15 Discontinued Snacks We’d Love to Taste Again: Flavor Trips Down Memory Lane
Everyone loves a good snack, and some of the best ones came out in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
These decades were filled with unique and tasty treats that you might remember from your childhood. Wouldn’t it be amazing to taste some of those iconic snacks again?
As time has passed, many beloved snacks have disappeared from the shelves, leaving us with fond memories and a longing for those flavors.
In this article, you’ll find a list of 15 discontinued snacks that would be incredible to taste once more.
1) Cheetos Paws
If you grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, chances are you remember Cheetos Paws.
These snacks were shaped like animal paws and had a cheesy flavor that kept you coming back for more.
They were not just fun to eat but also a staple in lunchboxes.
Introduced by Frito-Lay, Cheetos Paws quickly became a hit.
Kids loved the unique shape, and parents appreciated the familiar cheesy taste.
Whether you were munching on them during a playdate or at a birthday party, they were a popular choice.
Despite their popularity, Cheetos Paws were discontinued in the mid-2000s.
Fans have been voicing their desire for a comeback ever since.
Facebook groups and online petitions have popped up, begging Frito-Lay to bring them back.
While there’s no official word on their return, the nostalgia for Cheetos Paws is strong.
For many, these snacks are a fond memory of simpler times.
If you ever get the chance to taste them again, make sure you savor every bite.
2) Doritos 3D
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember Doritos 3D.
These crunchy, three-dimensional snacks were a hit with their unique shape and bold flavors.
Doritos 3D came in different varieties like Spicy Ranch and Nacho Cheese.
They were fun to eat and had a great crunch that made them stand out from regular chips.
Produced by Frito-Lay, Doritos 3D were different and exciting.
Kids loved them because they were not just flat chips but had a puffed-up texture that felt more playful.
Although they were discontinued, people still talk about them.
There were even petitions and social media campaigns asking for their return.
Connecting with these snacks again would bring back memories of after-school munchies and weekend hangouts.
3) Pepsi Blue
Pepsi Blue hit the shelves in 2002, and it was like nothing you’d ever seen before.
This bright blue soda had a unique berry flavor that stood out in a crowded market.
The drink was heavily marketed to teenagers, making it popular among the younger crowd.
Unfortunately, Pepsi Blue was discontinued in 2004, much to the disappointment of its fans.
Some people loved it for its bold taste and eye-catching color.
There were also some controversies surrounding the soda.
Its main coloring agent, Blue 1, sparked some backlash.
Despite this, many still have fond memories of sipping on Pepsi Blue, especially those who grew up in the early 2000s.
Pepsi decided to bring it back in 2021, giving fans a nostalgic blast from the past.
Its return was brief, but it showed just how much people missed this unique beverage.
Would you want to see Pepsi Blue make a permanent comeback?
4) Sprite Remix
Sprite Remix burst onto the scene in the early 2000s.
It combined the crisp, refreshing taste of Sprite with bold new fruit flavors.
You might remember varieties like Tropical, Berryclear, and Aruba Jam.
This twist on a classic quickly gained a following.
Fans loved the unique blend of lemon-lime with hints of raspberry and other tropical flavors.
Despite its popularity, Sprite Remix was discontinued in 2005.
The short run left many fans nostalgic.
Today, you might still find people reminiscing about that refreshing taste from the early 2000s.
5) Planters Cheese Balls
You might remember the fluorescent orange Planters Cheese Balls from your childhood in the 1980s.
These were iconic snacks that you could find in every pantry.
They were the perfect blend of crunchy and cheesy, making them a favorite at parties and game nights.
The cheesy flavor of these balls was unmistakable.
Each bite had that powdery, savory goodness that left your fingers covered in orange dust.
You probably didn’t mind licking it off because it tasted just as good as the snack itself.
Planters Cheese Balls were discontinued in 2006, which was a big disappointment for many.
People loved them so much that they started petitions and online forums to bring them back.
