19 Of Our Favorite Candies That Have Gone Away Forever

When a new snack is introduced, it’s always bittersweet. And that’s because people know it’s dangerous to fall in love with a tasty treat that could be taken away from us far too soon. After all, there have been so many wonderful products that have been pulled from shelves with no sign of re-release. And despite online petitions, it seems like companies are far too hesitant to bring back ’90s and ’00s favorites.

Ultimately, it’s a real shame for millennials. We’ve been able to share some of our favorite TV programs with the next generation thanks to streaming video (and reboots, which bring our most beloved characters back in the public eye). As for snacks and candy, however, it’s a lot harder.

For one, the world is a lot more health-conscious then they were back then — and that’s a good thing. Gone are the sugary drinks that accompanied our school lunches, and the fruit snacks that were way more snack than fruit.

That may be one of the reasons why these items may not be back in stock anytime soon. That, and the fact that even though we loved these products, we have no idea how well they actually did across the country. Even if something was your favorite, it may not have landed with the rest of the population.

Now, here are some of the most missed discontinued candies that would be welcome back anytime.

1. PB Max

Did you know that the peanut butter cup once had a competitor? It was called PB Max, and what set it aside was the fact that it also contained a layer of cookie.  This treat was discontinued for a very strange reason. Even though it was a big success, supposedly the company got rid of it because they, personally, weren’t fans of peanut butter. Yeah, it makes no sense.

2. Hershey’s Swoops

Does anyone else remember Hershey’s Swoops, the Pringle shaped candy slices they tried to sell everyone on like 15 years ago or was that just a weird dream I had??

— Ally marino (@littlebuddyAl) February 4, 2019

Chips and chocolate is a great combo that made Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night Snack ice cream such a success.

But, Hershey’s didn’t go in that direction. Instead, they made chocolate strips that resembled Pringles, without that added flavor. Apparently, Pringles-shaped chocolate just isn’t novel enough — I mean, why not just grab a regular old chocolate bar?

3. Hershey’s Kissables

On the topic of Hershey’s chocolate, their Kissables were also discontinued. While available between 2005 to 2009, it seemed that the candy-coated, colorful chocolate bites didn’t have as big of a fanbase as their other products. It’s a shame, since these were really fun, and were also great as an ice cream topping.

4. Wonder Ball

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’90s kids still probably have the infectious jingle in their head, even though Wonder Balls are rarely on shelves anymore.

The original design included a toy inside, but since too many kids choked on it, they replaced it with candy. Even with the fix, the Wonder Ball was technically discontinued in 2007 and only brought out on occasion to promote specific movies.

5. TasteTations

I weep over the fact that TasteTations are no more. They were one of Hershey’s first introductions to hard candy and came in multiple flavors. While a few fans out there still mourn this loss, there’s surprisingly not too much information out there as to why Hershey’s let these candies go.

6. Hershey Bites

Was thinkin about discontinued foods and now I'm mad that I remembered hershey bites cuz we're never gonna get them back

— 💙ApomaroMellow💙 (@Apomaro_Mellow) November 4, 2017

Another surprising elimination from Hershey? Hershey Bites.

These came in a ton of different flavors, but were reportedly yanked from the candy lineup due to them being choking hazards. It’s better to be safe than sorry, but still. Maybe they’d bring them back if we all promised to pace ourselves? One could only hope.

7. Jumbo Nerds

What’s better than regular Nerds? Jumbo Nerds! These were way bigger than the popular original, but are no longer available today. The jury’s out on exactly why these left us, but maybe it’s because they just weren’t as fun as mini nerds? Perhaps jumbo nerds just seemed too indulgent?

8. Lifesavers Holes

It worked for Dunkin’ Donuts Munchkins — why not Lifesavers?

The company started selling their candy holes as a separate product, and they lasted quite some time. Available in a ton of flavors, it’s a shame these are no longer around. But then again, why would you go for the lifesaver hole when you can get the lifesaver?

9. Garbage Can-Dy

[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Aw3uj7OGJk"]

The ’80s were a completely different time.

Back then, it wasn’t just about the candy — it was about the way the candy was distributed. Just think about how popular PEZ dispensers were (and still are, to be honest). Garbage Can-Dy came in a trash can and included sugar morsels shaped like trash, because I guess that’s what it took to be edgy decades ago.

10. Hershey’s S’Mores

What’s not to like about a S’More?

Even though these have been discontinued, fans are still raving about them on their Amazon page. “I’m in my 20s now, but every time I walk down the candy aisle, I still look for them,” John Roberts wrote. “I don’t care how far past the expiration date they’d be, if anyone knows where I can find one, please let me know.”

11. Root Beer LifeSavers

If you’re a fan of root beer barrels, you would have loved the root beer LifeSavers that came out in the ’60s and seemed to last until the ’80s. These are definitely due for a comeback. But do people love root beer as much as they used to? It just doesn’t seem as popular anymore, which might be why these treats went away.

12. Bubble Beepers

Okay, it makes sense as to why these are no longer a thing — nobody has beepers anymore. But you’d think that maybe they’d morph them into Bubble Smart Phones for the kids today. However, do kids today still love bubblegum as much as we used to? Breath-freshening gum seems much more popular.

13. Tongue Splashers Gum

You might not realize this, but gum was really big back in the ’80s and ’90s.

Probably because it was forbidden in most schools — thus, there was an element of scandal behind it. In my eyes, Tongue Splashers were the most scandalous of all. “What would my parents think if I dyed my tongue blue?” I wondered to myself. “I’m such a rebel.”

14. Spice Girls Lollipops

This is not the first — nor last — time I’m going to rave about Spice Girls lollipops. They were simply better than any other Chupa Chups lollipop out there, and even contained stickers. The one person who seems to not be a fan, based on the packaging, is Posh Spice. We can’t relate.

15. Butterfinger BB’s

Bart Simpson was a fan, as Butterfinger has been the most notable product tie-in with The Simpsons.

These were discontinued in 2006, only to be replaced with Butterfinger Bites in 2009 — which weren’t the same whatsoever. Like with many of these candies, there’s a petition going around to bring them back. Maybe someday it’ll actually happen.

16. Skittles Bubble Gum

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Did you ever know there was a time when you could continuously taste the rainbow? Skittles marketed a bubble gum, but according to NY Daily News, it only lasted for two years. Perhaps too many people couldn’t tell the difference between the gum and the original candy. Because really, nothing can replace our beloved classic Skittles.

17. Altoids Sours

Altoids were initially the curiously strong mint that was a must-have before a big date.

But in the 2000s, Altoids Sours were boldly released in a few delicious flavors. Unfortunately, they were cut in 2010, much to the dismay of many candy fans. “They were discontinued due to low national demand,” a Wrigley’s representative told Bustle. We are so disappointed.

18. Ghost Dots

This one is personal. I love Halloween, and part of the reason was due to the fact that Ghost Dots would make their annual appearance.

They’re literally the best Dots ever — and they’re transparent, which adds to the level of cool. Initially released in 2006, they’ve been missing from shelves during the last few seasons. I’m ready to eat these again, so hopefully the president of seasonal Dots (that’s a position, right?) happens to be reading this.

19. Wonka Bar

The candy that made every kid feel like they were starring in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was sadly discontinued due to poor sales. Interestingly enough, the candy bar also had a low melting point, making it not the best for selling on a warm day. Willy Wonka would never!