The Return of Dunkaroos
Dunkaroos, those sweet little cookies with a tub of creamy frosting, disappeared from shelves in 2012, breaking the hearts of millennials everywhere. In 2020, General Mills decided to bring them back, and the hype was immediate. According to Nielsen data, Dunkaroos were among the fastest-selling snack releases in their return year, with social media buzzing over their comeback. Grocery stores reported selling out within days, especially in North America, where childhood nostalgia runs deep. The new Dunkaroos even feature some updated flavors, but the classic vanilla with rainbow sprinkles remains the favorite. For many, tearing open that bright blue package is like opening a time capsule filled with playground memories and after-school giddiness. The relaunch was so successful that Dunkaroos even expanded into cereal and baking mixes, riding the wave of ’90s snack revival.
Surge Soda’s Fizzy Revival
Surge Soda, the neon-green citrus drink, was a staple in the late ’90s and early 2000s. After its discontinuation in 2003, fans campaigned endlessly for its return, even starting online petitions and social media pages. Their efforts paid off when Coca-Cola quietly re-released Surge in 2014, first through Amazon and later in select stores. Data from Beverage Digest showed a 30% sales spike in the first month of its re-release. Surge’s over-the-top energy and nostalgic branding made it appealing to adults craving a taste of their childhood. The drink’s relaunch was so successful that it is now a regular item in stores, with new limited-edition cans popping up every year. It’s almost shocking how a single sip can bring back memories of summer bike rides and late-night video game sessions.
Pop-Tarts: Unwrapping New and Old Flavors
Pop-Tarts never really vanished, but their classic flavors like Frosted Strawberry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon have recently surged in popularity again. According to Kellogg’s 2024 sales report, Pop-Tarts experienced a 15% year-over-year increase, especially among adults aged 25-35. Nostalgia is a big driver, but so is the introduction of retro-inspired flavors, like the 2023 limited-edition Frosted Grape, which originally debuted in the ’90s. Pop-Tarts have also become a canvas for social media food hacks, with people roasting, stacking, and even deep-frying them. The brand’s playful approach, like releasing throwback packaging and collaborating with artists, keeps the momentum rolling. It’s not just about breakfast anymore – it’s about reliving Saturday mornings in your pajamas, watching cartoons.
Gushers: Bursting Back Into Popularity
Gushers, those chewy fruit snacks with a liquid center, were a lunchbox icon in the ’90s. General Mills reported in 2023 that Gushers sales rose 12% after TikTok and Instagram users began featuring them in viral videos. Young adults have even started mixing Gushers into cocktails and desserts, leading to a new wave of creative recipes. The company responded by releasing new flavors and bringing back the beloved Sour Gushers variety. According to a 2024 consumer survey, Gushers ranked in the top three favorite childhood snacks among Americans aged 28-40. It’s clear that biting into a Gusher isn’t just about taste – it’s about the wild, messy fun of being a kid again.
Hi-C Ecto Cooler: The Ghostly Comeback
Hi-C Ecto Cooler, the neon-green citrus drink, first hit shelves as a tie-in with the Ghostbusters movies in the ’80s and ’90s. After years of demand, Coca-Cola brought back Ecto Cooler for a limited run in 2021 and again in 2024 to coincide with new Ghostbusters films. According to MarketWatch, both re-releases saw the drink sell out within days, and resale prices soared on online marketplaces. Fans describe the taste as “summer in a box,” and the packaging, with its iconic Slimer character, is instantly recognizable. Ecto Cooler’s return has sparked themed parties and Ghostbusters-inspired nostalgia events. Its popularity demonstrates just how much childhood memories can drive adult purchasing decisions.
Bagel Bites: Mini Pizzas, Maximum Nostalgia
Bagel Bites, those tiny bagel halves topped with cheese and pepperoni, are back in the spotlight. According to Kraft Heinz’s 2024 quarterly report, Bagel Bites saw a 20% increase in sales, thanks in part to nostalgic advertising campaigns targeting millennials. Social media trends have people sharing their favorite ways to cook Bagel Bites, from air frying to oven baking, and even customizing them with new toppings. The snack has been featured on food blogs and YouTube channels, sparking debates over the perfect cooking method. For many, popping a tray of Bagel Bites into the toaster oven is a direct ticket back to after-school snacks and sleepover parties. The resurgence also points to a broader trend: comfort food is king in uncertain times.
Fruit by the Foot: Rolling Out Fun Again
Fruit by the Foot’s colorful, three-foot-long strips are making a big comeback. General Mills revealed in early 2025 that sales jumped 14% after the company launched a “Throwback Edition” with retro packaging and original flavors. TikTok challenges involving Fruit by the Foot races and edible art have gone viral, introducing the snack to a new generation. The combination of playful design and sweet flavor has made it a staple in lunchboxes once more. Grocery stores report that the snack sells out quickly, especially when a new limited-edition flavor drops. Parents who grew up with Fruit by the Foot are now buying it for their own kids, creating a multigenerational nostalgia loop.
Cosmic Brownies: A Blast from the Past
Little Debbie’s Cosmic Brownies, famous for their fudgy texture and candy-coated chocolate chips, are back in style. According to IRI market research, sales increased by 17% in 2024, with the brand crediting TikTok food influencers for much of the renewed interest. The company has responded with larger pack sizes and new varieties, like Cosmic Brownie Cereal and ice cream. Fans say unwrapping a Cosmic Brownie is like stepping into a time machine straight to elementary school snack time. The snack’s distinct look and taste have inspired countless homemade copycat recipes, cementing its place as a symbol of ’90s snack culture. Even celebrity chefs have gotten in on the fun, adding gourmet twists to the humble treat.
Squeezits: Bottled Nostalgia Returns
Squeezits, the fruit-flavored drinks in squeeze bottles, vanished in the early 2000s, but their quirky design and bright colors made them unforgettable. In 2023, a limited re-release in select U.S. markets caused a frenzy, with fans lining up to relive their childhood. According to a 2024 beverage industry report, over 1 million bottles sold in the first two months, and Squeezits-related hashtags trended across social media platforms. The packaging, with its funny faces, sparks instant recognition, and the unique experience of “squeezing” your drink makes it more than just a beverage. Squeezits’ surprise return highlights the powerful role of nostalgia marketing in today’s snack industry.
Handi-Snacks: The Comeback of Crackers and Cheese
Handi-Snacks, those little packets with crackers and a red plastic cheese spreader, are making a quiet but steady return. Mondelez International, the maker, reports that sales of Handi-Snacks increased by 10% in 2024, mostly driven by adults who recall them from childhood. The brand has started offering new varieties, including whole grain crackers and real cheese dips, to appeal to changing tastes. Food bloggers have praised the snack for its convenience and portion control, while nostalgic fans love the simple ritual of spreading cheese with the tiny stick. Handi-Snacks’ resurgence proves that sometimes, the simplest pleasures never go out of style.
3D Doritos: Crunchy Nostalgia in Every Bite
3D Doritos, the puffy, hollow chips, were discontinued in the early 2000s, but their cult following never faded. In 2021, Frito-Lay brought them back with revamped flavors and a bold marketing campaign. According to PepsiCo’s 2024 snack sales report, 3D Doritos sales were up 22% year-over-year, outpacing several newer snack launches. The chips’ crunchy texture and playful shape make them a hit at parties and gatherings. Fans love comparing the new flavors, like Spicy Ranch, to the originals, and social media is filled with taste-test videos and nostalgia-fueled reactions. 3D Doritos’ comeback is a testament to how powerful a craving for childhood comfort can be.
