If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably remember snacks that seemed fun and exciting back then but don’t quite add up today. Some of those childhood treats had weird ingredients, strange flavors, or strange concepts that you might find hard to believe if you saw them now.
You might be surprised at how many popular snacks from that decade wouldn’t make much sense to today’s parents or even to you if you tried them again. Nostalgia can make these treats seem charming, but looking back, they often raise a lot of questions about what we were actually eating.
Dunkaroos
You probably remember Dunkaroos as the snack where you dipped tiny cookies into sweet frosting. It was a fun idea, letting you control how much frosting you got with each bite.
But thinking about it now, it’s kind of odd. The cookies could get soggy fast, and by lunch, you’d have a sticky mess in your bag.
Still, it was a creative, interactive treat that stood out from typical snacks. Whether you loved the cookies or just the frosting, Dunkaroos were definitely a unique part of your childhood.
Hi-C Ecto Cooler
You probably remember the bright green Hi-C Ecto Cooler from the ’80s. It was a citrus-flavored drink tied to the Ghostbusters franchise, featuring the slime-loving character Slimer on the packaging.
The drink had a sweet, tangy flavor but only 10% real fruit juice. Its neon color and sugary taste made it stand out in school lunches.
Now, it’s a bit strange to think kids used to slurp something so artificial and loaded with sugar. Still, it’s one of those snacks that sticks in your memory, even if it doesn’t make much sense today.
Cheez Balls
You probably remember those bright orange Cheez Balls from the ’80s. They came in a big blue canister and left your fingers covered in cheesy dust.
The crunchy, cheesy flavor was addictive, perfect for snacking during cartoons or parties.
But looking back, the mess they made and the intense orange color might make you wonder why they were such a hit.
They’ve made a comeback recently, but many say the original just can’t be beat. Either way, you can’t deny they’re a classic snack that defined a generation.
Orbitz Soda
Orbitz Soda was unlike anything you’d expect from a drink. It had floating gel beads suspended in a clear liquid, giving it a weird, bumpy texture as you sipped.
You might have found it fascinating or just downright strange. The idea was to make drinking more fun and futuristic.
It didn’t last long, mostly because the texture threw people off. Now, it’s one of those weird 80s snacks that’s hard to explain but easy to remember.
PB Max Candy Bar
If you grew up in the ’80s, you might remember the PB Max candy bar. It was a peanut butter fan’s dream, with a thick layer of peanut butter on a cookie base covered in milk chocolate.
You’d often enjoy it chilled, which made it taste even better. Despite selling millions, Mars pulled it from stores in the mid-’90s, reportedly because some company leaders didn’t like peanut butter.
It’s one of those snacks that felt right at the time but doesn’t quite fit with today’s trends or company decisions. Still, if you ever find a wrapper, it’s a cool blast from the past.
Gushers
You probably remember Gushers as those fruity little snacks that exploded with gooey juice as soon as you bit into them. They were a fun mix of chewy and liquid that felt like a mini surprise in every bite.
Now, they might seem a bit odd. The artificial flavors and super sticky sweetness aren’t exactly what you’d call subtle or natural. But back in the ’80s, that intense flavor was part of the excitement.
If you try one today, it might remind you more of sticky fingers than a tasty treat.
Swiss Cheese Crackers
You probably remember those Swiss cheese crackers that looked just like tiny slices of cheese with holes. They had a strong cheesy flavor that made them stand out from other snacks in your lunchbox.
They came in a bright red box and were a popular after-school snack. Oddly enough, they feel pretty strange now—who thought shaped crackers with holes were a great idea?
If you want them today, you might have to look hard or even try Canada, where a similar version is still sold. It’s surprising these nostalgic snacks didn’t stick around everywhere.