.
They quietly vanished sometime in the 2010s, leaving a void in the snack aisle that no bar has quite filled since. With the return of other nostalgic treats, many fans have called on Mars to bring Kudos back. If they did, they’d probably fly off shelves faster than ever.
5. 3D Doritos
When Doritos launched their 3D version in the late ’90s, snack time was never the same. These puffed-up chips had a satisfying crunch that made them feel futuristic, and the commercials featuring Ali Landry flipping through the air made them even cooler. They came in flavors like Jalapeño Cheddar and Nacho Cheese that hit just right.
While they technically returned in 2021, fans still argue that they don’t taste the same as the originals. The new version is spicier and smaller, missing that signature airy crunch. If Frito-Lay ever decided to re-release the true ’90s recipe, it would probably make millennials line up like it’s 1999 again.
6. Squeeze It Juice Bottles
These colorful bottles of sugary fruit juice were a staple at every summer picnic and school lunch in the ’90s. With their fun twist-top design and vibrant colors, Squeeze Its made staying hydrated way more exciting than it should have been. Each flavor had a silly name, like Chucklin’ Cherry or Mean Green Puncher, and kids loved pretending they were drinking potions.
They were discontinued in the early 2000s, much to the dismay of anyone who ever used one to chase down a pack of Gushers. Sure, they weren’t healthy, but that’s not the point of nostalgia. A reboot with the same look but a slightly healthier twist could be the perfect balance between childhood fun and adult sensibility.
7. PB Crisps
PB Crisps were one of the most beloved snacks from the ’90s that disappeared way too soon. These peanut-shaped cookies were filled with sweet, creamy peanut butter and had a light, crispy shell that made them irresistible. Planters launched them in 1992, and they were a hit right away.
Then, without warning, they were discontinued by the late ’90s, leaving fans confused and heartbroken. There have been petitions and even TikTok campaigns trying to bring them back, but so far, no luck. Considering how popular peanut butter snacks are today, it feels like the perfect time for Planters to finally listen.
8. Jell-O Pudding Pops
If you were a kid in the ’80s, you probably had a freezer full of Jell-O Pudding Pops at some point. They were creamy, chocolatey, and had that icy snap that made them perfect for summer afternoons. The commercials made them look irresistible, and for once, the hype matched the flavor.
Despite their popularity, they were discontinued in the 2000s after a licensing change and declining sales. Since then, people have tried to recreate them at home, but it’s never quite the same. With nostalgia for vintage brands at an all-time high, this one could easily make a comeback and dominate the frozen dessert aisle again.
9. Keebler Magic Middles
Magic Middles were soft, buttery shortbread cookies with a surprise of chocolate or fudge filling inside. Keebler released them in the late ’80s, and they quickly became a cult favorite. The commercials even featured the Keebler Elves showing how they hid the “magic” inside each cookie.
They disappeared in the early 2000s, leaving fans searching for dupes ever since. There’s still a loyal online following hoping for their return, with copycat recipes circulating on baking blogs. If Keebler brought them back, they’d easily hold their own next to modern stuffed cookies.
10. Oreo Cakesters
Oreo Cakesters were soft, whoopie-pie-style versions of the classic cookie that debuted in the mid-2000s. They were fluffy, rich, and perfect for people who wanted the Oreo flavor without the crunch. The texture made them stand out, and for a while, it seemed like they were here to stay.
Then, just a few years later, Nabisco pulled the plug without much explanation. After nearly a decade of fan requests, they finally returned in 2022, but again, only for a limited run. Given how fast they sold out, it’s clear the world is ready for them to become permanent residents on grocery shelves.
11. Wonka Bar
Inspired by Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the real-life Wonka Bar was a dream come true for kids in the ’70s, ’80s, and even into the 2000s. It had a creamy milk chocolate base and sometimes featured graham cracker or caramel varieties depending on the release. The nostalgia of unwrapping a bar with the hope of finding a “Golden Ticket” was half the fun.
Nestlé discontinued the Wonka line in 2018, ending an era of whimsical candy that felt like it came straight out of a storybook. Fans have been asking for its return ever since, especially with the renewed interest in Wonka films. If any candy deserves another golden chance, it’s this one.
12. Fruit String Thing
If you were a ’90s kid, Fruit String Thing was one of the most entertaining snacks you could find. It wasn’t just candy—it was art. You could peel it, twist it, or play with it before finally eating it, which made snack time twice as fun.
Made by Betty Crocker, it disappeared in the early 2000s as fruit snacks moved toward “healthier” options. But let’s be honest, nothing ever matched the joy of unrolling that long, fruity string. A return to shelves could easily give today’s snacks a run for their money.
13. O’Boisies
O’Boisies were Keebler’s wildly underrated potato crisps that hit shelves in the late ’80s and quickly gained a loyal following. Unlike regular chips, these were puffed and airy with a unique “bubbly” texture that made them extra crunchy. The seasoning was savory and slightly smoky, setting them apart from everything else in the snack aisle.
They were discontinued in the early 2000s, and fans still reminisce about that distinct flavor that no other chip has matched. There have even been copycat recipes online trying to recreate the magic. A comeback could easily make O’Boisies the next big retro revival snack.
14. Giggles Cookies
Before there were emoji-shaped treats, there were Giggles—smiley-face sandwich cookies from the ’80s that looked as fun as they tasted. They came in vanilla or chocolate with a creamy filling and a cheerful grin stamped on every cookie. Kids loved them not just for the flavor but because they felt like edible toys.
They were made by Nabisco and quietly discontinued by the early ’90s, leaving behind a wave of nostalgia for anyone who grew up with them. Considering how popular character snacks are today, Giggles could easily make a triumphant return and bring a little extra joy back to the cookie aisle.