Dunkaroos: The Nostalgic Cookie-and-Frosting Duo Returns
Dunkaroos, the iconic 1990s snack featuring round cookies and sweet frosting for dipping, have surged back into stores after a lengthy hiatus. General Mills, responding to overwhelming demand on social media, officially relaunched Dunkaroos in the U.S. in 2020. According to NielsenIQ data, Dunkaroos sales grew by 54% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with the brand heavily promoted through influencer marketing on TikTok and Instagram. Limited-edition flavors like birthday cake and chocolate have fueled excitement among both millennials and Gen Z. Retailers like Target and Walmart have reported that Dunkaroos frequently sell out within days of being restocked. The snack’s playful branding, reminiscent of 1990s TV commercials, has been credited with stoking the sense of nostalgia that drives purchases. In March 2024, General Mills expanded the Dunkaroos line to include pancake mixes and cereal, further capitalizing on the wave of retro enthusiasm.
Gushers: Fruit Snacks with a Surge in Popularity
Fruit Gushers, known for their liquid-filled centers, have experienced a remarkable resurgence since 2021. According to data from IRI, Gushers sales in the United States climbed by 38% in 2023, with the largest increase seen among adults aged 25–34. This uptick has been attributed in part to viral TikTok trends, where users film themselves trying unusual Gushers flavor combinations. Betty Crocker, the parent company, has responded by introducing new varieties such as “Super Sour Berry” and “Mystery Mix.” In 2024, Gushers collaborated with major entertainment franchises, including Pokémon, to release limited-edition packaging that sold out within 48 hours at major retailers. The brand’s bright colors and bold flavors tap directly into the craving for childhood comfort foods during uncertain times, as reported by Food Navigator in February 2024.
Cosmic Brownies: The Classic Lunchbox Treat Goes Gourmet
Little Debbie’s Cosmic Brownies, with their rainbow candy-coated chips, have made an impressive comeback, particularly among food influencers and younger consumers. According to SPINS retail tracking, sales of Cosmic Brownies increased by 27% between 2022 and 2024. The brand has leaned into this revival by launching new products such as Cosmic Brownie cereal and ice cream, which debuted in January 2024 and quickly ranked among the top ten frozen novelties at Walmart. Social media posts showcasing homemade Cosmic Brownie recipes have garnered millions of views, driving further interest in the original snack. Little Debbie’s marketing director stated in a March 2024 interview that the company saw a “clear, sustained spike in demand” after collaborating with trending YouTube creators. This snack’s appeal lies in its instantly recognizable design and the wave of positive childhood memories it evokes.
Pop-Tarts: A Toaster Pastry with Modern Twists
Pop-Tarts, the frosted toaster pastries first introduced by Kellogg’s in 1964, have been revitalized with inventive new flavors and targeted nostalgia campaigns. According to Kellogg’s Q4 2024 financial report, Pop-Tarts saw a 13% rise in sales compared to the previous year, with significant growth among adults aged 30–45. The company introduced flavors like Frosted Banana Bread and Hot Fudge Sundae in 2023, which quickly became top sellers. Pop-Tarts partnered with food delivery apps in February 2024 to offer limited-edition “Pop-Tarts Bites,” resulting in a 42% increase in online snack orders, according to DoorDash data. The brand’s social media engagement has doubled since 2022, driven by memes and challenges that celebrate the snack’s versatility. Pop-Tarts have also appeared in recipes and collaborations with celebrity chefs, reflecting their renewed cultural relevance.
Bagel Bites: The Mini Pizza Snack’s Surprising Comeback
Bagel Bites, the bite-sized pizza snacks that were a staple of after-school snacks, have enjoyed a revival fueled by both nostalgia and convenience. According to a 2024 report from Statista, U.S. sales of frozen pizza snacks, including Bagel Bites, jumped by 29% from 2022 to 2024, with Bagel Bites leading the category. Kraft Heinz, the brand’s owner, reported that 60% of new Bagel Bites buyers in 2023 were under 35. The brand’s clever advertising campaigns, which parody 90s infomercials, have attracted millions of views on YouTube and Instagram. Bagel Bites have also benefited from the home snacking boom, as more people seek quick, microwaveable comfort foods. New flavors, such as Three Cheese and Pepperoni & Bacon, introduced in late 2023, have contributed to sustained sales growth.
