5 Discontinued Items We Wish Would Make A Comeback!
\Alright, buckle up, time travelers and nostalgia enthusiasts! We've all been there – that moment when you realize a beloved snack, gadget, or gizmo has vanished from the face of the Earth, never to be seen again. It's a tragedy, I tell you! So, if we had the power to hop into a time machine and snag five discontinued treasures, what would they be? Let's dive into a wistful journey down memory lane and resurrect some ghosts of consumerism past. This trip is all about those discontinued items and discontinued foods that hold a special place in our hearts.
1. The Almighty Crystal Pepsi
Ah, Crystal Pepsi. The '90s were a wild time, weren't they? This clear, caffeine-free cola was the epitome of cool, a symbol of a decade that dared to ask, "What if our soda was…see-through?" Launched in 1992, it promised a refreshing twist on the classic Pepsi flavor. And, for a brief, shining moment, it delivered. The novelty alone was enough to make it a must-try. Remember gathering around the TV, watching those enigmatic commercials featuring Van Halen's "Right Now"? It was more than just a drink; it was an experience.
But alas, Crystal Pepsi's reign was short-lived. Despite initial hype and decent sales, it faded away by 1994. Some say it was due to sabotage by Coca-Cola with their own clear cola, Tab Clear (a move of pure evil genius, if you ask me). Others claim that the public simply lost interest. Whatever the reason, Crystal Pepsi became a legend, a whispered tale of what could have been. The flavor was subtly different from regular Pepsi, a bit lighter, a tad more citrusy. It was the perfect accompaniment to afternoons spent playing SNES or trading Pogs.
The good news is that Pepsi has teased us with limited re-releases of Crystal Pepsi over the years, most recently in 2016. But these fleeting appearances only serve to remind us of what we're missing. Bring back Crystal Pepsi, Pepsi! The world needs a little more clear, fizzy goodness in its life. It represents a specific era, a simpler time when clear cola was the height of innovation. For those of us who grew up with it, it's a reminder of childhood joy and carefree days. Seeing it on store shelves again would be like reuniting with an old friend. It's not just about the taste; it's about the memories. So, here's hoping that Pepsi will listen to the collective yearning of '90s kids everywhere and make Crystal Pepsi a permanent fixture once more. It’s time to make our time-traveling dreams come true, one clear sip at a time.
2. Butterfinger BB's: The Irresistible Bite-Sized Treat
Next up on our list of discontinued foods, we have Butterfinger BB's. These little spheres of peanut-buttery, crunchy goodness were a staple of the late '90s and early 2000s. Imagine everything you love about a Butterfinger, but in a bite-sized, poppable form. Pure genius, right? They were perfect for snacking on the go, sharing with friends (or not), and adding a bit of mischief to your day. Who could forget the commercials featuring Bart Simpson causing chaos with his Butterfinger BB's?
The texture was sublime – that iconic crispy, flaky interior coated in a smooth chocolate shell. Each BB was an explosion of flavor, a perfect balance of sweet and salty. They were dangerously addictive, and a bag could disappear in minutes (don't judge!). Whether you were watching a movie, playing video games, or just hanging out, Butterfinger BB's were the ultimate snack companion. They were more than just candy; they were a source of pure, unadulterated joy. The crunch, the flavor, the sheer convenience – it all added up to a snack that was truly special.
Sadly, like many great things, Butterfinger BB's were discontinued in 2006. The reason? Who knows! Perhaps they were too delicious for their own good. Whatever the reason, their absence has left a hole in the hearts (and stomachs) of snack lovers everywhere. There have been petitions, social media campaigns, and countless pleas to Nestlé to bring them back. But so far, no luck. We can only dream of a day when we can once again reach into a bag of Butterfinger BB's and experience that familiar rush of peanut-buttery bliss. Until then, we'll have to rely on our memories and the occasional glimpse of a vintage bag on eBay. Come on, Nestlé, do the right thing! Bring back the BB's and make the world a happier, crunchier place.
