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The food industry is always evolving, and many once-popular products have disappeared from grocery store shelves due to changing tastes, corporate decisions, or health concerns. Here are 10 foods you probably won’t find in stores today:
1. Jell-O Pudding Pops (1980s–1990s)
– These frozen pudding treats, famously promoted by Bill Cosby, were discontinued in the 1990s. Though a similar version briefly returned in the 2000s, it didn’t last.
2. PB Crisps (1990s)
– Planters’ peanut butter-filled, cookie-like snacks were a ’90s favorite but were discontinued despite their cult following.
3. Orbitz Drink (1997–1998)
– This bizarre, gelatinous beverage with floating “orb” particles was a short-lived novelty that quickly vanished.
4. Ecto Cooler Hi-C (1980s–2010s)
– The iconic green slime-inspired drink tied to Ghostbusters was discontinued in the 2000s, briefly revived in 2016, then disappeared again.
5. Dunkaroos (1990s–2012 in the U.S.)
– The beloved snack of cookies and frosting dip was discontinued in the U.S. but remained in Canada before a limited 2020 comeback (though not the same as the original).
6. Crystal Pepsi (1992–1993, briefly 2010s)
– The clear cola was a ’90s fad that failed but had a nostalgic revival before disappearing again.
7. Waffle Crisp Cereal (1996–2018)
– This maple-flavored waffle-shaped cereal was a breakfast favorite before being discontinued by Post.
8. Surge (1996–2003, briefly 2014–2015)
– Coca-Cola’s ultra-caffeinated citrus soda was discontinued due to health concerns but had a brief comeback via Amazon before fading again.
9. 3D Doritos (1990s, briefly 2021)
– The puffy, hollow Doritos were a ’90s hit but vanished. A 2021 revival didn’t stick.
10. Wonder Ball (1990s–2004, briefly 2017)
– These chocolate balls with candy inside were discontinued due to choking hazards, then brought back in a modified (but less exciting) form.
Why Did These Disappear?
Some fell victim to health trends (high sugar, artificial ingredients), poor sales, or corporate rebranding. A few, like Dunkaroos and Surge, had brief comebacks due to nostalgia but didn’t stay for long.
Would you bring any of these back if you could? 🚀
