1. Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi was one of those products that felt futuristic when it hit shelves in the early ’90s, but it actually had its roots in late ’80s clear beverage trends. The idea was simple: a cola that looked like water but supposedly tasted the same as regular Pepsi. It was marketed as pure and natural at a time when clear drinks were all the rage. Kids and adults were curious enough to try it at least once, even if the taste didn’t quite match expectations. For many, the strange disconnect between the familiar cola flavor and the see-through look was too much.
Stores eventually pulled it because sales just couldn’t keep up. People wanted their cola to look like cola, and clear soda was too jarring. Pepsi tried reviving it a few times as a novelty, but it never stuck around for long. If you were lucky enough to try it, you probably remember the odd feeling of sipping something that looked like Sprite but tasted like Pepsi. It was a short-lived reminder that sometimes, appearances really do matter when it comes to food and drink.
2. Tab
For years, Tab was the reigning queen of diet sodas. Launched by Coca-Cola in the ’60s, it hit peak popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, becoming a grocery store staple for anyone counting calories. Its pink cans were iconic, and you couldn’t go down a soda aisle without seeing stacks of them. Many people swore by it, even if the saccharin-based taste was divisive. It was one of those drinks you either loved or couldn’t stand.
By the time Diet Coke entered the scene, Tab started to lose its hold. The newer product was easier to market and had a smoother taste. While die-hard Tab drinkers kept it alive for decades, Coca-Cola finally discontinued it in 2020. For many, it felt like saying goodbye to a quirky but loyal old friend. Tab might be gone from shelves, but it still lives on in the memories of anyone who reached for it before aerobics class in the ’80s.
3. Jell-O Pudding Pops
If you grew up in the ’80s, chances are your freezer was stocked with Jell-O Pudding Pops. Marketed with commercials that made them look like the ultimate treat, they were creamy, sweet, and felt like a step up from ordinary popsicles. They came in classic chocolate, vanilla, and swirl, making them a hit with kids. Their popularity skyrocketed, and many remember the excitement of unwrapping that crinkly paper sleeve.
But like many snack fads, their success didn’t last. Production issues and changing tastes led to their quiet disappearance in the ’90s. People still talk about them online, wishing they’d return to the freezer aisle. There’s something about the combination of pudding and frozen novelty that feels so uniquely ’80s. Today, they’re one of those treats that spark instant nostalgia the moment they’re mentioned.
4. Bonkers Candy
Bonkers were chewy fruit candies with a playful edge. The commercials promised that eating them would send you into fits of laughter, complete with giant fruit dropping from the sky. The candy itself was a chewy square with a fruity filling inside, kind of like Starburst with a twist. They came in flavors like grape and watermelon, and kids loved the cartoonish ads as much as the candy.
Despite the hype, Bonkers slowly disappeared from shelves by the ’90s. They didn’t quite stand the test of time against longer-lasting candies like Skittles or Starburst. People who grew up in the ’80s still remember them fondly, though, often bringing them up as a “why don’t they make these anymore?” snack. They were silly, fun, and very much a product of their decade. If you miss them, you’re not alone.
5. Fruit Brute Cereal
General Mills’ monster cereals were a Halloween favorite, and Fruit Brute was one of the lesser-known members of the lineup. Introduced in the ’70s, it was still around in the ’80s with its werewolf mascot and fruity flavor. The colorful marshmallows and quirky branding made it stand out in the cereal aisle. Quentin Tarantino even gave it a shout-out in his movies years later, showing how memorable it was.
Despite the cool mascot, it never sold as well as Count Chocula or Franken Berry. By the mid-’80s, Fruit Brute vanished, leaving the more popular monster cereals to carry on. Collectors now pay big money for vintage boxes, a reminder of its cult status. For kids who actually tried it, the taste wasn’t much different from other fruity cereals, but the mascot made it special. It’s a perfect example of how even cereal mascots had their own mini fan clubs.
6. Hi-C Ecto Cooler
Tie-in products were huge in the ’80s, and Hi-C Ecto Cooler might be the most legendary of them all. Released as part of the Ghostbusters craze, this neon green citrus drink came in juice boxes that made you feel like you were part of the ghost-hunting crew. Its bright color was half the appeal, and the sweet-tart flavor kept kids hooked. For a while, it was a lunchbox staple that stood out from other juices.
