The 2000s were a golden era of quirky snacks, iconic fast food experiments, and over-the-top treats. Whether you were sipping on colorful drinks or munching on creative creations, these foods hold a special place in the memories of anyone who grew up in the early 21st century. Let’s look back at 27 nostalgic throwback 2000s foods, when they were discontinued, if they were brought back, and what made them unforgettable.
Related: 25 Discontinued Snacks From the 90s That We Still Miss
1. Altoids Sours
- Introduced: Early 2000s
- Discontinued: Around 2010
- What it was: A sour take on the classic Altoids mints, packaged in colorful tins.
- Fun fact: These candies became a collector’s item after their discontinuation, with tins reselling online for crazy prices. Here’s an eBay auction for a sealed tin of Altoids Sour Tangerine for $250.
- Brought Back: In September 2024, Iconic Candy reintroduced the beloved Altoids Sours under the new name “Retro Sours.” These candies are available in three original flavors—Mango, Tangerine, and Citrus—and can be found at Cracker Barrel and IT’SUGAR stores nationwide. While not produced by Altoids’ original manufacturer, Retro Sours aim to replicate the classic taste that fans have missed since their discontinuation in 2010.
2. Dunkaroos
- Introduced: 1990s (peaked in the 2000s)
- Discontinued: 2012
- What it was: A snack pack with graham cookies and a sweet frosting dip.
- Fun fact: They made a big comeback in 2020, sparking joy for nostalgic snackers everywhere.
3. Pepsi Blue
- Introduced: 2002
- Discontinued: 2004
- What it was: A berry-flavored version of Pepsi, with a bold blue color.
- Fun fact: Fans petitioned for years to bring it back, and it briefly returned in 2021.
4. 3D Doritos
- Introduced: Late 1990s (peaked in early 2000s)
- Discontinued: Mid-2000s
- What it was: Airy, puffed Doritos in a 3D shape, available in bold flavors.
- Fun fact: 3D Doritos returned with a modern twist in 2021 under the name 3D Crunch after years of absence.
5. Swoops
- Introduced: 2003
- Discontinued: 2006
- What it was: Chocolate shaped like Pringles, perfect for snacking or sharing.
- Fun fact: Despite the novelty, Swoops struggled to compete with traditional chocolate bars.
6. Oreo Cakesters
- Introduced: 2007
- Discontinued: Early 2010s
- What it was: A soft, cake-like version of the classic Oreo cookie.
- Fun fact: Fans were thrilled when Oreo Cakesters made a surprise return in 2022.
7. Hi-C’s Ecto Cooler
- Introduced: 1987 (made a splash in the 2000s during a Ghostbusters revival)
- Discontinued: 2001 (briefly returned in 2016)
- What it was: A citrus-flavored drink tied to the Ghostbusters franchise.
- Fun fact: Ecto Cooler developed a cult following and remains one of the most-requested nostalgic drinks.
8. Lunchables Fun Snacks
- Introduced: 2000s
- Discontinued: Late 2000s
- What it was: Sweet snack versions of Lunchables, like DIY brownie or cookie kits.
- Fun fact: These snacks let kids “build their own” desserts, a perfect pairing with the original Lunchables meals.
9. Yogos
- Introduced: 2005
- Discontinued: 2010
- What it was: Yogurt-covered fruit snacks that were chewy, sweet, and addictive.
- Fun fact: Fans still campaign online for Kellogg’s to bring these back.
10. Sprite Remix
- Introduced: 2003
- Discontinued: 2005
- What it was: A tropical version of Sprite with a fruity twist.
- Fun fact: It returned briefly in 2015 as Sprite Tropical Mix, but fans argue it wasn’t the same.
11. Planters P.B. Crisps
- Introduced: 1990s (hugely popular in the 2000s)
- Discontinued: Early 2000s
- What it was: Peanut butter-filled, crispy snacks shaped like peanuts.
- Fun fact: They’re one of the most missed snacks of the 2000s, with online petitions for a comeback still active.
12. Butterfinger BBs
- Introduced: 1990s (carried into the early 2000s)
- Discontinued: 2006
- What it was: Bite-sized Butterfinger candies perfect for snacking or sharing.