Due to popular demand, Planters brought them back temporarily in 2018, and now they are here to stay.
If you missed the chance to try these in 2018, now’s your chance again.
It’s like being transported back to your childhood every time you pop one in your mouth.
Go ahead and grab a can to relive those fond memories.
6) Jell-O Pudding Pops
Jell-O Pudding Pops became a hit in the 1980s.
Imagine a popsicle, but instead of being icy, it was creamy like pudding.
These treats came in chocolate, vanilla, and swirl flavors.
By the early ’90s, they had become a childhood favorite.
Bill Cosby even appeared in ads, dressed as an ice cream man, making the treats seem even more fun and tasty.
In their early years, Jell-O Pudding Pops were hugely successful, raking in millions in sales.
The unique blend of pudding on a stick was different from anything else at the time.
Despite their popularity, they didn’t last.
General Foods struggled to keep the product profitable.
This led to the treats being discontinued, leaving a nostalgic void for those who enjoyed them.
7) Surge
Surge was an iconic soda that first hit the market in the mid-1990s.
Created by Coca-Cola, it was a citrus-flavored, high-energy drink.
You might remember its bright green color and intense flavor.
Many people loved Surge for its bold taste and caffeine kick.
It quickly became a favorite among kids and teens.
The soda had a short but memorable lifespan and was discontinued in the early 2000s.
In 2011, fans started The Surge Movement to bring their beloved drink back.
Their voices were heard, and Coca-Cola re-released Surge in limited quantities.
If you remember Surge, you might feel a bit nostalgic for those days.
It was a time when grabbing a can was an adventure.
The soda may be gone from stores now, but it still holds a special place in many hearts.
8) Butterfinger BB’s
You probably remember Butterfinger BB’s if you grew up in the ’90s.
Launched in 1992, these tiny, round treats were a hit.
They had the same crunchy, peanut-buttery goodness as a regular Butterfinger but in a fun, poppable form.
Butterfinger BB’s were perfect for movie nights or trick-or-treat bags.
Their small size made them easy to snack on without committing to a full candy bar.
This made them popular among kids and teens.
Sadly, they were discontinued in the mid-2000s.
Many fans were upset to see them go.
There have even been petitions to bring them back, but so far there’s been no luck.
Even though Nestlé replaced them with Butterfinger Bites, many argue that they just aren’t the same.
The unique round shape and texture of BB’s were part of their charm.
If you’re nostalgic for that crunch and flavor, you’re not alone.
Butterfinger BB’s remain a beloved snack from the past that many still miss today.
9) Oreo O’s Cereal
Oreo O’s was the kind of cereal that turned breakfast into a sweet treat.
Introduced in 1998, these little O-shaped pieces tasted just like the classic Oreo cookies.
Imagine starting your day with the chocolate and cream flavor you loved from the cookie aisle.
You might remember begging your parents for Oreo O’s during trips to the grocery store.
They were a hit instantly with their unique taste and cool packaging.
Breakfast never felt more like dessert.
Despite their popularity, Oreo O’s had a rocky journey.
They vanished from U.S. stores in 2007 due to a split between Kraft and Post, the companies involved in their production.
The high sugar content also played a role in their disappearance.
Many fans felt disappointed when they disappeared.
There’s something nostalgic about those crunchy, chocolatey O’s. Seeing a box of Oreo O’s today would instantly bring back memories of Saturday morning cartoons and carefree weekends.
10) Gatorade Citrus Cooler
Gatorade Citrus Cooler hit the market in the 1980s and quickly became a favorite among sports drink fans.
The flavor stood out with its refreshing citrus taste, making it a go-to for athletes and casual drinkers alike.
You might remember grabbing a bottle after a long practice or a hot day.
Its unique flavor stayed with many people, even when other beverages came and went.
For years, it seemed like Citrus Cooler was always around.
Then, suddenly, it became harder to find.
Rumors flew, and fans started to worry.
Was it really gone for good?
By the early 2000s, Citrus Cooler was discontinued, leaving a gap in the market.
