From the Beanie Baby craze, to Goosebumps books to Tamagotchi digital pets and the emergence of the Boy Band, the 1990s saw the rise of many unforgettable fads in popular culture. (These, by the way, are the 25 most popular boy bands of all time.)
One of the most cherished cultural artifacts for those who grew up in the ‘90s is undoubtedly the lip-smacking array of candies that dominated the market in the last decade before Y2K.
To determine the best candies of the ‘90s, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous culinary websites including Mashed and Eater, selecting candies invented between 1980 and 1999 that were particularly popular in the ‘90s. Release years have been verified on brand websites when possible. (Note that the original brand or maker may not be the current producer of the product.)
Unbearably mouth-puckering candies with names like Tear Jerkers and Cry Babies were some of the most sought-after, and the list includes more than a few sour confections. Gummy, hard, chewy, and even liquidy candies are all represented, as are bubble gums. The classic ‘90s packaging, with paint splatters, bright colors, and cool characters may bring back memories.
Some products were short-lived and have been off the market for decades, while others are still available today. In the case of Creme Savers, a creamy-fruity twist on Life Savers that was discontinued in 2011, customer feedback helped get the beloved candy back on shelves in 2021. (Not all childhood favorites have made a comeback. These are 44 discontinued snack foods we really miss.)
Ring Pop
> Introduced: 1980
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Topps
Big League Chew
> Introduced: 1980
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Wrigley
Runts
> Introduced: 1982
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Nestlé
Nerds
> Introduced: 1983
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Willy Wonka
Cow Tales
> Introduced: 1984
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Goetze’s
Airheads
> Introduced: 1985
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Perfetti Van Melle
Sour Patch Kids
> Introduced: 1985
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: M & A Candy Co.
Push Pops
> Introduced: 1986
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Topps
Shark Bites
> Introduced: 1988
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Bubble Tape
> Introduced: 1988
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Wrigley
Sour Punch Straws
> Introduced: 1990
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: American Licorice Co.
Cry Baby Extra Sour Bubble Gum
> Introduced: 1991
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Philadelphia Chewing Gum Co.
Fruit Gushers
> Introduced: 1991
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Soda-Licious
> Introduced: 1991
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
> Introduced: 1992
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Amazin Fruit Gummy Bears
> Introduced: 1992
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Hershey
Warheads
> Introduced: 1993
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Foreign Candy Co. (importer)
Tongue Splashers
> Introduced: 1993
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Concord Confections
Brach’s Rocks
> Introduced: 1993
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Brach’s
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme
> Introduced: 1994
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Hershey
Shock Tarts
> Introduced: 1994
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Sunmark
Fruit String Thing
> Introduced: 1994
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Starburst Jelly Beans
> Introduced: 1995
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Wrigley
Creme Savers
> Introduced: 1996
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Nabisco
Baby Bottle Pop
> Introduced: 1998
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Topps