- Fun fact: These candies gained fame from their association with “The Simpsons” commercials.
13. Pepsi Holiday Spice
- Introduced: 2004
- Discontinued: 2004
- What it was: A limited-edition spiced version of Pepsi for the holiday season.
- Fun fact: Its one-and-done run made it a rare collector’s item for soda enthusiasts. There is an unopened bottle on eBay with a $125 price tag.
14. Cheetos Twisted Puffs
- Introduced: 2002
- Discontinued: Mid-2000s
- What it was: A twisted, airy version of Cheetos with intense cheesy flavor.
- Fun fact: Fans loved the unique shape and crunch, which set it apart from regular Cheetos.
15. Fruitopia
- Introduced: 1994 (still a hit in the early 2000s)
- Discontinued: 2003 in the U.S.
- What it was: A fruity drink available in bold, colorful flavors.
- Fun fact: It’s still sold in Canada, much to the envy of American fans.
16. Planters Cheez Balls
- Introduced: 1980s (survived into the 2000s)
- Discontinued: 2006
- What it was: Round, cheesy puffs in an iconic canister.
- Fun fact: Planters brought them back in 2018 after years of fan petitions.
17. Hershey’s S’mores Bar
- Introduced: Early 2000s
- Discontinued: 2012
- What it was: A candy bar inspired by s’mores, combining chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavors.
- Fun fact: It became a summer favorite before quietly disappearing.
18. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
- Introduced: 2004
- Discontinued: 2005 (with limited returns)
- What it was: A dark grape-flavored Mountain Dew released around Halloween.
- Fun fact: Pitch Black saw a few comebacks but remains a rare find for Dew enthusiasts.
19. Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup
- Introduced: 2000
- Discontinued: 2006
- What it was: Colorful ketchup in shades like green and purple, marketed to kids.
- Fun fact: It became a hit for its novelty but fell out of favor as kids grew up.
20. Chicken Fries (Burger King)
- Introduced: 2005
- Discontinued: 2012
- What it was: Chicken strips shaped like fries, perfect for dipping.
- Fun fact: They returned in 2014 due to overwhelming fan demand and have since become a permanent menu item.
21. Jell-O Pudding Bites
- Introduced: Early 2000s
- Discontinued: Late 2000s
- What it was: Chewy, bite-sized candies that packed Jell-O’s signature pudding flavors.
- Fun fact: Their rich flavor and unique texture made them a standout treat.
22. Kool-Aid Bursts
- Introduced: 1990s (a staple of the early 2000s)
- Discontinued: Mid-2000s
- What it was: Plastic bottles filled with sweet, fruity Kool-Aid.
- Fun fact: These were a lunchbox favorite and are still remembered fondly by kids of the 2000s.
23. Chex Mix Bars
- Introduced: 2000s
- Discontinued: Late 2000s
- What it was: A snack bar version of Chex Mix, combining sweet and savory flavors.
- Fun fact: Despite being innovative, the bars never matched the popularity of the classic snack mix.
24. Trix Yogurt
- Introduced: 1990s (hugely popular in the 2000s)
- Discontinued: Late 2000s
- What it was: Colorful yogurt swirls inspired by Trix cereal flavors.
- Fun fact: It remains a top-requested comeback snack among millennials.
25. Dr Pepper Berries & Cream
- Introduced: 2006
- Discontinued: 2007
- What it was: A limited-edition Dr Pepper flavor combining the classic soda with sweet berry and cream notes.
- Fun fact: It briefly made a nostalgic comeback in 2022, delighting longtime fans.
26. Jell-O Pudding Pops
- Introduced: 1970s (but wildly popular in the 2000s due to nostalgic resurgence)
- Discontinued: Early 2000s
- What it was: Frozen treats made from creamy Jell-O pudding, available in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and swirl.
- Fun fact: Originally promoted by Bill Cosby in the 1980s, Pudding Pops were discontinued but continued to live on in fans’ memories as one of the most iconic frozen treats.
27. Hubba Bubba Bubble Jug
- Introduced: 2000s
- Discontinued: Late 2000s
- What it was: Powdered gum in a tiny jug that turned chewy when eaten.
- Fun fact: Its quirky format made it fun, but it never gained lasting popularity.
