The snacks of yesteryear weren’t just food; they were experiences, sometimes messy, sometimes questionable, but always unforgettable. While Millennials and Boomers can recall these treats with nostalgia, Gen Z might just raise an eyebrow in pure confusion. Let’s take a trip down memory lane with these 15 old-school snacks that might leave today’s generation scratching their heads.
Jell-O 1-2-3
This magical dessert separated itself into three layers as it set, jelly on the bottom, mousse in the middle, and a fluffy top. It looked like a science experiment gone right, but Gen Z, used to pre-made mousse cups, might find the concept too much effort for a simple snack. The extra preparation might feel unnecessary.
Vienna Sausages
These tiny canned sausages floating in a mysterious gelatinous liquid were a pantry staple for older generations. While Boomers and Gen X found them convenient, Gen Z might wonder why anyone willingly eats room-temperature meat straight from a can. The packaging alone is quite off-putting.
Wax Bottles (Nik-L-Nips)
Tiny wax bottles filled with colorful, sugary liquid seemed fun, until you realized you had to bite off the top and chew on wax to enjoy them. Gen Z, with their concern for sustainability and microplastics, might just refuse to engage with this snack altogether. Eating wax seems pretty counterintuitive today.
Candy Cigarettes
Once a playground status symbol, these chalky, cigarette-shaped sugar sticks even puffed out a little “smoke” of powdered sugar. Given today’s anti-smoking culture, Gen Z would likely find these deeply problematic rather than fun. It’s hard to imagine their comeback now.
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Pudding Pops
Frozen pudding on a stick was the ultimate summer treat, and its rich, creamy texture made it stand out from regular popsicles. But with the rise of dairy-free alternatives, Gen Z might find the idea of frozen pudding a bit too heavy and outdated. The nostalgia factor won’t save it.
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Circus Peanuts
These oversized, peanut-shaped, banana-flavored marshmallows confused even the generations that grew up with them. Their strange combination of flavor, texture, and bright orange color would likely leave Gen Z wondering if they were a prank. The artificial taste is simply overwhelming.
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Space Food Sticks
Marketed as astronaut food, these chewy, tube-like snacks had a futuristic vibe in the ‘70s but tasted more like cardboard-flavored protein bars. In an age where real astronauts eat fresher meals on the ISS, Gen Z would question why anyone would eat these willingly. They’re barely palatable by today’s standards.
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PB Max
This oversized peanut butter bar, packed with oats and covered in chocolate, was a hit in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. However, Gen Z, with their focus on protein bars and healthier options, might find it overly rich, excessive, and too indulgent, especially with its large portion size and high sugar content.
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Buttered Popcorn Jelly Beans
Jelly Belly’s buttered popcorn-flavored jelly beans were either loved or despised, with no middle ground. Given Gen Z’s preference for aesthetic and natural flavors, this oddly savory candy would likely be a hard pass. The taste is unexpectedly unsettling and artificial.
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Whatchamacallit Bars
A crispy, peanut-flavored candy bar with caramel and a bizarre name, Whatchamacallit was beloved in the ‘80s and ‘90s. But in an era where food marketing is sleek and minimalist, Gen Z might just be put off by the ridiculous name alone. It sounds completely made-up and random.
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Soda in Glass Baby Bottles
Some old-school soda brands came in glass bottles shaped like baby bottles, complete with a nipple-shaped cap. While Millennials might remember them as silly fun, Gen Z would likely be horrified at the thought of drinking soda from baby accessories. The design is just plain unsettling.
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Fun Dip
A packet of colorful flavored sugar with an edible sugar stick for dipping, Fun Dip was a hyperactive sugar rush in powder form. With Gen Z’s emphasis on balanced snacking, this artificial mess of colors and chemicals might be too extreme. The sugar content is absurd.
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Hostess Chocodiles
Essentially a chocolate-covered Twinkie, the Chocodile was a legend among snack lovers. But Gen Z, with access to artisanal pastries and gourmet snacks, might see it as a low-tier sugar bomb rather than a treat worth trying. It lacks any real culinary appeal or lasting excitement.
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Potato Sticks in a Can
Before Pringles ruled the canned snack world, there were potato sticks, tiny, salty, crunchy potato slivers that came in a cardboard canister. Gen Z, used to neatly stacked chips and resealable packaging, might find the idea of loose potato shards chaotic and messy. The lack of structure feels frustrating.
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TV Dinners with Dessert Compartments
Frozen TV dinners often came with a tiny, pre-baked dessert in a separate compartment, usually a brownie or apple crisp. While convenient at the time, Gen Z, accustomed to meal delivery services and fresh food options, might find the entire concept unappealing. The frozen brownie was always disappointing.
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While these snacks bring back fond (and sometimes questionable) memories, they might leave Gen Z utterly baffled. Trends change, but one thing remains the same: every generation has its share of weird, beloved, and sometimes regrettable snack choices that define the era.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
12 Legendary 90s Snacks You Would Have Sold Your Soul For
The 90s were an unforgettable era for snacks, filled with bold flavors, creative shapes, and sugary indulgences that kids absolutely adored. Whether it was something you grabbed from a lunchbox, a vending machine, or the pantry after school, these treats had a way of making life feel extra special. Some have disappeared completely, while others have made a brief return, but one thing is for sure every 90s kid would trade just about anything to get a taste of these legendary snacks again.
Read it here: 12 Legendary 90s Snacks You Would Have Sold Your Soul For
15 Sneaky Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Blood Sugar
Managing blood sugar isn’t just about avoiding sweets, many everyday foods can cause unexpected spikes. Some might seem healthy on the surface, but hidden sugars, refined carbs, and processed ingredients can send glucose levels soaring. Whether it’s a favorite snack or a common meal staple, these sneaky foods could be quietly sabotaging your blood sugar without you even realizing it.
Read it here: 15 Sneaky Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Blood Sugar
Before Blue Apron and HelloFresh, This is What Lazy Dinners Looked Like
Before meal delivery kits like Blue Apron and HelloFresh entered the scene, lazy dinners were a very different experience. The convenience of fresh ingredients and pre-portioned meals delivered to your door didn’t exist, so people had to get a bit more creative to feed themselves after a long day. Here’s a look at a couple ways people used to take shortcuts in the kitchen before the rise of modern meal services.
Read it here: Before Blue Apron and HelloFresh, This is What Lazy Dinners Looked Like