Want to feel old? The 1980s are as far away from our current era as the 1990s were from the 1950s. Yes, it’s been that long! Time flies.
If you’re Gen X or a millennial, the chances are high that you’re attached to this era. You may be hooked on its aesthetics, its iconic movies, or even have a craving for its food. Something about the packaging on those Reagan-era goodies drove kids (and their parents) wild. '80s candy was sweeter, '80s chips were saltier, and the jingles were catchier! Yes, they were bad for you. But that’s why they were so good!
Luckily, you’re an adult now and can buy all the nostalgic food you want. We’ve rounded up some of the best '80s snacks to help you tap into that nostalgia and guide you down memory lane.
1. Capri Sun Strawberry Kiwi 10ct
Capri-Sun is a name that more than a few of us have probably heard — even if we weren’t around to witness the arrival of one of the mostpopular things in the '80s. Initially released in 1969 under the name “Capri-Sonne,” Capri-Sun arrived in American grocery stores in 1981. It’s been a hit ever since.
One of our favorite modern iterations of this drink is the Capri-Sun Strawberry Kiwi. Fresh ripe strawberries and zesty kiwis make the perfect match in Capri Sun Strawberry Kiwi juice drink.
$4.99
2. Doritos Cool Ranch Tortilla Chips 9.25oz
Doritos are a snack food needing no introduction. However, in 1986, one flavor in particular, which combined the most robust salad dressing with the crunchiest tortilla chip, put this chip company on the map. Doritos Cool Ranch Tortilla Chips pack a zesty punch and bold crunch.
These '80s chips took over, and their electric blue bags still grace grocery aisles the world over.
$5.59
Fruit roll-ups were a popular food from the '80s and 90s. These brightly colored, super sweet candy snacks were unique in their design: pressed flat on a wax baking sheet, rolled up, and then packaged. All the popular kids had one in their lunchbox, and if you wanted to look cool, you needed to have one, too.
Fruit roll-ups debuted in grocery stores in 1983, and they’re still sold today — and are just as delicious as the '80s candy. Variety is the spice of life; let these Fruit Roll-Ups jazz up your snack routine.
$2.69
4. Hot Pockets Frozen Garlic Buttery Crust Pepperoni Pizza 2ct 9oz
Real ooey gooey cheese. Garlic butter seasoned crust. Flavorful pepperoni... are you drooling yet? These pepperoni pizza Hot Pockets are the perfect on-the-go meal for those days when you just don't have time to cook.
If you’re older now but miss this delicacy, this mini-meal would be an excellent addition to your study snacks, too.
$4.49
5. Snack Pack Vanilla Pudding 4ct
Many a Millenial has probably enjoyed a Jell-O shooter sometime in their young adulthood. But during the '80s, kids knew that the greatest cold treat in town was Jell-O Pudding.
The famous Pudding Pops may have since been discontinued. But Jell-O still has many other delicious sweet treats to choose from, like the Snack Pack Vanilla Pudding or the Jell-O Chocolate Flavored Instant Pudding & Pie Filling. And nothing goes down smoother than an after-school Snack Pack.
$2.39
6. Keebler Vienna Fingers Vanilla Cookies 14.2oz
Several decades ago, the food brand Keebler took a long, hard look at what was popular in the '80s and came out with Magic Middles. This cookie-like dessert was soft, filled with fudge in the center, and topped with chocolate frosting.
Although Magic Middles have since gone the way of the dinosaurs (like other nostalgic foods past their prime), the Keebler brand is very much around. Some other delicious snack options include the Keebler Chips Deluxe Rainbow Cookies or the Keebler Vienna Fingers Vanilla Cookies. Keebler Vienna Fingers Crème Filled Sandwich Cookies offer a winning combination of crunchy vanilla-flavored cookies that surround a cream filling. Fun to eat at home and on the go, Keebler Vienna Fingers Crème Filled Sandwich Cookies are a great way to add sweetness to your day.
