15 Discontinued Foods We’d Do Anything to Taste Again
If there’s one thing most of us can agree on, it’s this cruel fact: the best things never last. And that, unfortunately, includes some of the most iconic foods from our childhood and teenage years. Whether these were discontinued due to shifting trends, poor sales, or the heartbreak known as “limited time specials,” there’s a big hole in our foodie hearts where these treats used to live.
A survey by Foodie Magazine found that over 60% of Americans feel nostalgic about foods from their past, with many calling discontinued products “the ultimate taste of childhood.” Here are 15 discontinued foods we’d do almost anything to taste again.
Dunkaroos
These frosting-filled nostalgic wonders stole all our recess snack thunder in the 90s. The combo of cookies and sweet, sugary frosting was practically the definition of childhood joy. Thankfully, Dunkaroos made a comeback in 2020, but some OG fans still miss the wilder flavors like Chocolate Chip or Strawberry Sprinkle.
McDonald’s Mighty Wings
Remember when McDonald’s entered the chicken wing game? Introduced in the 90s and discontinued in 2013 due to poor sales, these juicy, spicy wings had a cult following. They even had a brief resurgence in 2018, but McDonald’s pulled the plug again.
Taco Bell’s Meximelt
Part taco, part melt, and completely delicious, the Meximelt was a cheesy masterpiece that quietly disappeared from Taco Bell’s menu around 2019. Taco Bell superfans are still campaigning its return because sometimes you need a melty beef ‘n cheese fix.
Orbitz Soda
Orbitz wasn’t just a drink; it was a straight-up vibe. Its floating, jelly-like balls and futuristic design had 90s kids mesmerized. Though it only lasted a year on shelves in the late 90s, its unique concept left a lasting impression. Experts in food innovation often cite Orbitz as being too ahead of its time, perhaps too “weird” for a 90s audience, but likely to thrive in today’s TikTok-driven market.
Heinz EZ Squirt Colored Ketchups
Who else remembers slathering green or purple ketchup onto their fries while convincing themselves it tasted better? Heinz’s funky-colored ketchup (produced from 2000 to 2006) was a hit among kids, but adults weren’t as thrilled, and sales eventually fell flat.
Crystal Pepsi
“Clear cola? What kind of sorcery is this?” That’s what the world wondered in 1992 when Crystal Pepsi launched with a massive marketing push. Though it faded after a few years, a decade-worth of fans got their fix when Pepsi briefly reintroduced it in 2015 and 2016. Now? We’re left yearning for more.
Jell-O Pudding Pops
Here’s a question bursting with nostalgia: How did Jell-O Pudding Pops vanish from stores after reigning as a freezer aisle staple of the ’80s and ’90s? Their rich, creamy texture made them a phenomenon. Food analysts cite production inefficiencies as their downfall, and our summer afternoons are a bit emptier.
Snapple Elements
Snapple’s Elements line (circa 1999) was a quirky attempt to connect drinks with the elements of nature, Rain, Sun, Earth, and Fire. Rain, made of agave cactus-flavored water, was a clear fan favorite. Fans petitioned for its comeback for years to no avail.
Kellogg’s Eggo Waf-Fulls
Eggo took a bold leap with Waf-Fulls in the 2010s; imagine waffles stuffed with jelly or syrup. Sadly, Waf-Fulls were discontinued after a short run, but the idea of a built-in syrup layer still feels like a genius innovation waiting to make a return.
Planters Cheez Balls
Planters taught us that not all cheese puffs are created equal. These melt-in-your-mouth Cheez Balls came in a can, adding to their irresistible charm. After being unavailable for nearly a decade, Planters brought them back briefly in 2018, but the “limited release” wasn’t enough for true fans.
Reese Swoops
Swoops were basically chocolate chips on steroids, thin slices of chocolate shaped like crisps. Launched in 2003 and retired by 2006, Swoops couldn’t live up to expectations.
Burger King Cheesy Tots
Go ahead and wipe away that tear; we’re crying, too. Cheesy Tots were crunchy golden nuggets filled with gooey, cheesy potato goodness. BK has brought them back sporadically, but they’ve remained elusive on the permanent menu.
PB Max
This unsung candy hero from the early 90s was every peanut butter lover’s dream: crispy cookie base, peanut butter topping, and a chocolate coating. PB Max was discontinued due to the Mars family’s distaste for peanut butter.
Reese’s Elvis Cups
It was a game-changer when Reese combined peanut butter, banana creme, and chocolate into one divine tribute to Elvis Presley in 2007. Like the King himself, these were larger than life until they disappeared.
Tab Soda
The cult cola had a 60-year run before Coca-Cola announced its discontinuation in 2020. Known for its loyal following, Tab was iconic in the diet soda scene, earning its rightful place in the Hall of Fame.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
20 Worst Foods for Your Heart
Everyone knows that our heart is the tireless workhorse of our body, pumping away faithfully day in and day out. But are you unwittingly serving it a daily dose of damage at the dining table? Well, not all foods are created equal. Some are downright treacherous for that mighty muscle in your chest. Get ready and discover the 20 worst foods for your heart – a culinary rogue’s gallery that might make you rethink tonight’s dinner menu!
15 Foods From the ’60s Most Boomers Loved With a Passion
The 1960s were a time of significant social and cultural change in America. As the baby boomer generation came of age, they embraced new ideas, fashion trends, and music styles. And when it came to food, some beloved dishes defined this era.
15 Foods From the ’60s Most Boomers Loved With a Passion
