Remember the excitement of tagging along on grocery store trips as a kid — racing down the aisles, eyes lighting up at the sight of your favorite treats, and begging your parents to toss them into the cart? Whether it was a colorful box of cereal, a gooey candy bar, or a can of your go-to fizzy drink, those childhood snacks weren’t just food — they were little moments of joy.
Sadly, not all of those beloved treats have survived the test of time. Over the years, many iconic snacks have quietly disappeared from store shelves, leaving behind only memories (and maybe a few grainy commercials on YouTube). For those who grew up with them, they represent a sweet slice of nostalgia — a reminder of simpler days and after-school cravings.
So, let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of those classic childhood foods that have vanished into thin air. Who knows — you might spot one you completely forgot about!
1. P.B. Crisps
Planters’ P.B. Crisps were a hit in the early ’90s. These peanut-shaped snacks contained a peanut butter filling and were loved for their unique combination of sweet and salty flavors. Despite their popularity, Planters discontinued P.B. Crisps in the mid-’90s, leaving many snack lovers heartbroken.
2. Magic Middles
Keebler’s Magic Middles were shortbread cookies filled with a delicious chocolate or fudge center. They were introduced in the late ’80s and quickly became a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. Sadly, Magic Middles were phased out in the early ’90s, and no cookie has quite been able to fill their shoes since.
3. Squeezit
Who could forget the joy of twisting off the top of a Squeezit and slurping down the sweet, sugary drink? These brightly colored fruit drinks were a staple of school lunch boxes in the ‘80s and ’90s. Despite their popularity, Squeezit was discontinued in 2001, leaving kids to find their sugary hydration elsewhere.
4. Hi-C Ecto Cooler
Inspired by the Ghostbusters franchise, Hi-C Ecto Cooler was a green citrus drink that was as fun to look at as it was to drink. The drink was incredibly popular but was sadly discontinued in the late ’90s. It briefly returned in 2016 for the Ghostbusters reboot but has since disappeared again.
5. Oreo O’s Cereal
What could be better than a bowl of cereal that tastes like Oreos? Oreo O’s cereal was a dream come true for cookie and cereal lovers alike. Despite its initial success, the cereal was discontinued in 2007. While it has made a comeback in some countries, it’s no longer available in the U.S.
6. Jello 1-2-3
Jello 1-2-3 was a single dessert that magically separated into three layers when prepared. Despite the fun gimmick, Jello decided to discontinue this product in the ’90s. While there have been numerous petitions to bring it back, Jello 1-2-3 remains a thing of the past.
7. Dunkaroos
Dunkaroos were small cookies that you dipped in icing. These sweet snacks were a favorite among kids in the ’90s. Despite their popularity, Dunkaroos were discontinued in the U.S. in 2012. They did make a brief return in 2020, but their availability is limited.
8. Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi was a clear, caffeine-free version of Pepsi that hit the shelves in the early ’90s. Despite an aggressive marketing campaign, the drink was not well-received and was discontinued just a year after its launch. Yet, it remains a cult classic among soda enthusiasts.
9. Fruit String Thing
The Fruit String Thing was a fun fruit snack that kids could peel off and eat in long strips. While it was a hit with kids, it was sadly discontinued in the late ’90s. Its unique format and fun eating experience are greatly missed.
10. Bar None Candy Bar
Introduced in the mid-’80s, the Bar None Candy Bar was a delicious combination of chocolate, peanuts, and a wafery center. After undergoing some recipe changes, the candy bar was eventually discontinued in the late ’90s. Its unique taste and texture are still fondly remembered by many.
11. Wonder Ball
The Wonder Ball was a hollow chocolate ball that contained small candy or toys inside. While kids loved the surprise element, safety concerns eventually led to the product’s discontinuation in the early 2000s.
12. Fruitopia
Launched by Coca-Cola in the ’90s, Fruitopia was a line of fruit-flavored drinks that were popular among teens. Despite its initial success, the drink was phased out in the early 2000s. While it’s still available in some countries, it’s no longer on U.S. shelves.
13. McDonald’s Pizza
Yes, McDonald’s once served pizza! Available in the ’80s and ’90s, McPizza was a surprising departure from the fast-food chain’s usual offerings. Despite being a novelty, it didn’t catch on and was eventually phased out.
14. Trix Yogurt
With its bright colors and sweet flavors, Trix Yogurt was a hit with kids in the ’90s and early 2000s. However, the product was discontinued in the mid-2010s, much to the disappointment of fans.
It’s always a little sad when we realize that some of our favorite childhood foods are no longer available. But the memories of these treats live on, reminding us of simpler times when the hardest decision was choosing between a Dunkaroo and a Fruit String Thing. Who knows, maybe one day some of these discontinued favorites will make a comeback. Until then, we’ll just have to cherish the nostalgia.
