19 Nostalgic Foods from the 80s That Will Take You Back in Time
The 1980s were a colorful time not just for fashion and music, but also for food. From sugary cereals to neon-colored snacks, many of the foods that defined the decade still hold a special place in our hearts (and taste buds). Here are 19 nostalgic foods from the 80s that will take you right back in time.
1. Ecto Cooler
Made famous by the Ghostbusters franchise, Hi-C’s Ecto Cooler was a neon green citrus drink that every kid wanted in their lunchbox. With its iconic color and tie-in with Slimer, it became one of the most beloved drinks of the 80s.
2. Lunchables
Launched in 1988, Lunchables revolutionized the school lunch. These compartmentalized trays with crackers, deli meat, cheese, and later, pizza, gave kids the power to “build their own” lunch—and they felt like the coolest snack around.
3. Fruit Roll-Ups
Colorful, sticky, and often eaten by peeling off the plastic bit by bit, Fruit Roll-Ups were a lunchtime staple. They came in wild flavors and vibrant colors, and they were often a tradeable currency at school.
4. Capri Sun
The silver pouch of Capri Sun was a signature drink for any kid growing up in the 80s. Struggling to pierce the straw through the tiny hole was part of the charm, and the refreshing flavors, like Pacific Cooler, kept them coming back for more.
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5. Pop Rocks
The fizzy, crackling candy that popped in your mouth was pure 80s fun. Pop Rocks came with rumors that if you mixed them with soda, it would cause an explosion—but even without the urban legend, they were a hit for their explosive eating experience.
6. Dunkaroos
Though they gained more popularity in the 90s, Dunkaroos had their origins in the late 80s and became an instant hit. The combination of kangaroo-shaped cookies with a sweet frosting dip made snack time feel like a party.
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7. Tab
Coca-Cola’s Tab was the original diet soda, marketed toward people who wanted to stay slim and “fab.” Its pink can was iconic, and while the taste wasn’t for everyone, it became a cult classic of the 80s soda scene.
8. Jell-O Pudding Pops
Frozen, creamy, and endorsed by Bill Cosby at the time, Jell-O Pudding Pops were a beloved summer treat. Whether you were a fan of chocolate, vanilla, or swirl, these pops offered a rich, smooth alternative to your regular ice cream bar.
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9. Big League Chew
Though marketed as a gum for baseball players, Big League Chew became popular with kids, too. The shredded bubblegum in a pouch made kids feel like they were major-league athletes—and blowing the biggest bubbles was the real game.
10. Hot Pockets
Launched in the 80s, Hot Pockets were the quick microwaveable snack that satisfied any hunger pang. Whether you were into pepperoni pizza or ham and cheese, these molten hot, cheesy pockets were a freezer staple.
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11. Viennetta
Viennetta wasn’t just any ice cream—it was a fancy layered ice cream cake that made any family dinner feel elegant. With its intricate design and delicate layers of vanilla and chocolate, it was saved for special occasions and never failed to impress.
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12. Bagel Bites
Bite-sized bagels topped with pizza ingredients? Bagel Bites quickly became a must-have snack in the 80s, letting kids have “pizza in the morning, pizza in the evening, pizza at suppertime” just like the jingle promised.
13. Pudding Cups
Before Go-Gurt and snack packs, Pudding Cups were the dessert of choice in school lunches. With flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch, these little cups of creamy pudding brought joy to lunch tables across America.
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14. Totino’s Pizza Rolls
Another microwaveable marvel, Totino’s Pizza Rolls were the perfect after-school snack. Crispy on the outside, filled with molten cheese and pepperoni on the inside, these bite-sized pizza rolls had an almost cult following for their satisfying crunch and flavor.
15. Jolt Cola
With twice the caffeine of a regular soda, Jolt Cola was marketed as the ultimate energy boost. “All the sugar and twice the caffeine” was the slogan, and for many teens in the 80s, it became their go-to drink when they needed to stay up late.
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16. Nerds
With their tiny, crunchy, and tangy candies in dual-flavor packs, Nerds were the candy of choice for anyone who liked sweet-tart treats. You could either mix the flavors or eat them one side at a time—either way, they were a fun burst of sugar in every handful.
17. SpaghettiOs
With their fun O-shaped pasta and easy-to-eat sauce, SpaghettiOs were a staple of every 80s pantry. The catchy jingle, “Uh-oh, SpaghettiOs!” made them hard to forget, and they were the ultimate lazy meal for kids and adults alike.
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18. Cheez Balls
Planters Cheez Balls were a crunchy, neon-orange snack that stained your fingers but were totally worth it. These cheesy puffs came in a distinctive canister and were perfect for sharing (or keeping to yourself during a movie marathon).
19. Fruit by the Foot
These long strips of chewy, fruity goodness were more than just a snack—they were an experience. Unrolling a Fruit by the Foot and seeing how far it stretched was half the fun, while the sugary hit made it a top-tier treat for any 80s kid.
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