Discontinued Canadian snacks you can't get anymore
Now these snacks aren’t exclusively Canadian, but we had them in Canada as kids and loved them. Maybe you remember them as a fever dream but some of these were downright delicious and we want them back. Sadly you’ll have tough luck finding these items on Canadian shelves.
Dunkaroos
Oh man, the 90s were such a great time for snacks and one of my favourites was Dunkaroos! I remember the excitement of opening up my lunchbox and finding a pack of those delicious cookies waiting for me. And let’s not forget about the frosting dip – it was the perfect sweet and creamy complement to the crispy cookies.
Back in the day, Dunkaroos were all the rage and everyone was obsessed with them. They were so popular that they even had a mascot, a kangaroo named Sydney, who would appear in commercials and on the packaging.
It’s funny to think that something as simple as a snack could bring back so many memories and feelings of nostalgia. But that’s the power of food – it has the ability to transport us back in time and make us feel like kids again.
Chubby pops
Even thinking about Chubby soda brings back some serious 90s nostalgia! I remember going to birthday parties at the bowling alley and getting those little bottles of Chubby soda. It was such a treat to have something so unique and different from the regular soda brands. The fact that Chubby soda was marketed as a “Kids Soda” made it even more appealing to us as children. It felt like we had our own special drink that was made just for us. Even though Chubby Soda may not be as well-known as other soda brands around the world, it definitely left a lasting impression on those who grew up with it.
Chubby Pops were released in 1993 targeting children 4 to 9. The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle has been pattened, it’s why we haven’t seen similar bottles since. The rise of the alcoholic Buzz Balls is a bit of nostalgia.
Why Did Chubby Pop get discontinued in Canada?
No definitive answers but from a marketing professional, the answer like other 90’s soda brands is that it got it’s spot taken from larger beverage companies. High in sugar drink directed at Kids? Not going to last. Parents are the ultimate purchases and most likely chose drinks that are “fortified” with ingredients. It’s a much smaller company, one can assume it was hard for them to remain competitive in a sparsely populated market so far away. Very logical for the parent company to focus on it’s stronghold in the Caribbean.
Bagel Bites
Bagel Bites were the ultimate snack food in the 90s, and I have so many fond memories of eating them with my friends after school. The crispy bagel crust, the gooey cheese, and the savoury toppings all came together to create the perfect bite-sized snack.
However, it’s such a shame that Bagel Bites were discontinued! It’s hard to believe that such a beloved snack could be taken away from us. I can only imagine the disappointment of Canadian fans who loved Bagel Bites as much as I did.
It’s interesting to think about how certain foods and snacks can become such a big part of our lives and hold so much sentimental value. Bagel Bites were more than just a snack – they were a part of our memories and experiences from a time when life was a little simpler and carefree.
Sobe
Sobe was a popular drink brand in the 90s that was known for its unique flavours and eye-catching packaging. Their Sobe Pop line, in particular, was a favourite of many people. The fruity flavours and carbonation made it a refreshing alternative to other sodas on the market. Like other Canadian kids, you probably picked it because of the cool reptile on the label.
But sadly, like many beloved snacks and drinks from the 90s, Sobe Pop was discontinued. It’s always a bummer when something you love is taken away, but this drink kind of had to go. I have another blog piece about Canadian pop vs American pop if you’re interested.
Fruit Marshmellows
Jet-Puffed Fruit Marshmallows were a delicious treat that was popular in the 90s. These marshmallows were different from traditional marshmallows because they were flavoured with fruit, which gave them a unique and delicious taste.
Some of the popular flavours of Jet-Puffed Fruit Marshmallows included strawberry, lemon, orange, and lime. They weren’t much for fire roasting, more for hot chocolate and eating by the handful.
Fairy Bread
Fairy bread is an originally Australian treat that has been around for generations. It’s a simple but delicious snack that’s often served at children’s parties or as a quick and easy treat for kids.
To make fairy bread, you start with a slice of white bread and spread a generous amount of butter on it. Then, you sprinkle colourful, tiny candy sprinkles over the buttered bread until it’s completely covered. It’s a simple and nostalgic snack that’s easy to make and always brings a smile to people’s faces. For some reason I could never replicate it at home as a kid, it always tasted different. Used to get it served at parties at jungle gyms, and while this technically isn’t discontinued, I haven’t seen it since and I think parents are probably a little reluctant to feed kids this.
Ritz Crackers' n cheez
The Ritz crackers are the same classic, buttery crackers that are loved by many, and the Cheese Whiz provides a creamy and savoury cheese flavour that pairs perfectly with the crackers. The pre-portioned packages make it easy to grab a snack when you’re in a hurry or on the go, and they’re also great for packing in lunches or taking on road trips.
The Ritz and Cheese Wiz Snackable Go Packages are a fun and tasty way to enjoy this classic snack combination, and they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and cheesy. Plus, they’re a convenient option for busy people who need a quick and easy snack that can be enjoyed anywhere. They never ended up in my lunchbox, probably for the better as it was probably as healthy as smoking a dart near the swings. If cheese is your thing, check out this article I wrote on Kraft Dinner.
Choco Taco
Choco Taco is a frozen dessert treat that’s been popular in Canada since the 1980s. It’s made by wrapping vanilla ice cream and fudge swirls in a waffle cone shell and then dipping it in a chocolate coating. Some variations also include chopped peanuts or other toppings.
The result is a delicious and decadent treat that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of creamy ice cream, rich fudge, and crunchy waffle cone is a winning combination that’s hard to resist.
Used to full sprint after the ice cream trucks for this one. It was $5 per taco so it took a lot of begging from parents to get it though. Now as an adult, you can have ice cream for dinner, and buy as much as you want except the irony is your favourite becomes discontinued.
Candy Liquorice Cigars
Candy liquorice cigars are a type of candy that is designed to resemble a cigar. They’re typically made with black liquorice that’s rolled into a cylindrical shape and the end is dipped in red sugary crystals.
These were bad, intended for kids but promoted smoking. Worst of all they tasted awful. I remember going to the candy store after school, buying one for a quarter and pretending to smoke on my way home from school.
These were pretty similar to Popeye Sticks too.
Orbitz
Orbitz was a soft drink that was popular in the 1990s. It was known for its unique appearance, with tiny edible balls floating inside the drink that gave it a distinctive look.
The drink was made with a combination of fruit juices, sweeteners, and edible balls that were suspended in the liquid by a thickener. The balls were made from a mixture of gelatin and other ingredients and came in a variety of colours and flavours.
Orbitz was marketed as a fun and innovative drink that appealed to younger consumers, and it quickly gained popularity in the United States and other countries. However, it was ultimately discontinued due to poor sales and difficulty in producing the drink consistently.
Despite its short lifespan, Orbitz remains a nostalgic favourite for many people who remember the unique taste and appearance of the drink. It’s also become something of a collector’s item, with some people willing to pay high prices for unopened bottles of the drink.
Overall, Orbitz was a fun and innovative soft drink that was ahead of its time. While it may not have been successful in the long run, it remains a beloved memory for many people who remember trying it in the 90s.