Some die-hard fans still search for a taste of nostalgia, hoping to find a stash of their beloved drink.
If you were lucky enough to enjoy Citrus Cooler back in the day, you know just how special it was.
And if you didn’t, you’re missing out on a true classic that quenched thirst in the best way possible.
11) Shark Bites Fruit Snacks
If you grew up in the late ’80s or early ’90s, you probably remember Shark Bites Fruit Snacks.
They were a popular treat for kids, boasting bold shapes and bright colors.
Shark Bites made lunchtime or snack time exciting.
The gummies came in various fruit flavors, and each pack included a special Great White Shark gummy that was everyone’s favorite.
Over the years, the recipe for Shark Bites changed.
In 2016, General Mills removed artificial flavors and colors.
This makeover transformed the gummies from chalky and opaque to translucent and sticky.
Many fans miss the original Shark Bites, especially the chalky texture and the thrill of finding that Great White gummy.
It’s a nostalgic snack that brings back memories of simpler times.
Wouldn’t it be fun to see Shark Bites make a comeback so you could enjoy them once again?
12) PB Crisps
PB Crisps were an amazing treat from the ’90s that many people still remember fondly.
They were made by Planters and had a crispy outer shell with a creamy peanut butter filling inside.
These snacks were unique in their texture and taste, combining both crunchiness and smoothness in every bite.
Despite their tasty nature, PB Crisps didn’t last long on the market.
Planters discontinued them because they weren’t as popular as other snacks.
Many fans were disappointed.
Even today, there is a big group of people hoping for a comeback.
They miss that familiar peanut butter flavor and the satisfying crunch.
If you were lucky enough to try PB Crisps back in the day, you probably remember just how special they were.
They might not be around anymore, but they still hold a special place in our hearts.
13) Tato Skins Potato Snacks
Remember those Tato Skins Potato Snacks from the ’80s? They were a hit for anyone who loved extra crunch in their chips.
Keebler created these snacks to give you the feeling of eating loaded baked potatoes in a chip form.
They even used real potato skins!
These chips came in flavors like Baked Potato, Sour Cream n’ Chives, and Cheese n’ Bacon.
Each one promised a punch of tasty goodness that made snack time exciting.
One bite, and it was hard to stop munching.
Miles Willard, a potato innovator, was behind these chips.
He knew how to make snacks that people would crave.
Tato Skins were unique and ahead of their time, providing a new spin on the typical potato chip.
Even if you never tried Tato Skins, their legend lives on.
For those who did, they remain a cherished snack memory from the ’80s.
14) Josta
Josta was an energy drink that hit the market in the late 1990s.
If you were around during that time, you might remember its unique flavor.
It combined guarana and caffeine, which gave it a distinctive taste compared to other sodas.
PepsiCo introduced Josta, making it the first energy drink distributed by a major company in the U.S. Sadly, it didn’t catch on as expected.
Despite its early exit, Josta still has loyal fans.
Some people even try to recreate the drink at home.
If you never got a chance to taste it, you’re not alone in hoping for a comeback.
Imagine sipping on a fizzy, energizing drink that calls back to those late ’90s moments.
Whether it’s nostalgia or curiosity, Josta definitely left an impression on those who tried it.
15) Reggie! Bar
You might remember the Reggie! Bar, especially if you’re a baseball fan.
Named after Reggie Jackson, a famous player for the New York Yankees, this candy bar hit the market in 1978.
It was a tasty treat made with caramel, milk chocolate, and peanuts, packed into a round disk.
The Reggie! Bar wasn’t just about the flavors.
It was part of a fun era in candy history.
At games, fans would shower the field with these bars when Jackson hit a home run.
It was a nod to his nickname, “Mr. October,” earned from his impressive performances during the World Series.
In the 1980s, you could find these candy bars in stores, adding a bit of sweet excitement to your snacks.
Even though the Reggie! Bar didn’t stick around forever, it left a lasting memory for those who enjoyed it back then.
More than 40 years after it was discontinued, it’s one of those snacks that you just wish could make a comeback.
If you never got to try one, you missed out on a truly unique and memorable candy experience.
Why We Love Discontinued Snacks
Discontinued snacks hold a special place in our hearts because they remind us of our childhood and offer flavors we don’t find today.
They bring back memories and a sense of fun from simpler times.
Nostalgia Factor
You remember racing home from school and grabbing that favorite snack you couldn’t wait to devour.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, a lot of unique snacks hit the market, each one becoming a small piece of your childhood.
Whether it was the crunch of a Planters Cheez Balls or the sweet, stretchy fun of Nickelodeon’s Crazy Colors Fruit Roll-Ups, these snacks were way more than just a treat.
They were part of the experience of growing up.
Today, just thinking about these discontinued snacks can bring a wave of nostalgia.
When you see pictures or read about them, it instantly takes you back to simpler times.
That’s why discontinued snacks aren’t just food – they’re memories wrapped in colorful packaging.
Unique Flavors
Snacks from the past had flavors and textures that were bold and sometimes outright bizarre, but that’s what made them exciting.
Betty Crocker’s Fruit String Thing had a chewy, fruity sweetness that was unlike any modern snack.
Oreo Big Stuf was an enormous cookie that was impossible to eat without a glass of milk.
Then there were Hershey’s Swoops, perfect chocolate slices shaped like Pringles.
These unique flavors have yet to be truly replicated.
Sure, today’s snacks are great, but there’s something special about the taste experiences that were only available decades ago.
The variety made snack time an adventure, adding an element of surprise and discovery that you rarely get with today’s more standardized options.
How Snacks Become Discontinued
The snacks you loved from the past might have disappeared because of changing market trends and rising production costs.
Market Trends
Market trends change over time, and this can lead to snacks being discontinued.
In the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, certain flavors and types of snacks were popular.
For example, you might remember colorful fruit snacks or fun yogurts that everyone loved.
As tastes evolve, demand for these items starts to drop.
New snack options or healthier choices can also push old favorites off the shelves.
Kids today might prefer snacks without artificial colors or flavors, which can pressure companies to stop producing some of the iconic treats from your childhood.
Tv shows, movies, and even new brand collaborations can influence what snacks are popular.
If a snack isn’t keeping up with these trends, it might get cut.
Production Costs
The cost of producing snacks can sometimes outweigh the benefits of keeping them in stores.
The ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s saw many snacks that used ingredients and packaging methods that are more expensive now.
If the cost to make these snacks goes up, companies might decide it’s no longer profitable to sell them.
Changes in the price of raw materials, shipping costs, and even the equipment needed to make snacks can impact their fate.
If producing a snack becomes too costly, it might be discontinued to conserve resources.
Legacy snacks might also require specific machines or processes.
If these become outdated or too expensive to maintain, companies might find it easier to stop producing these snacks altogether.
The Comeback of Discontinued Snacks
Many beloved snacks from the past decades have a special place in our hearts.
With enough fan demand, some of these snacks have made a brief return through limited editions.
Fan Demand
You might remember some of your favorite snacks from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Snacks like Trix Yogurt, Altoid Sours, and Oreo Big Stuf were discontinued despite their popularity.
Fans often rally together to bring these tasty treats back.
Petitions and social media campaigns highlight how much nostalgia these snacks hold.
Companies do take notice when there’s enough buzz.
For example, Trix Yogurt saw a movement to bring it back, with fans clamoring for a taste of their childhood.
Limited Editions
When discontinued snacks come back, they often appear in limited editions.
Nabisco, Wrigley, and other brands occasionally re-release items to test the market.
These limited runs are exciting, drawing both old fans and new customers.
Oreo Big Stuf and Creme Savers are examples where limited releases have captured a lot of attention.
While these snacks may not be back permanently, their temporary return is enough to satisfy cravings and stir up some memories.
Limited editions offer a unique chance to experience these classics again, if only for a short time.