1. Doritos 3D
Back in the ’90s, Doritos released a snack that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie—Doritos 3D. These puffed chips had the same great flavor as regular Doritos, but with a fun, 3D shape that made them even more irresistible. The crunch was light, airy, and unlike any other chip, making it feel like a snack that was ahead of its time. Available in flavors like Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch, these chips offered the signature taste of Doritos with an added twist.
Sadly, despite their popularity, Doritos 3D were discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving fans mourning the loss of a snack that felt both futuristic and familiar. The puffy, airy texture of the chips was perfect for snacking, and many people still talk about them fondly, wishing for a comeback. In 2021, the brand teased a return of Doritos 3D, but it was just a brief limited-edition release, leaving fans hoping they’ll make a more permanent return in the future.
2. Orbitz Drink
Orbitz, the “drink with floating blobs,” was a beverage that could only be described as both bizarre and strangely captivating. Released in the mid-’90s, it was marketed as a “fusion drink,” but its strange gelatinous bubbles suspended in a colorful liquid made it something to behold. Drinking it felt like swallowing a science experiment—chewy and sweet, with an unsettlingly fun texture. For a while, it was the trendiest drink on the market.
However, despite its initial appeal, Orbitz quickly fell out of favor due to its odd appearance and confusing texture. People were either intrigued or disgusted by the chewy, jelly-like blobs inside, but there was no middle ground. After a brief run, the drink was discontinued, leaving many to remember it as the snack that was a little too weird to last.
3. Crystal Pepsi
For a brief period in the early ’90s, Crystal Pepsi was the beverage of mystery. The clear soda was positioned as the “next big thing,” offering the familiar taste of regular Pepsi, but with no color. Its sleek, translucent bottle and the idea of a “clear cola” was enough to spark curiosity across the nation. But despite its intriguing concept, the flavor was much like regular Pepsi, which led to the question: Why did it need to be clear?
Though the drink had a brief re-release in the 2010s due to nostalgic demand, its initial run was short-lived. Crystal Pepsi just couldn’t capture enough long-term attention, and it was ultimately discontinued. However, the clear soda’s curious nature still sparks conversations to this day, with fans wondering what might have been if it had found the right niche.
4. Squeezits
Squeezits were the drink of choice for every kid during the ’90s, especially at lunchtime. Packaged in colorful, squeezable plastic bottles, these fruit drinks came in a variety of fun flavors, from “Apple” to “Tangerine.” The real fun came from squeezing the bottle to slurp up the sweet juice inside. It was the perfect combination of portability, convenience, and childhood excitement.
Sadly, Squeezits were discontinued in the early 2000s, but they left a lasting impression on kids who grew up with them. The quirky design and the strange “squeeze-to-drink” action made them more fun than any regular juice box. Today, there’s a small wave of nostalgia surrounding the brand, with some people hoping for a revival.
5. Planters Cheez Balls
If you were a ’90s kid, you probably remember the iconic orange canister of Planters Cheez Balls. These puffed cheese snacks were the ultimate in cheesy goodness, light yet crunchy, and utterly addictive. The best part was definitely the orange powder that would coat your fingers and make every bite feel like a cheat meal. They were a perfect snack to munch on during a movie or as an after-school treat.
Unfortunately, Planters Cheez Balls were discontinued in 2006, leaving fans heartbroken. Despite their lack of nutritional value, the cheesy puffs had a loyal following. In 2018, the snack made a brief return, but for many, it was just a fleeting moment of nostalgia. Cheez Balls may be gone, but the craving for them still lingers.
6. Dunkaroos
Dunkaroos were the ultimate snack for kids in the ’90s, combining frosting and cookies in one neat little package. The snack involved dipping small, cookie-shaped pieces into a small container of sweet frosting, making it the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The fun of dunking combined with the sugary sweetness made Dunkaroos a must-have in school lunchboxes.
Sadly, Dunkaroos disappeared from store shelves in the early 2000s, leaving fans devastated. It wasn’t just the frosting that made it great—it was the experience of dunking and savoring each bite. Thankfully, Dunkaroos made a comeback in 2020, but the original version still holds a special place in the hearts of ’90s kids who remember its simpler, sweeter days.
7. Oops! All Berries Cereal
Oops! All Berries was a twist on the classic Cap’n Crunch cereal, but with one key difference—it was just the berries. The mix of colorful, crunchy pieces in the box was a treat for the eyes as much as it was for the taste buds. Kids loved the sweet and slightly tart flavor of the berry pieces, and it became a hit in households across the nation. It was marketed as an upgrade to the original, and for many, it was.
