If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you know that snack time was more like an event than food. Brands of that time were not afraid to experiment with different flavors, colors, shapes, and even packaging. But many of those popular snacks are gone. Today, we’ll share 15 such snacks that deserve a comeback.
Dunkaroos
Only a few snacks had the power of Dunkaroos. The vanilla cookies were great, but that thick, sugary frosting was the real star. And if you were one of those people who rationed their frosting perfectly to last through all the cookies, you were basically a math genius (nobody’s judging you). While they made a small comeback, they’re still not as widely available as they should be.
Planters Cheez Balls
These weren’t your normal cheese puffs. The Planters Cheez Balls had such a sharp flavor and neon-orange color that it felt slightly dangerous to eat. The canister was special, too—there was something so satisfying about popping off that blue lid and going in for a handful (as much as you can grab). They returned for a while in 2018, but they need to be permanent.
3D Doritos
Before social media made snacks aesthetic, 3D Doritos were already ahead of the game. These were airy, crunchy, puffed-up versions of your normal Doritos that somehow felt fancier than the regular kind. The commercial featuring Ali Landry catching them in her mouth in slow motion? Iconic. They briefly returned in 2021, but fans still say they weren’t the same.
Altoids Sours
These were not just normal mints—they were more of a challenge for kids. That first hit of tartness smacked you right in the face, made your eyes water, and yet… you couldn’t just stop. Citrus, raspberry, apple—every flavor was an instant classic, and children of all ages were obsessed. Why they vanished is one of the great snack-world mysteries.
Hershey’s Swoops
Chocolate in the shape of a chip might sound weird, but Hershey’s Swoops made it work. These delicate, thin chocolate pieces melted perfectly on your tongue and came in flavors like Reese’s, Almond Joy, and York Peppermint. They were classy yet snackable, and they left us far too soon.
Crispy M&M’s (Before Their Comeback)
Back in 2005, the unthinkable happened—Crispy M&M’s were snatched away from us, and fans were not okay. These weren’t just any M&M’s—they had that light, crispy rice center that made them way too easy to eat by the handful. Thankfully, after nearly a decade of nonstop begging, they finally came back in 2015. Proof that, once in a while, snack justice does get served.
Wonder Ball
“Oh, I wonder, wonder what’s in a Wonder Ball!” That jingle is forever stuck in our heads. You just hear the tune, and the lyrics come to your mind in nanoseconds. Wonder Balls were hollow chocolate spheres filled with tiny candies (and, in the original version, even toys before safety concerns ruined the fun). Opening one felt like unwrapping a small treasure chest.
Pop Tarts
Pop-Tarts were the favorite grab-and-go breakfast or after-school snack for kids in 90s. Whether you toasted them or ate them straight from the pack, these sugary, frosting-covered pastries hit the spot. Some classic flavors, like Strawberry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon, were unbeatable, but the wild ones—like S’mores and Wild Berry—made mornings exciting. Sure, they weren’t the healthiest choice, but who cared? We need them back in their full, nostalgic glory.
Gripz
Tiny, crunchy, and packed with lots of flavor, Gripz were the snack you’d sneak into your lunchbox. These bite-sized versions of Cheez-Its and Chips Ahoy! were made for on-the-go munching. The resealable packs were perfect for stashing in your backpacks, but honestly—who actually saved any for later? One handful was never enough.
Candy Necklace
A snack that is also an accessory? Candy necklaces were peak 90s and 2000s brilliance. You’d wear them around your neck, pretending to be fashionable, and then casually bite off a piece when you get hungry. The chalky, sugary beads left a weirdly satisfying aftertaste and the elastic string? A dangerous but thrilling challenge for your teeth. Nostalgia demands their comeback—after all, who doesn’t miss edible jewelry?
Chocolate Coins
There was something so special about peeling back that shiny gold foil to reveal that cheap but delicious chocolate. Chocolate coins were like real gold coins for kids. Whether you got them in your Christmas stocking or as a reward for something good, they made you feel rich—at least until you ate them all in five minutes.
Nilla Wafers
Nilla Wafers were one of the most underrated childhood treats. Whether you ate them straight from the box or layered them in banana pudding (there are many ways to go about it), their light vanilla flavor was always comforting. Somehow, they vanished from mainstream shelves. We wish the company would bring back the Nilla Wafers because no other cookie tastes the same way.
Pixy Stix
These colorful, powder-filled straws were pure sugar with a hint of tartness, and somehow, that was what every kid wanted back in the 90s. Pouring the powder straight into your mouth felt rebellious, and the risk of accidentally inhaling it just made it more thrilling. Kids today deserve that same chaotic joy—Pixy Stix needs to return!
Warheads Sour Candy Cubes
Warheads were already legendary, but their sour candy cubes? Next level. The bite-sized, fruity cubes had the same lip-puckering punch but were slightly easier on the taste buds (and tears). The thrill of testing your sour tolerance with friends was half the fun. It was like a challenge to see who could have the most candies without changing their facial expressions.
Oreo O’s Cereal
Breakfast tasted so much better when you had the bowl of Oreo O’s. These little chocolatey, crème-coated loops turned the normal milk into dessert; you can hear the crunch with every bite. Thankfully, they did somehow come back, but we need them as a permanent fixture in grocery aisles. Because who doesn’t want Oreos for breakfast?
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