Even after Ghostbusters fever died down, Ecto Cooler stuck around into the ’90s. Eventually, though, Hi-C retired it, breaking the hearts of fans everywhere. It did come back briefly for promotions when the franchise was rebooted, but it never stayed for good. To this day, it’s remembered as one of the best movie tie-in snacks. If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably still wish you could crack open a juice box and see that green liquid again.
7. Carnation Breakfast Bars
These were the go-to “healthy” snack that moms would toss into lunchboxes or grab for a quick breakfast on the go. Carnation Breakfast Bars promised the nutrition of a full meal in candy bar form, which sounded like magic in the ’80s. They came in flavors like peanut butter and chocolate chip, making them taste more like a treat than a meal replacement. For kids, it felt like getting dessert for breakfast.
Despite their popularity, they eventually faded away in the ’90s. Part of the problem was that people began scrutinizing the sugar content, realizing they weren’t as healthy as advertised. Still, many remember them fondly for their convenience and taste. They were perfect for a quick bite before school or sports practice. If you’ve ever hunted through forums online, you’ll see plenty of people still searching for a comparable replacement.
8. Hubba Bubba Soda
Hubba Bubba was already a gum staple, but in the ’80s it branched out into soda. Yes, there was a bubble gum-flavored soda, and kids thought it was the height of fun. It tasted exactly like the gum, sweet and a little odd, but in liquid form. The cans stood out with bright, colorful designs, making it irresistible for young shoppers.
Of course, bubble gum soda was more of a novelty than a long-term hit. Adults weren’t buying it, and even kids could only handle so much of that sugary flavor. After a short run, it disappeared from shelves. It’s one of those products people now mention with a laugh, wondering how it ever got made in the first place. Still, it perfectly captured the experimental spirit of the ’80s snack aisle.
9. Oreo Big Stuf
In the ’80s, Nabisco decided that regular Oreos weren’t enough, so they released Oreo Big Stuf. These were giant individually wrapped Oreos, about 10 times the size of a normal one. They were sold as a single cookie in its own package, making them feel like a special treat. For kids, it was basically the ultimate Oreo experience—more cream, more cookie, and way more sugar.
As exciting as they were, Big Stuf didn’t last. They were discontinued by the early ’90s, probably because they were just too much of a good thing. Still, anyone who had one remembers the thrill of unwrapping that massive cookie. Today, Oreo experiments with all kinds of flavors, but nothing has ever matched the sheer over-the-top fun of Big Stuf. It’s a true ’80s relic of excess.
10. Suddenly Salad
Betty Crocker’s Suddenly Salad made its debut in the ’80s as a quick way to whip up pasta salad at home. The boxes came with dried pasta and seasoning packets, and all you had to do was add mayonnaise or oil. They were a hit at summer picnics and potlucks, offering a shortcut that felt modern at the time. Moms loved the convenience, and kids were happy to eat something colorful on the side.
Though variations still exist today, the original ’80s versions are long gone. Flavors like Bacon & Ranch or Caesar were once staples but have since been retired. While the brand is still around, it doesn’t hold the same place it once did in the grocery aisle. Back then, Suddenly Salad felt like a revolution in boxed side dishes. Now it’s just another reminder of the convenience-food craze of the decade.
11. Seven Up Gold
In 1988, 7UP tried something bold with Seven Up Gold. Unlike its usual clear lemon-lime soda, this was a darker, spiced version that looked closer to ginger ale or cola. It had a cinnamon-like flavor that was completely unexpected. The idea was to expand the brand into something different, but the gamble didn’t pay off. Customers were confused and didn’t know what to make of it.
It disappeared quickly, but not before making an impression on those who tried it. Today, it’s one of those obscure sodas that collectors love to bring up. For ’80s kids, it was just another example of how soda companies were willing to experiment. Even though it didn’t last, it added to the fun unpredictability of grocery store shelves. If you ever tried it, you definitely remember that unusual taste.
12. Keebler Magic Middles
Keebler was known for its fun, imaginative cookies, and Magic Middles were one of their most beloved creations. These were shortbread-style cookies filled with gooey chocolate in the middle. They felt like a surprise in every bite, and the commercials played up the “magic” of discovering the hidden filling. For kids, they were the kind of treat that made after-school snack time extra exciting.
Unfortunately, Magic Middles were discontinued in the ’90s, much to the disappointment of fans. People have been begging for their return ever since, often ranking them at the top of most-missed snack lists. The unique combination of soft cookie and chocolate center hasn’t been matched by anything on shelves today. They remain a nostalgic favorite, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones we miss the most.