Food is an emotion, and in every era, some food items were particularly enjoyed and cherished but were later discontinued. The reasons for this discontinuation can vary; for instance, a decline in popularity, a change in recipe, or an odd combination that no longer appeals to people. Ultimately, these food items couldn’t stand the test of time, leaving behind only memories.
Hubba Bubba Gum
Remember the good old days when chewing gum was just launched? In the early 1970s, Hubba Bubba Gum, a bright pink bubble gum, took over the candies market. All the children wanted one of the big squares of that colored bubble gum. Later, the company ceased production in the early 1990s for unknown reasons, but it was returned in 2004. However, Hubba Bubba gum couldn’t get the same hype due to several competitors in the market.
Keebler Fudge Magic Middles
In 1980, Keebler Fudge Magic Middles was launched and quickly became immensely popular. It came in multiple versions, such as a shortbread cookie covered in chocolate fudge, a cookie covered in peanut butter, a cookie covered in chocolate chip crust, etc. However, despite its initial success, the company discontinued production without giving any clear explanation, except that they wanted to use the equipment to manufacture another line.
Hi-C Ecto Coolers
Remember the movie Ghostbusters? Hi-C Ecto Coolers launched a theme drink featuring one of the film’s iconic characters. This bright green drink, containing 10% fruit juice, gained massive success after the movie Ghostbusters became a hit in 1989. However, the company discontinued the production after a decade without apparent reasons. The drink made a brief comeback in 2021 to celebrate the release of the Ghostbusters movie, but it was produced in limited quantities and unavailable for retailers.
Swanson TV Dinners
In 1970, the world was fascinated with the idea of pre-cooked meals. It became a tradition to eat pre-made meals every Friday night. Swanson TV Dinners was the best option, offering fried chicken or Turkey in a foil tray that could quickly be heated in the oven and ready within minutes. Swanson TV Dinners also had sides like vegetables and potatoes to mix with chicken or Turkey. Later, the company ceased production as microwaves became more common and people’s preferences shifted. This declined the demand for TV dinners and led to the eventual discontinuation of Swanson TV dinners.
Baron Von Redberry
Baron Von Redberry was a German pilot actively engaged in World War 1. In 1972, he flew his plane and advertised the oats cereal with berry marshmallows in berry flavor. The cereal was meant to be mixed with milk and was only produced for a short time. The company discontinued it after five years, and while the exact reason was not stated, it was assumed that it discontinued due to rising competition and declining popularity.
Reggie Bar
When Reggie Jackson from the Yankees became widespread, many brands started naming their products after him. Standard Brands even produced a candy bar in his name. The Candy Bar became so popular that fans used to bring it to the stadium when Reggie Jackson was playing.
In the mid-1970s, the Reggie bar was a hit and produced in large quantities. It was delicious and contained peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate. However, the company stopped making them in 1981 for unknown reasons. It returned in 2023, becoming available at Bobb Howard’s General Store & Auto Repair shop and Economy Candy in Manhattan.
Hershey’s Bar None Candy Bar
Hershey’s is famous for experimenting and introducing brand-new products. Launched in 1987, Hershey’s None Candy Bar was a fantastic blend of chocolates that quickly became popular among children. The candy bar was a perfect blend of chocolate cream, covered with wafers, and wrapped in peanuts and milk chocolate. However, the company discontinued this bar after changing its recipe twice and seeing a decline in popularity.
Koogle Peanut Butter Spread
Koogle Peanut Butter Spread became the talk of the town because it didn’t use peanuts as the main ingredient. Instead, with lots of chocolate, it promised plenty of nutrients. It was the best option for people who were allergic to peanuts. However, the popularity of the product did not last long. In 1975, a consumer report article made many allegations against the company, sparking controversy. These allegations eventually declined its popularity, leading to the discontinuation of the product.
Nintendo Cereal
As video games became popular in the 1980s, many companies developed eatables named after games. Nintendo cereal was one such product, which contained crunchy breakfast cereals. It appealed to kids who played video games like Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Brothers. However, like other foods with gaming names, Nintendo cereal was discontinued after a year due to poor sales and negative consumer reviews.
Banana Frosted Flakes
In 1981, Kellogg’s launched Banana frosted flakes as a breakfast cereal for kids. The banana flavor was delicious, and the cereal was claimed to be full of nutrients to capture the taste buds. However, it wasn’t so popular, and sales gradually declined. So, the company stopped producing banana frosted flakes about three years after the launch.
Marathon Bar
Marathon Bar emerged in 1970 and became a sweet memory for the Kids of that decade. It was a long, thin chocolate bar wrapped in a plastic cover with a rich and delicious caramel filling. It got its name from the joggers and runners who made the sport famous in the 1970s. However, it was discontinued later due to a decline in sales.
Oreo Big Stuf
Kids from the 1980s fondly remember this treat. It was a giant Oreo biscuit that wouldn’t fit in the palm of one hand and was a favorite of young kids. The Oreo Big Stuf was launched in the early 1980s and continued for seven years before the company launched Oreo Mini and replaced Oreo Big Stuf.
Fruit Brute Cereal
The Fruit Brute Cereal was launched in 1974 and instantly became a hit among kids. At the time, sugar was the most preferred ingredient in breakfast. Soon after its launch, Fruit Brute Cereal became famous as an American National breakfast. The Marshmallow bits were the highlight of the Fruit Brute Cereal. However, the hype did not last long, and production was canceled after a few years for unknown reasons. The company then introduced Yummy Mummy as its replacement.