Iconic '90s and 2000s Snacks That Defined Childhood

These nostalgic treats were once lunchbox staples, but many wouldn't pass muster with today's health-conscious parents.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Millennials fondly remember the snacks that defined their childhoods in the '90s and early 2000s - from sugary cereal masquerading as granola bars to brightly colored sodas and juice drinks. While these snacks were hugely popular at the time, many would now be considered too unhealthy to pack in kids' lunchboxes. This article takes a look back at some of the most iconic snacks from that era, from Kudos Bars and Surge to Squeez-Its and Fruitopia.

Why it matters

The snacks of the '90s and 2000s represent a time when childhood nutrition was not as much of a priority as it is today. These nostalgic treats were widely available and actively marketed to young consumers, shaping the food preferences of an entire generation. Revisiting these snacks highlights how dramatically attitudes towards healthy eating have shifted, even as many millennials still have fond memories of these sugary, artificially-colored foods.

The details

The article covers a wide range of iconic snacks from the '90s and 2000s, including Kudos Bars (candy bars disguised as granola), Surge (a highly caffeinated, neon green soda), Squeez-Its and Kool-Aid Bursts (sugary juice drinks), Fruitopia (a fruit-flavored but still sugary soda), EZ Squirt ketchup (in colors like blue and green), Hi-C Ecto Cooler (a Ghostbusters-themed citrus drink), Oreo O's cereal, Philadelphia Snack Bars, Hubba Bubba Bubble Jug, Trix Yogurt, Swoops (chocolate-covered chips), Pizzarias (pizza-flavored chips), 3D Doritos, Waffle Crisps cereal, Rice Krispie Treats cereal, Juice Barrels/Little Hugs, and SnackWells (fat-free but still sugary cookies and cakes).

  • Many of these snacks were popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Some, like Surge, were discontinued in the early 2000s but later brought back due to fan demand.
  • Others, like Oreo O's and 3D Doritos, were discontinued for years before being reintroduced more recently.

The players

Kudos Bars

Candy bars masquerading as granola bars, often covered in M&Ms or Snickers bits. Discontinued in 2017.

Surge

A highly caffeinated, neon green soda that was a must-have at '90s sleepovers. Discontinued in 2003 but brought back in 2014.

Oreo O's Cereal

Oreos masquerading as breakfast cereal, first introduced in 1997. Discontinued in 2007 but brought back in 2017.

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The takeaway

The snacks that defined childhood in the '90s and 2000s represent a bygone era when nutrition was not the top priority. While many millennials have fond memories of these sugary, artificially-colored treats, their popularity highlights how dramatically attitudes towards healthy eating have shifted in the intervening years.