FOOD
50 Popular Discontinued Food Items We All Really Miss
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Have you ever experienced going to the grocery store to buy your favorite snack only to find out that it’s no longer available? It’s a common occurrence that happens every year as food distributors withdraw products from shelves due to various reasons such as poor sales, health concerns, or ingredient scarcity. Our beloved food items can disappear suddenly, leaving us feeling confused and even a little heartbroken.
Despite the joy that our favorite snacks bring us, they can be short-lived as they are easily replaced by new flavors and textures. Thus, let’s take a moment to remember all of our favorite treats that have vanished before we could say goodbye properly. Whether it’s a candy, a drink, or a snack, let’s revisit the memories we have with them, hoping they’ll come back someday.
Hi-C Ecto Coolers
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Hi-C introduced a memorable drink in 1989 as part of a cross-promotion with the movie “Ghostbusters.” They revamped their classic Citrus Cooler, adding the Slimer character to create a bright-green beverage. Although it made a comeback in November 2021 for the release of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” it is no longer being sold. Fortunately, fans have discovered how to make their own version using Tampico Citrus Punch and Minute Maid Lemonade.
Hubba Bubba Gum
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During the late 1970s, kids were drawn to the brightly colored big cube bubble gum. However, its popularity waned in the 1980s when it faced competition from Bubblicious. The original version was eventually discontinued, but Mars acquired Wrigley and relaunched the gum in the form of tape with a new brand.
Swanson TV Dinners
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In the 1970s, a popular dinner option was a turkey or fried chicken meal wrapped in foil. The fruit cobbler, which contained peas and carrots, was sandwiched between the potatoes and vegetables, requiring some skillful maneuvering to separate. These dinners were a Friday night staple, often enjoyed before watching “The Brady Bunch.”
Keebler Fudge Magic Middles
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Both the peanut butter and chocolate chip versions of the shortbread cookie filled with chocolate fudge cream have been discontinued. However, rumors of its return have circulated, with Walmart and Amazon even posting tantalizing but ultimately unfulfilled links to the beloved 1980s treat.
Jell-O Pudding Pops
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Pudding Pops were a beloved ice cream treat for many years, enjoyed as an after-school snack or dessert. However, sales gradually declined and after several attempts to revive the product, it was ultimately discontinued. Although imitations of the treat occasionally appear, they are no match for the original Pudding Pops at the height of their popularity.
Baron Von Redberry
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In 1972, General Mills introduced Baron Von Redberry, a WWI German pilot who promoted his berry-flavored oat cereal with berry marshmallows. When mixed with milk, the cereal turned into a fruity punch. Redberry’s catchphrase was “Baron Von Redberry is der berry goodest!” In response, Sir Grapefellow, the pilot promoting his own fruit cereal, would say, “Tally ho! Sir Grapefellow is the grapest!”
Hershey’s Bar None
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Introduced in 1987 as Hershey’s Bar None, this candy featured milk chocolate-flavored wafers filled with chocolate cream, topped with crushed peanuts, and covered in milk chocolate. It was intended to rival Twix but eventually faded from popularity. However, in 2019, Iconic Candy revived the “tame the chocolate beasty” candy, although it is not widely available. Interested buyers can purchase the revamped version directly from Iconic Candy.
Swiss Cheese Crackers
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The Swiss cheese-shaped snack cracker, which debuted in the 1980s, failed to captivate American audiences, despite its distinctive appearance with holes. However, Christie Swiss Cheese Crackers are still available in Canada.
Reggie! Bar
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During the mid to late 1970s, Yankees star Reggie Jackson was such a beloved figure that Standard Brands created a candy bar in his honor, which fans would throw onto the field whenever Jackson was at bat. The candy bar featured milk chocolate, peanuts, and caramel, similar to the Baby Ruth bar.
Danka
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In the 1970s, Toast’em launched their own version of toaster snacks called Danka that resembled a traditional pastry. However, the current Toast’ems lack the same continental flair as their 70s counterpart.
