1. Orbitz Drinks
Remember those oddly mesmerizing drinks called Orbitz? With their floating gel beads suspended in liquid, they were marketed as a futuristic beverage that would change the way we sip. Released in the ’80s, Orbitz took the market by storm for a short while, claiming to be a revolutionary drink experience. People were both fascinated and confused by the odd texture and colorful appearance of the drink, which came in fruity flavors like raspberry and orange.
Despite the hype, Orbitz didn’t quite take off as expected. It was hard to get past the visual weirdness of floating beads in your drink, not to mention the odd texture. Sales quickly dwindled as consumers found themselves more interested in more traditional beverages. By the early ’90s, Orbitz vanished from store shelves, leaving only memories of an era when drinks were a little stranger.
2. 3D Doritos
In the ’80s, Doritos made a bold move by introducing 3D Doritos, which were a crunchy, puffy, and oddly shaped version of the classic chip. They looked like mini triangles but with a larger, puffier bite and more intense flavor. People loved the unique texture and extra crunch that they offered compared to the flat, traditional Doritos everyone knew. The marketing campaign was clever, using the 3D name to make it sound even more futuristic and innovative.
However, despite the fanfare, 3D Doritos didn’t last. The novelty wore off, and their more intense crunch didn’t seem to win over enough people to keep them on the market. Doritos eventually phased them out, though the puffy snack made a short-lived return in the 2000s, only to disappear once again.
3. Jell-O Pudding Pops
Jell-O Pudding Pops were a beloved dessert for many, combining pudding with the satisfaction of a frozen treat. These creamy, chocolatey pops were easy to eat and cool on a hot summer day. Their nostalgic feel is still fondly remembered, especially by anyone who grew up in the ’80s, who might recall Bill Cosby’s endorsement of them in TV commercials.
Sadly, due to declining sales, Jell-O eventually discontinued Pudding Pops in the early ’90s. While they may have made a brief comeback years later, they didn’t recapture the magic of their initial run. Now, many people still wonder why the beloved pops were ever taken off the market in the first place.
4. Bagel Bites
Bagel Bites were the ultimate snack for kids, combining mini bagels with pizza toppings and melted cheese. Easy to pop in the microwave, they were quick, delicious, and perfect for a busy afternoon. Their bite-size format made them ideal for snacking, and the pizza-like flavor made them even more irresistible.
Though Bagel Bites are still available in stores today, their popularity peaked in the ’80s. As frozen food trends evolved and tastes changed, this snack faded into the background. While some people still love them, they don’t hold the same iconic status they once had during their brief reign.
5. Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks are often associated with the myth that they could make your stomach explode if consumed with soda, but despite that rumor, they were a sensation in the ’80s. The candy was famous for its fizzy, crackling sensation when it hit your tongue. Kids loved the thrill of the popping sensation, and the candy’s novelty made it a must-try.
While Pop Rocks were hugely popular for a time, they didn’t manage to stay in the limelight. The intense, short-lived popping sensation wasn’t enough to sustain their popularity. After a few years, they were relegated to being more of a novelty candy rather than a mainstream snack, though they continue to pop up from time to time.
6. Cool Ranch Doritos
Cool Ranch Doritos arrived in the late ’80s and offered a new, zesty flavor to the classic chip. With their tangy ranch seasoning and addictive crunch, they quickly became a favorite for anyone who loved something different than the traditional nacho cheese flavor. The flavor was new and exciting, with just the right balance of creaminess and spice.
However, Cool Ranch Doritos didn’t stay around forever. While they did eventually become a permanent flavor, they had a brief moment as a trendy snack during their initial release. Many fans still remember how they were a must-have in every snack cupboard back in the ’80s.
7. Fruitopia
Fruitopia was a drink that promised to bring fresh, fruity goodness to the masses, and for a while, it was everywhere. With its vibrant colors and unique fruit combinations, it felt like the future of beverages. The fruity drink arrived in the ’80s with flavors like “Passionfruit” and “Grape Expectation,” which appealed to a younger, hipper crowd.
Unfortunately, Fruitopia couldn’t stand the test of time. While it initially sold well, the brand quickly faded into obscurity, with many of its flavors replaced by other, more established juice brands. Though it had a brief return in the early 2000s, it didn’t reignite the buzz it once had.
8. Butterfingers Crisps
Not to be confused with the classic Butterfinger bar, the Butterfingers Crisps were a wafer-based version of the original candy. With a crunchy texture, the crisps promised the same peanut buttery goodness with a lighter, crispier bite. They were a fun twist on the iconic candy bar, offering a more snackable format.
However, Butterfingers Crisps didn’t stick around long. While they gained some initial traction, they couldn’t compete with the classic Butterfinger bars that people knew and loved. The crisps were eventually discontinued, but fans still remember them fondly as a ’90s snack fad.
9. Squeeze It
Squeeze It was a drink marketed toward kids in the ’80s with a catchy slogan and a squishy, squeezable bottle. The brightly colored liquid inside tasted like fruit punch, and the bottle itself made it fun to drink. It became a go-to option for kids at school or on the go, making it a major trend for a while.
Despite its popularity, Squeeze It couldn’t hold on for long. Its unique format wasn’t enough to keep it from disappearing from store shelves. The brand faded out in the ’90s, leaving behind only memories of squeezing the colorful liquid out of those plastic bottles.
10. Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi was Pepsi’s attempt to cash in on the clear drink trend in the ’80s. It promised the same great taste as the classic Pepsi but without the caramel color. While it was marketed as a refreshing, innovative drink, its lack of color left people wondering if it tasted too much like regular soda.
The drink’s novelty wore off quickly, and consumers lost interest in the clear alternative. Crystal Pepsi didn’t last long, and by the ’90s, it had disappeared entirely from store shelves. The drink was briefly revived in the 2010s, but its moment in the ’80s will always be remembered as a quirky, short-lived attempt to rebrand soda.
11. Pizza Rolls
Pizza Rolls were another microwaveable delight that gained traction in the ’80s, offering a bite-sized version of everyone’s favorite Italian food. Their crispy exterior and cheesy, savory filling made them an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Whether they were served as an after-school snack or a quick party appetizer, Pizza Rolls became a staple of the snack scene.
However, their brief rise to fame in the ’80s was short-lived, as other snack trends soon took over. Though they remain a popular snack, their initial hype has faded over the years, and they no longer hold the same status they once did. Despite this, they’ve managed to stick around, though they now compete with a multitude of newer, trendier snacks.
12. Wonder Ball
The Wonder Ball was a chocolate candy filled with sugary treats, often in the form of candy-coated chocolate pieces or small toys. It was marketed as a fun, surprise-filled snack that could excite kids with its mystery contents. The chocolate shell was smooth, and the idea of opening a ball to discover what was inside was part of its charm.
Unfortunately, safety concerns over the small toys inside led to the Wonder Ball’s discontinuation. Despite the excitement they caused, these candies couldn’t remain on the market due to potential choking hazards. Still, Wonder Balls left behind a sweet memory for anyone who got to enjoy them in their short time on the shelves.
13. Nerds Cereal
Nerds, the candy that loved to make a mess with its crunchy, sugar-coated bits, was turned into a cereal in the ’80s. The candy itself had a loyal following, and the thought of turning it into a breakfast option seemed like a brilliant idea. With its brightly colored bits and sweet flavors, Nerds Cereal promised to make mornings a little more fun.
However, the sugar overload of Nerds Cereal quickly wore off. It didn’t appeal to enough cereal lovers, and the candy was better enjoyed as a quick treat rather than part of a balanced breakfast. After a brief run, Nerds Cereal was quietly discontinued, leaving behind nothing but sweet memories of the over-the-top snack.
14. SpaghettiOs with Meatballs
SpaghettiOs with Meatballs were a staple in many ’80s homes, marketed as an easy-to-prepare, kid-friendly meal. The circular pasta in a tomato sauce, paired with tiny meatballs, was both fun and filling. This canned delight became the go-to quick meal for busy families who didn’t have time to make a full dinner.
Despite its popularity, SpaghettiOs with Meatballs didn’t hold up as a lasting favorite. While they’re still around today, the novelty and widespread popularity faded as people began seeking healthier and more interesting meal options. Still, for those who grew up in the ’80s, they hold a nostalgic place in the hearts of many.
15. Gushers
Gushers, the fruit snack that exploded with juice, were an instant sensation in the ’80s. Their chewy exterior was filled with a fruity liquid that made them an exciting treat for kids. The bright colors and fun factor made them a must-have snack, and they quickly became the envy of every lunchbox.
Though Gushers are still around today, their popularity peaked in the ’80s. Their liquid-filled surprise couldn’t sustain the initial excitement, and newer fruit snacks gradually took over the market. While they’re still available in stores, the original ’80s craze has long since passed.
16. Rice Krispies Treats Cereal
Rice Krispies Treats Cereal took the popular Rice Krispies Treats snack and turned it into a breakfast option. The cereal was sweet and crunchy, with little bits of marshmallow flavoring that mimicked the classic treat. It was a nostalgic nod to the beloved snack, and for a time, it was a breakfast favorite.
Unfortunately, the sugary nature of Rice Krispies Treats Cereal led to its quick disappearance. People started to look for healthier options for breakfast, and the novelty wore off. The cereal was eventually pulled from shelves, but Rice Krispies Treats as a snack remained, though the cereal is now a thing of the past.
17. Keebler Magic Middles
Keebler Magic Middles were soft, shortbread-like cookies filled with a creamy, chocolate center. These bite-sized treats were marketed as an indulgence that could satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth in a convenient, portable form. The combination of crispy cookie and gooey chocolate made them a fan favorite for a brief moment.
Sadly, they didn’t manage to stay around for long. While Magic Middles had their moment, they didn’t achieve the same level of lasting success as other Keebler products. Eventually, the cookies were pulled from the market, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of those who enjoyed them in their heyday.
18. Dunkaroos
Dunkaroos were the snack that let you dip cookies into frosting, and it quickly became a favorite of kids everywhere. With its fun, interactive nature and sweet frosting, it made snack time feel like a mini celebration. The idea of dipping cookies into a frosting cup made it an instant hit in the ’80s.
Unfortunately, Dunkaroos eventually faded out of the spotlight. Though the snack has returned briefly in recent years, it never fully recaptured the magic of the original. Its short-lived reign as a beloved snack reminds us of how quickly fads can come and go, even for the most delicious treats.