Despite its popularity, Oops! All Berries disappeared from shelves in the early 2000s. Many still miss the bold, sweet cereal, with its perfectly crisp crunch and berry-filled goodness. Though the product made a short return in 2019, it never quite captured the same magic it had during its original run.
8. Surge
Surge was the soda that captured the rebellious, high-energy spirit of the ’90s. A citrus-flavored soda with a bold, over-the-top taste, it was marketed as a competitor to Mountain Dew. Its bright green color and caffeine-packed formula made it a must-try for any soda enthusiast. Surge was marketed as the drink for thrill-seekers, making it the go-to beverage for kids looking for a sugar rush.
However, Surge was discontinued in the early 2000s after it failed to capture enough of a long-term audience. Though it disappeared from shelves, its fans never forgot the unique taste. In 2014, Surge made a surprising return to select markets, thanks to a massive online campaign by loyal fans. The green soda continues to be a nostalgic favorite, reminding us of the glory days of high-caffeine beverages.
9. Nabisco’s OREO O’s Cereal
Introduced in the late ’90s, OREO O’s cereal brought the beloved chocolate sandwich cookie into breakfast bowls. The cereal featured crunchy, sweet, chocolate-flavored O’s shaped like the iconic OREO cookie, all coated in a sugary, creamy filling. The flavor was an instant hit with anyone who loved the cookie, making it one of the most indulgent cereals on the market.
Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s, much to the disappointment of fans who had embraced it as a sweeter alternative to regular breakfast cereals. Despite brief attempts at reviving it in 2017, the cereal never quite regained its previous popularity. Those who remember it still hold a fond place in their hearts for its unique, cookie-inspired taste.
10. Lays Wow Chips
Lays Wow Chips were marketed as a healthier alternative to regular chips due to their use of Olestra, a fat substitute that promised to reduce fat content. The chips came in classic flavors like Sour Cream & Onion and Barbecue. Their light, crispy texture and reduced fat appeal made them popular for a brief period during the late ’90s.
However, the use of Olestra led to some digestive issues for many consumers, which led to the discontinuation of Wow Chips. Despite their initial hype, the combination of the artificial fat substitute and the resulting side effects made them a snack that didn’t last long. Although Lays eventually pulled the chips, the memory of their lighter, crisp texture remains for those who had the chance to try them.
11. Ritz Munchables
Ritz Munchables were small, bite-sized snacks that brought the buttery flavor of Ritz crackers into snackable form. These crunchy little pieces were like an irresistible combo of crackers and chips, and they were perfect for on-the-go munching. Flavored varieties like “Cheddar” and “Sour Cream & Onion” made them a hit at snack time.
Unfortunately, Ritz Munchables were discontinued after a brief run, leaving fans craving their addictive, savory taste. Though the idea of a Ritz chip-like snack never fully went away, the original Munchables have never been seen on shelves again. Many still wish they’d bring back this portable snack with a buttery crunch.
12. Keebler Magic Middles
Keebler Magic Middles were a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining a buttery shortbread exterior with a rich, creamy filling inside. Introduced in the 1980s, these cookies quickly became a favorite among snack enthusiasts for their unique texture and indulgent taste. The fudge-filled variety offered a deep, chocolatey center, while the peanut butter version provided a sweet and salty contrast that was hard to resist.
Despite their popularity, Magic Middles were discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving a void in the cookie aisle. Fans of the treat have expressed their longing for its return, with some even starting petitions to bring them back. While Keebler has introduced various other products over the years, none have quite captured the magic of these beloved cookies.
13. Hershey’s Swoops
Hershey’s Swoops were a unique candy that hit the shelves in the early 2000s. They were essentially thin, curved pieces of chocolate, almost like chocolate potato chips, and they were marketed as a fun new way to enjoy chocolate. The classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate varieties offered a rich, smooth taste and a satisfying crunch.
Unfortunately, despite the novelty of the product, Hershey’s Swoops never quite found a long-term audience. The thin, curved shape and chocolate flavor weren’t enough to keep them on the market, and they were discontinued after a short period. For many, the memory of biting into one of these chocolate snacks remains an odd but delightful snack experience.
14. Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup
Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup was a quirky, fun twist on the classic condiment, making ketchup a colorful experience. Released in the early 2000s, it came in vibrant colors like “Blastin’ Green,” “Funky Purple,” and “Totally Red,” making it a hit with kids. The idea was to make eating ketchup more fun and appealing to younger audiences, allowing them to squeeze out a rainbow of ketchup for their fries, burgers, and hot dogs. The novelty of colored ketchup was a unique gimmick that made every meal a bit more exciting.
Despite its initial success, Heinz decided to discontinue EZ Squirt in the mid-2000s. Many fans still remember the thrill of using the brightly colored ketchup, which added a fun element to their meals. Although the colored ketchups are long gone, the nostalgia surrounding this quirky product still lingers among those who remember it as a colorful part of their childhood.
15. Kellogg’s Cinnamon Mini Buns
Kellogg’s Cinnamon Mini Buns were breakfast treats shaped like tiny cinnamon rolls, but they came in the convenient form of a cereal. Sweet and spicy with a touch of cinnamon and sugar, the cereal pieces were shaped to resemble mini cinnamon rolls, providing the perfect combination of sweetness and crunch. It was a fun and delicious way to enjoy cinnamon rolls without the hassle of baking.
Despite being a hit in the ’90s, Cinnamon Mini Buns were eventually discontinued. Fans of the cereal still reminisce about the sweet, cinnamony taste and the way it made mornings feel special. Even though it was replaced by other breakfast options, nothing quite captured the same magic as this sweet and spicy cereal.
16. Lays Kettle Cooked Limon
Lays Kettle Cooked Limon chips brought together the crispy texture of kettle-cooked chips with the bright, zesty flavor of lime. These chips were a hit for anyone who loved bold, tangy flavors and were the perfect blend of savory and citrusy goodness. The unique lime twist added a refreshing change to the traditional potato chip flavor profile.
Unfortunately, Lays discontinued the Limon flavor in the mid-2000s. Despite their popularity, the limited availability and niche flavor profile meant that the chips didn’t have enough widespread appeal to last. However, the memory of their zesty, bold flavor still lingers among fans who adored the combination of lime and crunch.
17. Wonka Bar
The Wonka Bar, based on the whimsical candy from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was introduced by Nestlé in the ’90s. It was a chocolate bar that promised a taste of the fantastical, with varieties like Milk Chocolate, Crunchy Fudge, and even a Golden Ticket giveaway. The bars were a delightful treat for fans of the book and movie, offering a chance to indulge in a candy experience that felt a little magical.
Despite the excitement around its launch, the Wonka Bar didn’t last long on the shelves. The bar’s link to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory franchise wasn’t enough to keep it around, and it was eventually pulled. Fans of the candy still hold out hope for a return, remembering the unique taste of chocolate and the fun of the Golden Ticket craze.
18. General Mills’ French Toast Crunch
French Toast Crunch cereal was one of those breakfast treats that took kids’ cereal game to the next level. Shaped like little slices of French toast, the cereal was coated in a sweet, cinnamon-y glaze that mimicked the flavor of a freshly made breakfast. Kids loved that it could be eaten dry as a snack or with milk for a more traditional breakfast.
Though French Toast Crunch was a huge hit, it was eventually discontinued in the early 2000s. Fans were devastated, especially since there was nothing quite like it on the market. In response to widespread demand, General Mills brought it back in 2014, but the magic of the original run is still something fans talk about fondly.
19. Cracker Jack “Jacked” Chips
Cracker Jack “Jacked” chips took the classic caramel-coated snack to a new level by turning it into a chip variety. The chips were coated in the signature caramel popcorn flavor but with the added crunch of a potato chip. They were the perfect balance of sweet and savory, offering a more snackable way to enjoy the classic Cracker Jack flavor.
Unfortunately, Cracker Jack “Jacked” chips were discontinued after a brief stint on the market. Despite their promising concept, they didn’t find a long-term audience and faded into snack history. Many still talk about the combination of caramel and potato chips, which seemed to be a perfect marriage of two beloved snacks.
20. McDonald’s McDLT
The McDLT (McDonald’s Lettuce and Tomato) was an ambitious attempt at creating a more customizable fast food burger. The McDLT came in two separate compartments—one for the hot burger patty and one for the cold lettuce, tomato, and condiments. The idea was to keep everything fresh and separate until it was ready to be assembled, giving customers more control over their meal.
Despite the innovative approach, the McDLT was discontinued in the early ’90s, largely due to environmental concerns over the amount of packaging it required. Though it was a fan favorite, the burger never fully caught on as expected. The McDLT remains one of McDonald’s most iconic “what could have been” items, fondly remembered by anyone who had the chance to try it.