PB Max
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PB Max, introduced by Mars in the 1990s, was a wholesome energy bar made with peanut butter, chocolate, and whole grains, ahead of its time in the world of snack bars. Nowadays, this combination of ingredients is commonplace in many energy bars on the market.
Koogle Peanut Butter Spread
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In the 1970s, before peanut allergies became more prevalent, this spread reigned supreme. It was available in a chocolate version, which was the closest most people could get to Nutella at the time, along with a few other flavors. It was marketed as a spread that wouldn’t make your mouth feel sticky.
Aspen Soda
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In the late 1970s, Pepsi launched a new apple-flavored soda called Aspen, which was known for its refreshing taste. The brand was later rebranded as Apple Slice but eventually disappeared from the market. With its clear and crisp flavor and a hint of apple, Aspen was a popular drink, but it was only around for a short time, as it was discontinued by 1982.
Fruit Brute Cereal
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During the sugar-crazed era of breakfast in the 1970s, General Mills released a “fruit-flavored frosted cereal with marshmallow bits,” complete with a werewolf mascot on the box in 1974. Even Quentin Tarantino has used this discontinued cereal as a prop in his movies. Though it disappeared from shelves, it is now available for a limited time through Walmart.
Marathon Bar
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In the 1970s, a confectionery treat was introduced in the form of a long, thin braid of caramel coated in chocolate, with the wrapper even featuring a ruler graphic to showcase its length. Its name was inspired by the jogging craze of the decade, but its marketing had an Old West feel to it. While tasty, the name of this treat was somewhat perplexing.
Hostess Chocodiles
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The Chocodile was a chocolate-coated Twinkie with a reptilian mascot named Chauncey Crocodile, who boasted “It takes a while to eat a Chocodile.” Despite this claim, the treat was not particularly time-consuming to consume. Introduced in the 1980s, it became a cult classic. In 2014, Hostess brought it back in a miniature fun-size version.
Cheese Tid-Bits
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Over time, competitors like Goldfish and Cheez-Its became more popular in offering cheesy goodness, but dedicated fans can rediscover their love for it by trying Christie Cheese Bits, which are widely known in Canada.
Nintendo Cereal
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Ralston’s Nintendo Cereal System, a box of colorful crunchy cereal that featured promotions for “Super Mario Brothers” and “The Legend of Zelda,” was popular among gamers. However, it was discontinued after just one year in 1989 due to low sales.
Banana Frosted Flakes
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Frosted Flakes, a super sweet cereal, has remained on the shelves over the years. However, the addition of banana flavor in the early 1980s did not sit well with consumers and the cereal was discontinued after only three years. Nowadays, a Banana Creme version of the cereal has made a comeback and can be found on the shelves.
Mug-O-Lunch
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In 1976, Betty Crocker introduced hot dishes that could be made in a mug. The macaroni and cheese version was a hit among consumers, with one happy husband referring to his wife as a magician for making it. However, with the advent of modern microwave versions, the novelty of these mug meals seems to have faded.
Hickory Farms Chocolate Bars
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During the 1970s, Hickory Farms mall stores across the United States sold flavored chocolate bars. Although many of these stores have since closed, some malls and Hickory Farms locations still exist today.
Dinky Donuts
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In the early 1980s, the breakfast cereal Dinky Donuts capitalized on the decade’s fascination with unusual business practices by featuring children in suits giving “expert” opinions about Ralston’s cereal, which was made up of miniature donuts. Although the ad campaign was successful, there is no evidence that the children were implicated in any insider trading scandals.
Oreo Big Stuf
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Children of the 1980s could indulge in an oversized treat that came wrapped in individual plastic packaging. The Big Stuf was a precursor to the Oreo Mega Stuf, consisting of one giant Oreo cookie the size of your palm. It was available for seven years until it was eventually discontinued in 1991.
