12 Classic ’90s Snacks That No One Talks About Anymore
The ’90s were an era of bold flavors, wild packaging, and snacks that defined childhood afternoons. Whether packed in lunchboxes, enjoyed after school, or grabbed at the gas station, these treats brought excitement to snack time.
While some have faded away completely, others have seen short-lived revivals—but all of them left a lasting mark on the taste buds of ’90s kids.
That is exactly why they do not deserve to be forgotten completely and why we need to give them the honor for all those unforgettable sweet moments.
1. Planters Cheez Balls
Before cheese puffs became a snack aisle staple, Planters Cheez Balls ruled the ’90s. Packaged in a distinctive blue canister, these neon-orange spheres delivered an addictively crunchy texture and a rich, tangy cheese flavor.
Despite their massive popularity, they disappeared as snack trends shifted. Fans clamored for their return, and they briefly resurfaced in 2018—but only for a limited time.
Unforgettable detail: The bright orange dust left on your fingers was a badge of honor for any Cheez Balls fan!
2. Dunkaroos
Few snacks captured the joy of the ’90s quite like Dunkaroos. Each pack came with crisp, bite-sized cookies and a generous portion of sweet, creamy frosting, making every bite a delightful mix of crunch and sugary bliss.
They disappeared from U.S. shelves in the early 2000s as snack trends shifted toward healthier options. However, after years of fan campaigns, they made a triumphant comeback in 2020.
Fun memory: Dunkaroos’ iconic kangaroo mascot made them feel like the ultimate “cool kid” snack in any lunchbox.
3. Fruit String Thing
Fruit snacks were a lunchbox essential, but Fruit String Thing took them to another level by combining flavor with fun. These long, spiraled fruit rolls let kids stretch, twist, and play with their food before enjoying its sweet, fruity taste.
Despite their popularity, they quietly disappeared as simpler fruit snacks took over the market.
Nostalgic highlight: The endless string of chewy goodness felt like a never-ending treat—until you ran out way too soon!
4. Squeeze Pops
Part candy, part science experiment, Squeeze Pops were a sticky, gooey sugar rush in a tube. Available in bold, fruity flavors, they let you squeeze out the perfect amount—or go all in with one massive sugar explosion.
While they were a hit among kids, parents weren’t as thrilled about their messy and teeth-coating nature, leading to their gradual disappearance from stores.
Fun fact: These colorful tubes would turn your tongue bright blue, red, or green—making them even more fun to eat!
5. PB Crisps
For peanut butter lovers, PB Crisps were a dream come true. These crispy, peanut-shaped shells were packed with a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling, making them a perfect mix of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Despite their devoted fan base, they were discontinued, possibly due to production costs or shifting snack trends.
Legacy moment: Even decades later, fans still beg Planters to bring them back!
6. 3D Doritos
Doritos took snacking to new heights when they introduced 3D Doritos, puffed-up triangular chips that delivered an extra crunchy, airy texture. Their unique shape and intense flavors made them an instant hit.
Despite their success, they vanished from store shelves in the early 2000s. However, they were revived in 2021 with a new twist—though many say they don’t quite capture the magic of the originals.
Blast from the past: 90s kids will never forget the satisfying crunch of biting into a 3D Dorito.
7. Butterfinger BB’s
Butterfinger BB’s took the crunchy, peanut buttery goodness of a classic Butterfinger and shrunk it into bite-sized, poppable pieces. The candy was easy to snack on and even made appearances in The Simpsons ads.
Despite their popularity, they were discontinued, possibly due to melting issues or changes in Nestlé’s product lineup.
Fun memory: The small, round candies would sometimes get stuck in your teeth—but they were worth it!
8. Shark Bites
No fruit snack was as legendary as Shark Bites. These chewy, shark-shaped gummies came in a variety of fruity flavors, but the real prize was finding the rare “Great White” shark in your pack.
As fruit snacks evolved, Shark Bites slowly disappeared, though their legacy remains strong among ’90s snack lovers.
Did you know? Kids would trade their regular Shark Bites just to get their hands on a Great White!
9. Oreo O’s Cereal
Breakfast got a serious upgrade when Oreo O’s hit the shelves in 1998. This chocolatey, cream-flavored cereal captured everything fans loved about Oreos and transformed it into a morning treat.
However, due to a business merger, Oreo O’s disappeared in the early 2000s—until they finally returned in 2017, much to the delight of nostalgic cereal lovers.
Best part: The leftover milk tasted just like melted Oreo filling!
10. Surge Soda
If you wanted to keep up with the high-energy ’90s lifestyle, you needed Surge. This caffeine-packed, citrus-flavored soda was Coca-Cola’s answer to Mountain Dew, and it quickly became a favorite among teens.
Despite its strong following, it was discontinued in the early 2000s—only to be revived in limited runs due to popular demand.
Throwback moment: Surge had some of the most extreme and over-the-top commercials of the decade!
11. Josta
In the mid-’90s, Pepsi introduced Josta, a bold energy soda infused with guarana—an ingredient that was rare in U.S. beverages at the time. It was marketed as a high-energy drink with an exotic, slightly fruity flavor, setting it apart from traditional sodas.
Despite a dedicated fan base, Josta was discontinued as Pepsi shifted focus to other products, and the energy drink market began evolving.
A nostalgic highlight: Josta’s jaguar-themed branding and edgy commercials made it feel like the ultimate ‘cool’ drink of the decade, and fans still petition for its return today.
12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies
Few snacks screamed early ’90s quite like Hostess’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies. These neon-green vanilla pudding-filled pies were inspired by the wildly popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon and became an instant hit among young fans.
The pies stood out not just for their bold green frosting, but also for the collectible stickers that came inside each pack. However, like many character-themed snacks, they eventually disappeared as the TMNT craze cooled down.
Unforgettable detail: The pies’ vibrant green color made them just as radical as the Ninja Turtles themselves, leaving a lasting impression on kids of the era.