Hi-C Ecto Cooler: The Ghostbusters Drink Returns
Hi-C Ecto Cooler, the neon-green citrus drink originally launched as a tie-in with the 1980s Ghostbusters cartoon, has made several limited-time returns, each met with huge fanfare. In 2021, Coca-Cola brought back Ecto Cooler for the release of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” and a limited 2024 re-release coincided with the franchise’s 40th anniversary. According to Beverage Digest, social media mentions of Ecto Cooler spiked by 400% following the 2024 announcement. Despite being available only through giveaways and select movie screenings, the drink’s scarcity drove enormous secondary market interest, with unopened packs selling for up to $75 on eBay. The revival of Ecto Cooler highlights the powerful connection between pop culture and childhood nostalgia, as fans clamor for a taste of their youth.
Fruit Roll-Ups: Viral Social Media Trends Drive Demand
Fruit Roll-Ups, the thin, chewy fruit snacks loved for their peel-and-play format, have enjoyed a surge in visibility thanks to viral TikTok challenges. In 2023, the “Fruit Roll-Up Ice Cream” trend, which involved wrapping ice cream in a Fruit Roll-Up, drove a 37% year-over-year sales boost, as reported by IRI. General Mills responded by ramping up production in early 2024 to keep up with demand, with some retailers experiencing nationwide shortages. According to Google Trends, searches for Fruit Roll-Ups reached a five-year high in April 2024, especially among adults aged 18–29. The snack’s colorful packaging and playful nature have made it a favorite for both nostalgic millennials and curious Gen Zers. Limited-edition flavors like Watermelon Blast and Mystery Swirl have further fueled the craze.
Oreo Cakesters: The Soft-Baked Comeback
Oreo Cakesters, a soft-baked version of the classic Oreo cookie, originally launched in 2007 but disappeared from shelves in 2012. Due to persistent fan petitions and social media campaigns, Nabisco relaunched Oreo Cakesters nationwide in January 2022. According to Mondelez International’s 2024 annual report, Cakesters sales grew by 62% from 2022 to 2024, with the product quickly becoming a top ten Nabisco item. The renewed interest has been attributed to the “comfort food effect” during uncertain times, as well as TikTok reviews and nostalgia-driven marketing. Oreo Cakesters have also been featured in limited-time collaborations with coffee shops and ice cream brands, increasing their visibility. In February 2024, a Double Stuf Cakester variety was launched, further boosting sales and social media buzz.
Teddy Grahams: The Snackable Bear-Shaped Biscuits Thrive Again
Teddy Grahams, the sweet bear-shaped graham snacks first introduced in 1988, have been rediscovered by younger generations. According to NielsenIQ, Teddy Grahams sales increased by 23% in 2023, with much of the growth coming from family-sized packs and snack multipacks. Mondelez International cited increased demand during back-to-school promotions and a surge in lunchbox snack purchases. Social media challenges, such as the “Teddy Grahams Stack,” have helped the brand reach new audiences. In early 2024, the company introduced new chocolate chip and birthday cake flavors, which quickly became bestsellers. Teddy Grahams have also been promoted as a topping for yogurt and ice cream, expanding their use beyond traditional snacking.
Planters Cheez Balls: The Crunchy Cheese Snack’s Triumphant Return
Planters Cheez Balls, the bright orange, crunchy cheese puff snack, was discontinued in 2006 but returned to shelves in 2018 after a widely publicized fan campaign. Kraft Heinz reported that Cheez Balls sales grew by 31% between 2022 and 2024, with the snack’s retro packaging and bold flavor being key selling points. In a January 2024 earnings call, the company highlighted Cheez Balls as one of its fastest-growing legacy brands. The snack’s resurgence is fueled by nostalgic adults and a new generation discovering its unique texture and taste. Planters also introduced new spicy and white cheddar varieties in 2023, broadening the snack’s appeal. The limited-time “Throwback Canister” packaging has become a collector’s item, further driving interest and sales.