Altoids Sours
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When it hit U.S. grocery stores in 2004, this variation on the classic Altoid mint was a game-changer. The sour candy, available in a variety of fruit flavors, quickly became a fan favorite. However, Altoids discontinued the candy in 2010 due to poor sales. Despite a decade having passed, it feels like just yesterday that these iconic candies were on display at the checkout counter, waiting to be purchased.
Dunkaroos
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If you were a child of the ’90s, chances are your childhood memories include Dunkaroos in your lunchbox or at the school cafeteria. These cookies were packaged with icing that had to be dunked into to complete the experience. Despite setting a trend for new snack foods, Dunkaroos didn’t last forever. Sales eventually declined, and by 2012, the product was discontinued in the United States.
Hershey’s Bites
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What could be more enjoyable than savoring a chocolate bar? Perhaps grabbing a handful of chocolate crunchy bites that could be consumed in just a couple of handfuls. These snacks, available in flavors such as cookies n’ cream, Heath bar, Reese’s, and more, were perfect for pleasing a crowd. Unfortunately, they also posed a choking hazard, leading to a massive product recall. Now, the candy only exists in our memories.
Wild Cherry Jell-O
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Jell-O, a product that has been around for generations, has had some of its flavors discontinued over time. One such flavor is wild cherry, which, along with wild strawberry and wild raspberry, has faded from public consciousness. However, cherry Jell-O is still available in stores.
Creme Savers
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Life Savers hard candy fans likely remember the popular cream-swirled variant called Creme Savers, available in flavors such as strawberries and creme. Though beloved by many, the product vanished from shelves, despite efforts to bring it back. Knockoff brands can be found in stores, but the original Creme Savers are irreplaceable.
Doritos Guacamole
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Producing tortilla chips coated in various flavors, Doritos introduced a guacamole variant that became an overnight sensation. However, the flavor disappeared from shelves not long after its launch, leaving fans heartbroken. While other smaller corn chip brands have attempted to revive the flavor, nothing matches the original Doritos guacamole flavor combination.
Nestlé Wonka Bar
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Nestlé’s line of candies inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory included the popular Wonka Bar, but it disappeared from shelves due to poor sales. Fans of Roald Dahl’s classic tale can only hope for a comeback of this iconic candy.
Keebler Munch ‘Ems
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Keebler’s Munch ‘Ems crackers were a beloved snack that combined the crunch of chips with the flavor of snack crackers. However, the product was discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving fans wondering where they went.
Pizza Spins
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From 1968 to 1975, pizza-flavored snacks shaped like wheels were a unique and memorable snack. However, they disappeared from store shelves, leaving many with fond memories of their delicious taste.
Hershey’s Swoops
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Hershey’s Swoops, a line of pringle-like chocolate chips, was introduced as a novelty item but failed to generate enough buzz and was discontinued in 2006 due to declining sales, despite receiving love from those who tried it.
Cinnamon Tic-Tacs
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Tic Tacs have been a go-to choice for low-calorie breath mints since their arrival in stores. While the cinnamon flavor was a staple, it has since disappeared, but other classic flavors like orange remain available.
Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
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These bars came in various flavors, and the strawberry cheesecake variant became a fan favorite. Unfortunately, the brand discontinued the product, but fans have been advocating for its return.
Cheetos Salsa Con Queso
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Those who grew up in the 2000s will likely recall this iconic flavor of Cheetos. While it gained popularity, it was eventually overshadowed by the flamin’ hot version and discontinued in 2012, leaving fans hoping for its return.
Kudos Bars
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Despite its popularity and public demand, stores no longer sell the granola bar that combined granola with chocolate M&Ms. However, information about the fan-favorite product can still be found on the Mars website.
Dannon Sprinkl’ins
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Adding sprinkles to yogurt was a hit in the ’90s and became an instant favorite of kids. However, this popular snack disappeared from shelves in the early 2000s, leaving a trail of competitors who continue to add sprinkles to their products to this day.
Waffle Crisp
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Waffle Crisp Cereal was a maple syrup-flavored cereal that was discontinued in 2018. Fans of the retro cereal hope that one day it will be revived despite there being no current plans for it.
