From the Beanie Baby craze, to Goosebumps books to Tamagotchi digital pets and the emergence of the Boy Band, the 1990s saw the rise of many unforgettable fads in popular culture. (These, by the way, are the 25 most popular boy bands of all time.)
One of the most cherished cultural artifacts for those who grew up in the ‘90s is undoubtedly the lip-smacking array of candies that dominated the market in the last decade before Y2K.
To determine the best candies of the ‘90s, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous culinary websites including Mashed and Eater, selecting candies invented between 1980 and 1999 that were particularly popular in the ‘90s. Release years have been verified on brand websites when possible. (Note that the original brand or maker may not be the current producer of the product.)
Unbearably mouth-puckering candies with names like Tear Jerkers and Cry Babies were some of the most sought-after, and the list includes more than a few sour confections. Gummy, hard, chewy, and even liquidy candies are all represented, as are bubble gums. The classic ‘90s packaging, with paint splatters, bright colors, and cool characters may bring back memories.
Some products were short-lived and have been off the market for decades, while others are still available today. In the case of Creme Savers, a creamy-fruity twist on Life Savers that was discontinued in 2011, customer feedback helped get the beloved candy back on shelves in 2021. (Not all childhood favorites have made a comeback. These are 44 discontinued snack foods we really miss.)
Click here to see the best candies you’ll remember from the ’90s
Ring Pop
> Introduced: 1980
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Topps
[in-text-ad]
Big League Chew
> Introduced: 1980
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Wrigley
Runts
> Introduced: 1982
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Nestlé
Nerds
> Introduced: 1983
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Willy Wonka
[in-text-ad-2]
Cow Tales
> Introduced: 1984
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Goetze’s
Airheads
> Introduced: 1985
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Perfetti Van Melle
[in-text-ad]
Sour Patch Kids
> Introduced: 1985
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: M & A Candy Co.
24/7 Wall St.
Push Pops
> Introduced: 1986
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Topps
Shark Bites
> Introduced: 1988
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
[in-text-ad-2]
Bubble Tape
> Introduced: 1988
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Wrigley
Sour Punch Straws
> Introduced: 1990
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: American Licorice Co.
[in-text-ad]
Cry Baby Extra Sour Bubble Gum
> Introduced: 1991
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Philadelphia Chewing Gum Co.
24/7 Wall St.
Fruit Gushers
> Introduced: 1991
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Soda-Licious
> Introduced: 1991
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Fruit by the Foot
> Introduced: 1992
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
Amazin Fruit Gummy Bears
> Introduced: 1992
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Hershey
[in-text-ad]
Warheads
> Introduced: 1993
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Foreign Candy Co. (importer)
24/7 Wall St.
Tongue Splashers
> Introduced: 1993
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Concord Confections
Brach’s Rocks
> Introduced: 1993
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Brach’s
[in-text-ad-2]
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme
> Introduced: 1994
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Hershey
Shock Tarts
> Introduced: 1994
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Sunmark
[in-text-ad]
Fruit String Thing
> Introduced: 1994
> Currently available: No
> Original producer: Betty Crocker
24/7 Wall St.
Starburst Jelly Beans
> Introduced: 1995
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Wrigley
Creme Savers
> Introduced: 1996
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Nabisco
[in-text-ad-2]
Baby Bottle Pop
> Introduced: 1998
> Currently available: Yes
> Original producer: Topps
100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool
The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.
Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.
A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.
Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
