The 1990s brought us some iconic snacks and beverages, but not everything from that decade is worth revisiting. Many ’90s food trends leaned heavily on novelty, sugar, or questionable ingredients, leaving some products more infamous than nostalgic. Here’s a look back at 20 foods and drinks from the ’90s that we’re okay leaving behind—along with insights into their popularity and why they fizzled out. What’s your take? Did you love—or loathe—any of these ’90s throwbacks?
Orbitz Soda
What it was: A fruit-flavored soda with floating gelatin balls.
Why we don’t miss it: The texture was divisive, and the drink tasted overly artificial.
Insight: Its gimmicky appeal didn’t translate into long-term success.
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Dunkaroos (Pre-Revamp)
What it was: Cookies with sugary frosting for dipping.
Why we don’t miss it: The frosting was essentially pure sugar, and the cookies were bland.
Background: They’ve returned with a revamp, but the original formula wasn’t built to last.
Crystal Pepsi
What it was: A clear version of Pepsi designed to seem “pure.”
Why we don’t miss it: The novelty of clear soda couldn’t mask its lackluster taste.
Tip: Pepsi occasionally brings it back for limited runs, but its popularity remains niche.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Crystal Pepsi
3D Doritos
What it was: Puffy, hollow Dorito chips.
Why we don’t miss it: They lacked the crunch and flavor punch of regular Doritos.
Insight: Nostalgia led to a reboot, but they still feel like a gimmick.
junkbanter
Bottled Fruitopia
What it was: A sugary fruit drink marketed as “alternative.”
Why we don’t miss it: High sugar content and minimal actual fruit juice.
Background: It was a product of Coca-Cola, later replaced by healthier options.
Lunchables Pizza
What it was: DIY mini pizzas with cold, pre-packaged ingredients.
Why we don’t miss it: Cold cheese and sauce weren’t appetizing, even to kids.
Insight: Lunchables remain popular, but the pizza variety feels like a misstep.
Surge Soda
What it was: A highly caffeinated citrus soda targeted at teens.
Why we don’t miss it: Overly sweet and packed with caffeine, it caused controversy.
Background: Its brief revival showed us why it disappeared in the first place.
Mashed/Facebook
Bagel Bites (Original Recipe)
What it was: Mini bagels topped with frozen cheese and sauce.
Why we don’t miss it: The toppings often tasted freezer-burned and lacked flavor.
Tip: Today’s air fryers make these taste better, but they’re still far from gourmet.
Kid Cuisine Meals
What it was: Microwaveable kids’ dinners with questionable nutrition.
Why we don’t miss it: Bland food with excessive preservatives and artificial colors.
Insight: Today’s parents favor fresher, healthier options for kids.
EZ Squirt Ketchup
What it was: Brightly colored ketchup in green, purple, and blue.
Why we don’t miss it: The unnatural colors were off-putting, and it tasted no different.
Background: A classic case of marketing gone too far.
Squeeze-Its
What it was: Sugary fruit drinks in squeezable plastic bottles.
Why we don’t miss it: More sugar than substance, with flavors that stained everything.
Tip: Replaced by healthier juice options for kids.
General Mills/ Youtube
Trix Yogurt
What it was: Neon-colored, super-sweet yogurt.
Why we don’t miss it: The artificial colors and flavors were more candy than dairy.
Insight: It remains a nostalgic favorite for some, but not everyone’s stomach agrees.
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Hubba Bubba Bubble Jug
What it was: Powdered gum in a jug that transformed into chewable gum.
Why we don’t miss it: The transition from powder to gum was messy and weird.
Background: A quirky concept, but not practical for actual gum lovers.
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Wonder Balls
What it was: Chocolate balls filled with candy or toys.
Why we don’t miss it: The mix of chocolate and hard candy didn’t work, and safety concerns arose.
Tip: Modern versions include safer, edible fillings.
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Koala Yummies (U.S. Version)
What it was: Cookie shells filled with chocolate or strawberry cream.
Why we don’t miss it: Often stale and less flavorful than similar snacks.
Insight: They still have a cult following overseas, where recipes differ.
Robyn Lee
Push Pops
What it was: Lollipop candy in a push-up tube.
Why we don’t miss it: Sticky, messy, and not particularly exciting flavor-wise.
Background: They were more about the fun design than the taste.
Butterfinger BB’s
What it was: Bite-sized Butterfinger candies.
Why we don’t miss it: They melted too easily, leaving fingers a mess.
Tip: The full-size Butterfinger bar remains a favorite.
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Jolt Cola
What it was: A highly caffeinated soda with double the sugar of regular cola.
Why we don’t miss it: Its extreme formula wasn’t sustainable or healthy.
Insight: Early precursor to today’s energy drinks, but far less refined.
Crystal Lite On-the-Go Packets
What it was: Powdered drink mixes for bottled water.
Why we don’t miss it: The artificial sweeteners often left a chemical aftertaste.
Tip: Modern versions have cleaner ingredient lists.
Crawford Smith/ Tasting Table
Pudding Pops
What it was: Frozen pudding on a stick.
Why we don’t miss it: Texture issues and freezer-burned flavors made them unappealing.
Background: While they had a cult following, the pops didn’t stand the test of time.