Jif Power-Ups
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Jif’s peanut butter bar, a popular healthy treat marketed to children, is currently being quietly discontinued due to declining sales. Despite its popularity, the product will soon disappear from shelves. If you’re a fan of the Jif peanut butter bar, it’s best to stock up on it now before it’s gone for good.
Fruitopia
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If you perused the beverage section in the 1990s, a bottle of Fruitopia was likely a must-have addition to your shopping cart. This Coca-Cola product was created to compete with the success of Snapple, but after the decade came to a close, its popularity began to decline. By 2003, the drink was no longer available in the United States, and it slowly disappeared from shelves over the following months.
Entemann’s Butter Coffee Cake
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Entenmann’s baked goods always had a solution for any occasion, especially if you like a solid cake but don’t have time to bake one. While many of their standard cakes and doughnuts survived on shelves for decades, some contenders failed to stick around. One of the fan favorites was the butter coffee cake, which combined the signature flavors of the brand’s butter pound cake with the flavor of their coffee cake. Despite public love, this option was discontinued.
Squeezeits
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Squeezit, the iconic fruit-flavored juice drink in a squeezable plastic bottle, was a staple of summers in the 80s and 90s. Despite being discontinued in 2001, the product has made occasional comebacks, leading some to believe it never left. However, the last production of Squeezit was in 2012, leaving a void for the younger generation to find a new novelty juice drink.
Fruit Loop Straws
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The cereal straw was a popular food novelty in the last decade, offering both a fun way to drink milk and a new flavor experience. One of the most beloved varieties was the Froot Loop Straw, which was discontinued in 2009. Despite occasional resurgences, the straw has consistently disappeared from shelves, leaving fans of the product disappointed. Even after a brief reappearance in 2018, it was once again discontinued, leaving us to wonder why General Mills can’t seem to make up their minds.
Starburst Hard Candy
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Starburst has created a loyal following with their various products, from jelly beans to fruit chews and even lip gloss. However, some of their beloved items were discontinued due to intense competition from other popular brands. Among the favorites was the Starburst hard candy, which infused the original fruit flavors into a hard candy. Unfortunately, sales declined and production of this product was discontinued in the 2000s.
Trix Yogurt
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The fusion of Trix cereal and yogurt was a perfect combination that created Trix swirl yogurt, a hit among kids for years, transforming yogurt into a fun treat. Unfortunately, despite its popularity, the product disappeared from the market, leaving children searching for a new exciting yogurt alternative.
Pop Tart Strawberry Cheese Danish
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Pop-Tarts are beloved by everyone, with a variety of flavors to choose from. However, some of their lesser-known flavors get lost in the mix. One of those flavors is the Strawberry Cheese Danish Pop-Tart, which had a delectable combination of strawberry filling and cream cheese frosting. Unfortunately, it quietly disappeared from the shelves, leaving fans wondering what happened to this delicious treat.
Strawberry Ice Gatorade
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While Gatorade has become a go-to drink for staying hydrated, not all of their flavors have stood the test of time. Some flavors, which were expected to remain popular, have disappeared, such as the strawberry-flavored Gatorade. This flavor emerged in 2002, and it was assumed that it would be a part of the new Ice series lineup. However, it never materialized, leaving fans still longing for its return.
Apple Newtons
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When Fig Newtons hit the market, they quickly became a sensation and gave rise to a range of cookies featuring different fruit fillings. Among these, Apple Newtons gained popularity alongside the original fig flavor. However, when Fig Newtons underwent a rebranding and became just Newtons, raspberry and strawberry fillings were introduced, while Apple Newtons were nowhere to be found.
Uncle Ben’s Rice Bowls
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Ben’s Original is the new name of the brand formerly known as Uncle Ben’s, and some of their products are no longer available in stores. Those who grew up in the 2000s might remember the wild rice and a range of microwaveable rice bowls that have since been discontinued.
