It's kind of crazy seeing how certain foods are directly connected to our memories. For example, a homemade mac n cheese might instantly remind you of your mom's cooking, while hearty mashed potatoes take you back to family Thanksgiving dinners. But today, we're going to explore a different kind of nostalgia - childhood nostalgia. Here are 20 snacks that all you 90s kids definitely grew up eating and loving.
1. Dunkaroos
Everyone's favourite recess snack, Dunkaroos was a hit among kids. And it's not hard to see why - crunchy cookies paired with an irresistible sweet and creamy frosting? That's undoubtedly a winning combo. And while we know it's probably way too sweet for us now, it does bring back some wonderful memories.
:kirsch: from Raleigh, US on Wikimedia Commons
2. Gushers
Now Gushers are a classic snack. Sweet and a bit tangy with that juicy liquid center bursting with every bite, these fruit snacks were definitely unique. They got our hands sticky every time, but it was worth it just to get that fruity flavour.
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3. Lunchables
Every kid would immediately light up at the sight of lunchables in their backpack. These fun little mini-meals would be packed full of delicious goodies that kids would get to assemble themselves. Whether it's crackers and cheese, a pizza kit, or hot dogs, all lunchables were a guaranteed good time.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
4. Ring Pop
Whoever thought of wearable candy for kids is a definite genius. What a great way to get their attention! Coming in so many different flavours, these sweet treats were not only tasty, but they were fun to flaunt on your finger too.
Wolfvonder on Wikimedia Commons
5. Fruit by the Foot
Foot long candy? That's enough to get any kid excited. Fruit by the Foot was a very long, stretched out fruit snack that extended up to 3 feet.
They came a variety of different flavours, but its main attractive point was getting to unroll the entire snack and eat the whole thing.
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6. Pop Rocks
Considered more of a novelty treat, Pop Rocks were a unique candy that would fizzle and pop as soon as you put them in your mouth. Kids would eat mouthfuls of these rocks, enjoying the weird and funny popping sensation it'd leave on your tongue.
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7. Capri Sun
As far as juice went, there was none more popular than Capri Sun. Coming in fun little pouches that you'd get to poke with a straw, this drink came in yummy flavours that all kids enjoyed. They were especially refreshing in the summer time, making a regular appearance every day.
8. Cheese Balls
Cheese Balls, not to be confused with Cheetos, were the perfect afternoon snack for kids who just loved cheesy flavours. They were crunchy yet light at the same time and were packed full of cheese taste. Their awfully bright orange colour also just made it fun to eat, and were such a great snack for munching.
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
9. Cosmic Brownies
If you were well behaved, there was nothing better than getting a cosmic brownie as a reward. These sweet treats were so decadent and rich, they're hard not to love especially as a kid.
And with fun colourful candies thrown on top, it was extra appealing when we were little.
Evan-Amos, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
10. Bugles
Honestly, Bugles were treated less as a snack and more as a fun way for kids to get claw-like fingers. The best way to enjoy these corn snacks was to pop one on every single finger and eat them off one by one. We loved their crunchy texture back then, and we still do now.
11. Rice Krispies Treats
The best thing about Rice Krispies Treats were that they tasted like they came out of your mom's kitchen. And hey, they were so easy to make at home too! Made with just a few ingredients like the popular cereal, marshmallows, and butter, it's not hard to get kids to fall in love with these sweet and chewy bars.
12. Warheads
Now this is one candy that's not for the faint of heart. For kids who loved sour candy, Warheads were by far the best out there. These candies are seriously so sour, you can't help but pucker up your face as you eat them. It was fun eating these with friends and trying to see who could last the longest.
13. Yoo-hoo
It's safe to say that most kids love chocolate, so when Yoo-hoo came around, this chocolate-flavoured drink became an instant hit.
It was rich, sweet, and deliciously creamy, becoming a commonly requested drink.
Jason Gaudet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
14. Handi-Snacks
One look at this fun cheese dipping snack and it'll instantly transport you back to your childhood. Remember that artificial tasting cheese, those crackers, and that fun little red wand for spreading the dip? Handi-snacks are a childhood classic. We can almost taste that cheese in our mouths just thinking about it.
15. Pudding Cups
For a sweet treat, you were considered lucky if your mom packed you one of these pudding cups for lunch. Coming in so many different delicious flavours like chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, and so much more, these creamy goodies put a smile on every kid's face. They made for the perfect after lunch dessert.
Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
16. Teddy Grahams
Shaped like little bears, Teddy Grahams grabbed the hearts of so many kids growing up. Not only did they look adorable, but they had a fun crunchy texture and came in many various flavours too. From classic honey to cinnamon and chocolate, there was something for every kid to enjoy.
AccurateZoomer on Wikimedia Commons
17. Fruit Roll-Ups
Similar to Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Roll-Ups were another favourite amongst kids. These were thin and chewy, and packed some serious fruit flavour. The brand was pretty experimental too, even coming out with tattoo editions, fun designs, and limited edition flavours.
18. Otter Pops
During the summer, if there's one snack every kid requested, it was an Otter Pop. Essentially a Freezie, these tube-shaped popsicles made cooling down a fun activity. The colours were bright and appealing, and the flavours were good too.
19. Push Pops
Push Pops were one of the most iconic candies from our childhood. These hard, lollipop-esque candies had to be pushed up from a tube to enjoy. There were single sticks, or there were tri-flavoured versions where you'd get three flavours at once. Its interactive design was incredibly clever, making it a popular favourite for most kids.
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20. Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts still make for a great snack today, although they do also remind us of fond memories from our childhood. These taste best when thrown into the toaster, warming up the whole pastry. From the sweet filling inside to the frosted top, everything about this snack was great. And the best part is, it came in so many different flavours; there was always something new to try.