You’ll dive into a provocative ranked list of ten discontinued ’90s products that stir up strong opinions. This guide shows which nostalgic snacks, drinks, and gadgets deserve a comeback — and which ones you’ll probably argue about.
You’ll get quick takes that mix fond memories with blunt takes, from fizzy sodas and sugary snacks to quirky tech and toys. Expect bold rankings, surprising picks, and plenty to debate as you move through each entry.
You probably remember Crystal Pepsi as the clear cola that felt like a futuristic snack. Its novelty hit you first — familiar cola flavor without the dark color — and that curiosity sold a lot of cans.
Tastes varied: some loved the cleaner profile, others found it indistinguishable from regular Pepsi. You might disagree with ranking it high, but nostalgia and bold marketing kept it visible long after its initial run.
Surge Soda
You probably remember Surge as that neon-green, high-caffeine soda that screamed ’90s energy. It chased Mountain Dew with a citrus punch that hooked a lot of teens, even if parents worried about the sugar and buzz.
You might disagree with ranking it among the most missed; sales dropped and it faded from shelves by the early 2000s. Still, if you grew up on it, a can of Surge hits nostalgia differently.
Dunkaroos
You probably remember the ritual: dunk tiny kangaroo-shaped cookies into bright, sugary frosting and savor the nostalgia.
They were a ’90s lunchbox staple, discontinued in the U.S. around 2012 before returning later, so your childhood memory might not match current availability.
If you loved the colorful frosting and playful shapes, the comeback felt like validation.
If you preferred less sweet snacks, you might still disagree that Dunkaroos deserved the hype.
Fruit Gushers
You probably remember biting into a Gusher and getting that syrupy burst in your mouth. The texture mixed chewy gummy with a surprise liquid center that felt almost experimental.
They never left completely — modern Gushers still exist — but the 90s versions hit differently. You might argue they were too messy or gloriously over the top, and either stance makes sense.
Jolt Cola
You remember the neon-can energy: extra caffeine, loud slogan, and a buzz that kept late-night cram sessions alive.
It wasn’t subtle — Jolt marketed itself as “all the sugar and twice the caffeine,” so you knew exactly what you were getting.
The flavor leaned sweet and sharp, not for everyone but perfect if you wanted a quick jolt.
It faded after market shifts and bankruptcies, yet plenty of fans still argue it deserves a comeback.
Orbitz Beverage
You probably remember Orbitz as the lava-lamp drink with floating jelly beads that felt more like a toy than a soda. It used gellan gum to suspend the edible spheres, which made the texture polarizing — some found it fun, others found it off-putting.
Launched in 1997, Orbitz aimed to be a “texturally enhanced” alternative and lasted about a year on shelves. If you loved novelty, it hit the mark; if you cared about taste and mouthfeel, it likely missed.
Skittles Silly Scorchers
You probably remember a Skittles pack that tried to bring heat to the rainbow. Silly Scorchers mixed spicy notes with fruity chew, more novelty than lasting fave.
If you liked bold experiments you might’ve loved the kick. If you prefer classic fruit, the heat felt out of place and faded fast.
Sega Nomad
You get a pocket-sized Sega Genesis that plays full cart-based games, which sounded amazing in 1995.
The Nomad nails compatibility, so your Genesis library comes with you, but battery life and bulk make it awkward to carry.
If you love retro authenticity and hate emulation, the Nomad feels priceless; if you want convenience or modern portability, it quickly shows its age.
Tamagotchi
You probably remember the tiny egg-shaped device demanding attention between classes and on the bus.
Its simple pixel pet made you responsible for feeding, cleaning, and playing—sometimes to the point of low-key panic.
The original 1996 Tamagotchi sparked a global craze and later models added color screens and Bluetooth.
If you loved low-effort attachment and occasional digital guilt, it still hits that nostalgic sweet spot.
Push Pop
You probably remember sliding up that fruity, sugary cylinder and licking while the plastic scraped your fingers.
The classic Push Pop felt like a small rebellion — portable, interactive, and mess-free-ish.
By the late ’90s some licensed versions, like Flintstones editions, faded as tastes and shelves changed.
You might disagree with ranking it here, but nostalgia keeps Push Pops alive in memory even if certain styles are gone.
More from Vinyl and Velvet:
Leave a Reply