7 Junk Foods That Were Just Gimmicks and 5 From Every Decade We Still Crave

Every so often, the snack world tries a little too hard to grab attention—neon colors, weird flavors, or mashups no one asked for. While some gimmicky treats fade fast (and honestly should), others earn cult status and become timeless favorites. Here’s a look at 7 junk foods that were all flash and no staying power—and 5 iconic bites we’ve been craving across decades.

1. Cheetos Lip Balm

Who would think to put cheese-flavored goodness on their lips? Enter Cheetos Lip Balm. Released in the early 2000s, this quirky creation sought to blend beauty with cheesy delight. However, the world wasn’t quite ready for this cheesy beauty fusion.

Despite its oddity, it did gain media attention briefly. A novelty, it became a conversation starter rather than a staple in purses. While innovative, it wasn’t a hit with the masses.

Cheetos Lip Balm remains a whimsical footnote in the beauty-snack crossover history, showing sometimes imagination exceeds practical demand.

2. Heinz EZ Squirt Colored Ketchup

Heinz’s bold attempt to revolutionize the condiment aisle came in the form of brightly colored ketchups. The EZ Squirt line, launched in 2000, boasted surreal shades like Blastin’ Green and Funky Purple.

While children were initially captivated, the novelty soon wore off. Parents watched in bemusement as fries transformed into alien meals.

Though Heinz hoped to invigorate ketchup sales, these colors couldn’t maintain their allure. The vibrant bottles disappeared from shelves, serving as a testament to the limits of culinary creativity.

3. Doritos 3D (Original Launch)

Doritos 3D hit the snack scene in the late ’90s with a puffed texture promising a new kind of crunch. Despite its intriguing form, the flavor left much to be desired.

Fans of traditional Doritos found the 3D version lacking the robust taste they loved. The airy crunch didn’t satisfy the craving for a hearty chip experience.

While the shape was novel, it wasn’t enough to keep snackers coming back. Doritos 3D became a fleeting trend, recalled more for its novelty than its taste.

4. Crystal Pepsi

In the early ’90s, Pepsi attempted to redefine soda with Crystal Pepsi, a clear cola that promised the same classic taste minus the caramel coloring.

The concept intrigued consumers eager for something pure and new. However, the excitement fizzled out as drinkers realized it lacked the familiar cola punch.

Despite a memorable ad campaign, the clear soda didn’t resonate with loyal cola fans. Crystal Pepsi, though short-lived, remains a symbol of experimental marketing in the beverage industry.

5. Oreo Big Stuf

Oreo Big Stuf was truly a cookie with grandeur. Introduced in the mid-’80s, it offered an oversized twist on the classic treat.

Marketed as a single serving, its sheer size proved overwhelming for many. What seemed a delightful indulgence turned cumbersome without a suitable milk-to-cookie ratio.

This ambitious take on Oreos didn’t achieve lasting success, but it left a mark as a bold attempt to supersize a beloved snack.

6. WOW Chips (with Olestra)

Promising a guilt-free snack, WOW Chips burst into the market in the late ’90s featuring Olestra, a fat substitute. Initial reactions were positive, as snackers indulged without concern for calories or fat.

However, the excitement quickly diminished when consumers experienced unpleasant digestive side effects.

Despite the clever marketing, the chips became infamous for their warnings rather than their taste. WOW Chips serve as a reminder of how innovation must be balanced with consumer comfort.

7. PB Max

PB Max, a short-lived candy bar from the early ’90s, was packed with peanut butter, oats, and milk chocolate. Despite its delicious taste, it vanished from shelves.

The reported reason? The creators, the Mars family, simply weren’t fans of peanut butter. While fans loved its hearty richness, it was deemed expendable.

PB Max stands as a testament to how personal preferences can obscure a product’s potential success.

8. 1950s: Hostess Twinkies

In the 1950s, Hostess Twinkies emerged as a symbol of sweet simplicity. With their golden sponge cake and mysterious cream filling, they captured the nation’s heart.

While flavors and packaging evolved, the essence of Twinkies remained unchanged, ensuring their relevancy through turbulent times.

Decades later, they still grace snack aisles, proving that some culinary classics never fade. Their enduring popularity highlights the timeless appeal of indulgent treats.

9. 1960s: Pringles

Pringles debuted in the 1960s, introducing the world to a new kind of snack. Their uniform shape and stackable nature stood in stark contrast to traditional chips.

With the catchy slogan, “Once you pop, you can’t stop,” Pringles became a household name, offering flavor-packed bites in every chip.

Their continued presence in snack pantries underscores their success as a mid-century innovation that has stood the test of time.

10. 1970s: Reese’s Pieces

In the 1970s, Reese’s Pieces found fame, especially after their cameo in the film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. These peanut butter-filled candies became a sensation overnight.

Their vibrant colors and bite-sized appeal made them an instant hit among candy lovers.

Decades later, they remain a favorite, a testament to how a little cinematic magic can skyrocket a snack to enduring stardom.

11. 1980s: Doritos (Cool Ranch)

In the late 1980s, snackers were introduced to a new flavor sensation: Cool Ranch Doritos. Their tangy, bold profile quickly captured taste buds.

The mix of spices and coolness was unlike anything chip lovers had experienced, setting a trend for flavored snacks.

Cool Ranch Doritos remain a staple on grocery shelves, proving their flavor innovation has lasting power.

12. 1990s: Dunkaroos

The 1990s saw the rise of Dunkaroos, a snack combining cookies with a pot of frosting. This interactive treat dominated lunchrooms and quickly became a favorite.

The thrill of dipping sweet cookies into creamy frosting brought joy to many kids. Their brief disappearance only fueled nostalgia, leading to a beloved comeback.

Dunkaroos’ enduring appeal lies in their fun, flavorful experience, showing some snacks are too delightful to forget.