There is no denying that we all love our snacks. Whether we’re at a baseball game enjoying peanuts, popcorn, and crackerjack or sitting in the comfort of our homes eating popcorn or cookies, Americans have a particular fondness for snacks. Perhaps its the ease with which we can eat them – no cooking needed and these little bites can leave us satisfied – albeit temporarily.
Snacking has evolved significantly since its origins as a simple indulgence. What began as potato chips and popcorn in the early part of the 20th century has ev0lved into the more than 100 billion dollar annual snack and bakery market. While the offerings have changed along the way – it was all about convenience in the 1940s and 1950s, and the 1990s saw a rise in healthier options – today there is a range of bites for both the health conscious and junk food junkie alike. (Not everyone can find them, but these are regional potato chip brands the whole country deserves.)
There are many reasons why many of our favorite snacks from our youth are no longer around. Sales failed to match projections, companies or products were sold and the snack no longer aligned with the new company strategy, or the public’s tastes shifted toward more healthful options. Some of the products no longer with us are versions of other beloved items that remain on the shelves. (Here are some junk foods that are actually not so bad for you.)
Not all snacks are created equal and while many of us thoroughly enjoyed them, it wasn’t enough to keep them around. To compile a list of popular snacks that are no longer around, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous snack-food fan pages, company histories, media websites, and rating sites.
While many of these popular snacks are no longer available, thanks to social media, and various crowd-sourcing platforms like change.org and various other online petitions, companies have encountered determined customers that fill move mountains to see a return of their favorite bites. This determination has proven successful with certain bites – 3D Doritos, Dunkaroos, and Oreo Cakesters – that made a comeback.
There are others still that are produced in other countries – Australia, Canada, and Mexico to name a few – where you might be fortunate enough to place a mail order. If that doesn’t work, there’s always the internet where you might find sites that manage to have a supply of snacks – like – or you can search for a likeminded snack aficionado like you that might be willing to part with a Pop Tarts Snak-Stix or Crunch Tators.
Starburst Fruit Twists
- Inaugural Date: 1990s
- Ceased production: Early 2000s
- Parent company: Wrigley
Fruitopia
- Inaugural Date: 1994
- Ceased production: 2003
- Parent company: Coca-Cola
Philadelphia Cheesecake Snack Bars
- Inaugural Date: Unknown
- Ceased production: 2003
- Parent company: Kraft
Pop Tarts Snak-Stix
- Inaugural Date: Unknown
- Ceased production: 2003
- Parent company: Kellogg
Wild! Magicburst Pop-Tarts
- Inaugural Date: 1999
- Ceased production: 2003 (?)
- Parent company: Kellogg
Ice Breakers Liquid Ice
- Inaugural Date: 2003
- Ceased production: 2004
- Parent company: Nabisco
Swoops
- Inaugural Date: 2003
- Ceased production: 2006
- Parent company: Hershey
Altoid Sours
- Inaugural Date: 2004
- Ceased production: 2010
- Parent company: Wrigley
Bagel-fuls
- Inaugural Date: 2008
- Ceased production: 2010 (?)
- Parent company: Kraft
Magic Middles
- Inaugural Date: 2001
- Ceased production: 2011
- Parent company: Keebler (Kellogg)
3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp Bars
- Inaugural Date: 2010
- Ceased production: 2012
- Parent company: Mars
Cheetos Twisted
Black Swans Love Twisted Cheesey Poofs
- Inaugural Date: 2002
- Ceased production: 2012
- Parent company: Frito-Lay
Wonka Donutz
- Inaugural Date: 2005
- Ceased production: 2013
- Parent company: Nestlé
McDonald’s Snack Wraps
- Inaugural Date: 2006
- Ceased production: 2016
- Parent company: McDonald’s
Kudos
- Inaugural Date: Late 1980s
- Ceased production: Late 2010s
- Parent company: Mars
Tastetations Hard Candies
- Inaugural Date: 1996
- Ceased production: Early 2000s
- Parent company: Hershey