$6.19
7. Act II Butter Lovers Popcorn Microwavable 2.75oz
Most of you will be familiar with the mechanics of microwave popcorn, too: throw the bag in the machine and let the kernels heat up. What you may not know is that the trend of microwaving your popcorn started in the '80s, so it’ll fit right in with your childhood nostalgia. Grab an Act II Butter Lovers bag and zap it in the microwave to see what memories pop for you. Butter me up.
$1.79
Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg: nerds stay winning. These hard rock candies look like tiny multicolored pebbles. Their tart, sweet taste will have you hooked when you bite into them.
These treats were popular with '80s kids owing to their flashy colors and boxes with a combination of flavors. The popularity of Nerds hasn’t waned, either; you can easily find them in convenience stores and supermarkets today.
$1.99
9. Oreos Double Stuff Chocolate Sandwich Cookies 15.35oz
During the '80s, one line of Oreo brand products had more buzz than the others: the Oreo Big Stuf cookie, which was sandwich-sized you’d consume like a cake. The original “big stuff” has been discontinued. But Oreos are a favorite fast food in the snack aisle, and you can check out the Oreos Double Stuff Chocolate Sandwich Cookies in its place. The OREO Double Stuf features a thick layer of delectable cream filling between two classic chocolate sandwich cookies. You can't have just one, but how you snack is up to you—eat whole, dunk in milk or break 'em apart and lick the cream. Anything goes.
$7.79
10. Push Pop Candy 1ct
Side pony, light up sneaks, and a pocket full of Push Pops — those were the days. But here’s some good news for retro '80s snack fans: Push Pop Candy is still available! Push Pops are tube-shaped candies that come in various flavors. They’re the perfect casual treat.
$1.59
11. Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Candy 4oz
Reese’s Pieces were popular snacks then, and they’re definitely popular now. They’re the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These chocolates come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from the traditional patty to chocolate bars and M&M-styled candies. 4 oz. is probably the exact amount ET ate throughout the movie.
$3.49
12. Welch's Mixed Fruit Fruit Snacks 5oz
Mixed fruit? This is basically a fruit salad. Gummy’s were a great way to get kids to eat fruit flavored food in the ‘80s. They came in all sorts of colors and shapes — which were not necessarily fruit. Shark Bite Fruit Snacks were significant during the '80s, a gummy, shark-shaped treat in brightly colored packaging. Although the original Shark Bite snacks are no longer available (you can only find them in a heavily modified form), other fruit gummies are going strong.
$2.49
13. SuperPretzel Frozen Original Fully Baked Soft Pretzels 6ct 13oz
Looking for an '80s snack food that works well for a stay-at-home sports party? Then try the SuperPretzel, a quick-bake treat that requires a little salt and some kitchen heat before it’s all warmed up and ready to serve. If America were a carb, this would be it. Also — the most dippable thing you can order off this app. You’re welcome in advance. Includes salt packet for topping. Easy to prepare, ready in seconds in the microwave or toaster oven.
$4.49
14. Pillsbury Frozen Strawberry Toaster Strudel 6ct 11.5oz
Last but certainly not least on the list is the toaster strudel. Yes, another '80s treat!
During the '80s, these pastries were a go-to breakfast food before their high sugar content made them preferable as a sweet treat or snack. Pop them in the toaster or in the oven and let this childhood favorite bring back all the morning memories you had with it. Top the golden, flaky crust with the sweet cream cheese icing and let the flavors of strawberry cream cheese melt in your mouth.
$4.49
FAQs
What was popular in the ‘80s?
Many popular things in the ‘80s are popular now. If you’re a Zoomer reading this, you might have been surprised that your parents ate the same junk food they wouldn’t let you eat growing up. Why don’t you grab some Doritos for the whole family next time you visit home?
Where did people eat food in the '80s?
The 1980s was the beginning of the food court era. These indoor piazzas were a great place for kids to gather and eat together with almost no supervision. We make so many great memories when we eat food together. Maybe that’s really the reason food from the ‘80s still tastes so great — that and their delicious flavor.
Are the ‘80s still cool?
Every now and then you think people are tired of the '80s, but then a new Ghostbusters comes out and we’re right back there, eating marshmallows and catching ghosts.
