1. Jell-O 1-2-3
This colorful dessert was like a magic trick in a glass. You’d mix it up and somehow it would separate into three layers—creamy, fluffy, and jiggly Jell-O all in one. For kids in the ’60s and ’70s, it felt like something straight out of a science experiment, but with a sweet payoff. Parents loved serving it at family dinners because it looked fancy without much effort.
The product disappeared in the ’90s, but many still talk about how fun it was to watch it set in the fridge. The texture was unlike anything else you could buy. Even today, people try to recreate it at home with different hacks, but it’s never quite the same. It’s one of those desserts that became a shared memory across generations.
2. Marathon Bar
The Marathon Bar was a long, braided chocolate-covered caramel bar that felt like it went on forever. Introduced in the ’70s, it was marketed as an eight-inch candy bar, complete with a ruler printed on the package so you could measure it. Kids were thrilled by the size, and adults liked the chewy caramel that made it last longer than other candy bars.
It was eventually discontinued in the early ’80s, leaving a gap in the candy aisle. Some say the Cadbury Curly Wurly is a close replacement, but it doesn’t spark the same nostalgia. People who grew up with it remember the feeling of getting such a huge treat for just a few coins. For many, it wasn’t just candy, it was a full-blown event.
3. Nabisco Swiss Cheese Crackers
These crackers had little holes punched in them just like Swiss cheese, and they tasted sharp and tangy. They were a hit at parties in the ’70s and ’80s, often paired with cold cuts or just eaten straight from the box. Many people fondly recall them as a snack that felt a little more grown-up than Cheez-Its.
Nabisco discontinued them in the early 2000s, and fans still beg for their return. Social media is filled with nostalgic posts about how no modern cracker can quite capture that flavor. They were the kind of snack that made you feel like you were eating something special, even if it came from a box. To this day, they hold a legendary status among snack lovers.
4. Kellogg’s Concentrate Cereal
Concentrate cereal looked nothing like the sugary cereals we think of today. It came in a tiny box, packed with dense nuggets of high-protein cereal. Kids in the ’60s didn’t always love the taste, but parents swore by its nutritional value. It was advertised as a “power-packed” breakfast, promising energy for the day.
Though it was discontinued in the ’70s, people still remember those little golden bites. It had a no-nonsense feel to it, like something astronauts might eat. Even those who didn’t care for the flavor still recall the distinct look of that small, serious-looking box. It was one of those rare cereals that leaned more into health than fun.
5. Dannon Sprinkl’ins Yogurt
This was yogurt that came with little packets of sprinkles you could stir in. For kids in the ’90s, it was the highlight of lunchtime. Parents liked that it encouraged kids to eat yogurt, while kids loved the excuse to dump candy into it. The bright colors and mix-in fun made it stand out from other snacks in the fridge.
It didn’t stick around long, but it made a big impression on the generation that grew up with it. The idea was ahead of its time, paving the way for mix-in yogurts and even things like yogurt tubes. People who had it as kids still talk about how exciting it felt to stir those sprinkles in. It’s one of those little details that instantly brings back childhood.
6. Betty Crocker Shake-a-Pudding
Shake-a-Pudding was exactly what it sounded like—you poured milk into a container, shook it, and ended up with pudding. Kids loved the interactive part, and parents liked that it was easier than cooking pudding on the stove. It was especially popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
The product faded away, but people still remember how fun it was to make. It wasn’t the smoothest pudding, but the shaking was half the joy. It turned dessert into a game, which is probably why it stuck in so many memories. Even now, it’s remembered more for the fun than the flavor.
7. Planters Cheez Balls
These neon orange cheese balls came in a signature blue canister that people still recognize instantly. Introduced in the ’80s, they became a staple for after-school snacks and movie nights. They had a distinct tangy cheese powder that set them apart from other brands.
They were discontinued in the 2000s, and fans spent years petitioning for their return. While they’ve made limited comebacks, many argue the taste isn’t quite the same. Boomers especially remember them as a treat that was always at parties or in lunchboxes. Just seeing that blue can in old photos can spark instant nostalgia.
8. Pepsi Twist
Pepsi Twist was Pepsi with a hint of lemon, and it felt like a fresh spin on soda in the early 2000s. Advertised as a lighter, zesty alternative, it quickly gained fans. It wasn’t around for very long, but people remember the commercials and the unique taste.
It made brief reappearances over the years, but it never became a permanent fixture. Boomers remember it as one of those short-lived experiments that actually worked. Many still wish it had stayed on shelves, especially as flavored sodas became more popular. It’s one of those drinks that disappeared just as quickly as it arrived.
9. Kellogg’s Danish Go-Rounds
Danish Go-Rounds were toaster pastries shaped like rectangles with rounded edges, filled with fruit flavors. They were Kellogg’s first attempt before Pop-Tarts took off. People in the ’60s remember them as being flakier, more like a real pastry than Pop-Tarts.
They didn’t last long, but they left a mark on breakfast history. Boomers still talk about how the texture was better than the Pop-Tarts that replaced them. Even though the convenience was similar, the flavor and feel were different. For some, they’re the forgotten rival that deserved more credit.
10. Carnation Breakfast Bars
These chewy bars were meant to replace a sit-down breakfast. Packed with vitamins and calories, they were advertised as a full meal in bar form during the ’70s and ’80s. They had a distinct chocolatey, malty flavor that made them more memorable than many modern meal bars.
Though they vanished in the ’90s, people still crave them today. They were ahead of their time, foreshadowing the energy bar boom. Many who grew up with them say no current bar tastes quite the same. They were both practical and comforting in a way that made them stick in people’s minds.
11. Hidden Valley Ranch Wavy Potato Chips
These chips were a short-lived collaboration between Frito-Lay and Hidden Valley Ranch in the ’90s. The ridges held on to that zesty ranch flavor perfectly. They quickly became a favorite among snackers who couldn’t get enough of ranch on everything.
Unfortunately, they didn’t last long on shelves. Fans still reminisce about them and compare every other ranch-flavored chip to that original. Boomers often recall how addictive they were at family gatherings or picnics. It’s one of those snacks that disappeared before its time.
12. Hostess Chocodiles
Chocodiles were essentially chocolate-covered Twinkies. They first appeared in the ’80s and became a cult favorite. The chocolate coating made them feel richer and more indulgent than the regular Twinkie.
Hostess discontinued them for years, though they’ve occasionally returned in limited runs. Boomers remember them as one of the ultimate guilty pleasures. They had a reputation as being hard to find, which only added to their legend. For many, they were the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence.