From lunch boxes to after school snacks, many of the iconic treats from the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s may no longer grace store shelves, yet they linger vividly in our memories. These snacks, ranging from frozen desserts to quirky candies, still spark conversations among fans even decades later. Some have vanished due to shifts in consumer preferences, corporate shake-ups, or ingredient tweaks, while others occasionally make a comeback, either in original or imitated forms.
A recent exploration into beloved discontinued snacks revealed ten favorites that fans would love to see return.
1. Planters PB Crisps
Launched in 1992, these peanut-shaped cookies—crunchy on the outside and filled with creamy peanut butter—remain highly sought after online. A nostalgic food site expressed that PB Crisps were “seriously delicious,” noting that despite their discontinuation, nothing quite matches their unique taste.
2. Butterfinger BB
These bite-sized versions of Butterfinger capitalized on the mini candy trend of the early ’90s, boosted by promotions linked to “The Simpsons.” Unfortunately, they were discontinued in 2006 due to production challenges, though they made a brief return as Butterfinger Bites in 2009—only to be reworked again after Ferrero took over in 2018.
3. Altoids Sour
The early 2000s saw the release of Altoids Sour, packaged in a notable metal tin and offering a sour-to-sweet flavor experience. While they were phased out around 2010 following a drop in sales, they garnered a devoted fan base thanks to resales and ongoing social media nostalgia. One user reminisced that eating them left his tongue feeling rough, yet he would still want another.
4. Jell-O Pudding Pops
These frozen delights, boasting a creamy pudding-like consistency combined with chocolate and vanilla swirls, stood out as a summertime favorite in the ’80s and ’90s. Though they were discontinued following a company overhaul, many fans now recreate them at home using instant pudding mixes.
5. Keebler Magic Middle
These shortbread cookies were famous for their gooey fillings, such as fudge and peanut butter. They showcased early innovative ideas around “hidden fillings” that set Keebler apart from the competition.
6. Hershey’s Plunge
These uniquely shaped chocolate bars, reminiscent of Pringles, diverged from standard candy offerings with flavors like Almond Joy and York Peppermint Patty. However, they eventually faded from the market, as consumers seemed reluctant to embrace the thin-ness and excess packaging, leading to their decline.
7. Doritos Salsa Rio
Combining a savory, smoky flavor with tomato’s richness, this variety was briefly marketed with Jay Leno’s comedic flair in a 1989 ad. Sadly, it didn’t last long, often remembered as one of the most underrated flavors in Doritos history.
8. Original Planters Cheese Balls
First debuted in 1981, these cheese balls achieved cult status with their distinctive blue canister. After their discontinuation in 2006, a nostalgic demand saw them return in 2018, although many fans still wish for the original version.
9. Cheetos Feet
Inspired by Chester Cheetah, these paw-shaped snacks mirrored classic Cheetos’ flavor but with an amusing twist. They have seen periodic limited returns through nostalgia campaigns in recent years.
10. Shark Bites Fruit Snack
General Mills introduced these shark-shaped gummies in the late 1980s, known for their unique texture. Nonetheless, with changes that removed artificial ingredients, the original great white gummy vanished, leaving fans yearning for the return of its quintessential bite.