3. Squeezit: The Funky, Fruity Drink
Oh, Squeezit, how we miss your vibrant colors and oddly satisfying bottle design! This discontinued item from the '90s was more than just a drink; it was an interactive experience. Each bottle came in a variety of fruity flavors, from Berry Blue to Cherry Cola, and featured a twist-off top that you had to, well, squeeze to open. It was a simple concept, but it added a whole new level of fun to the act of drinking.
The flavors were bold and artificial, in the best possible way. Each sip was a burst of sugary sweetness that transported you back to your childhood. And let's not forget the names! Grumpy Grape, Chucklin' Cherry, Silly Strawberry – they were as memorable as the drink itself. Squeezits were a staple of school lunches, birthday parties, and summer afternoons. They were the perfect way to quench your thirst and add a little bit of excitement to your day. The unique bottle design made them stand out from the crowd. The act of squeezing the bottle to open it was strangely satisfying, and the bright colors were visually appealing.
Unfortunately, Squeezits were discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving a generation of kids parched and nostalgic. The reason for their demise remains a mystery, but some speculate that it was due to concerns about the artificial ingredients and high sugar content. Whatever the reason, their absence is still felt today. There have been attempts to recreate the Squeezit experience, but none have quite captured the magic of the original. So, if we could bring back one discontinued drink, it would undoubtedly be Squeezit. The world needs a little more squeezing, sipping, and silly fun in its life.
4. Surge: The Citrus Soda with a Jolt
Before energy drinks became ubiquitous, there was Surge. This citrus-flavored soda was Coca-Cola's answer to Mountain Dew, and it was marketed towards extreme sports enthusiasts and anyone who needed a serious jolt of energy. With its bright green color, aggressive advertising, and high caffeine content, Surge was the drink of choice for a generation of gamers, skaters, and adrenaline junkies. It was the beverage equivalent of a lightning bolt.
The taste was unique – a blend of citrus flavors with a hint of something almost…metallic. It was sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. And the caffeine kick? Let's just say it could keep you awake through an all-night gaming session or a grueling skateboarding marathon. Surge was more than just a soda; it was a lifestyle. It was associated with extreme sports, video games, and a rebellious attitude. Drinking Surge was a way to show the world that you were ready for anything. The buzz it gave you was unparalleled. It was the perfect fuel for late-night adventures and early-morning classes.
Surge was discontinued in the early 2000s, but it has since made a comeback in limited quantities. Thanks to a dedicated online campaign by fans, Coca-Cola brought back Surge in 2014, initially as an Amazon exclusive. It has since become more widely available, but it's still not as easy to find as it once was. While it's great that Surge is back in some form, it's not quite the same as the original. The formula has been tweaked, and the marketing is less edgy. But hey, we'll take what we can get! Surge represents a time when energy drinks were a novelty, and the world was a little bit more extreme. Here's hoping that Coca-Cola will continue to keep Surge around for years to come.
5. 3D Doritos: The Puffed-Up Snack Sensation
Last but not least, let's talk about 3D Doritos. These puffed-up, three-dimensional versions of the classic Doritos tortilla chips were a true innovation in the world of snacking. Introduced in the late '90s, they were a hit with kids and adults alike. The unique shape made them fun to eat, and the extra surface area meant more room for that delicious Doritos seasoning. They were the perfect combination of novelty and flavor.
3D Doritos came in a variety of flavors, including Nacho Cheese, Zesty Ranch, and Jalapeño Cheddar. Each chip was like a little flavor bomb, exploding with cheesy, spicy goodness. They were perfect for dipping, sharing, or just munching on straight out of the bag. The texture was also a key part of their appeal. The airy, puffed-up interior provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. They were unlike anything else on the market, and they quickly became a fan favorite.
Sadly, 3D Doritos were discontinued in the early 2000s. The reason for their demise is unclear, but some speculate that they were simply too expensive to produce. Whatever the reason, their absence has left a void in the world of snack foods. There have been calls for their return, but so far, Frito-Lay has remained silent. We can only hope that one day, they will bring back 3D Doritos and allow us to experience that puffed-up, three-dimensional goodness once more. They were more than just a snack; they were a symbol of innovation and fun. So, here's to 3D Doritos, may they one day return to our shelves and our hearts.
Conclusion: A Nostalgic Craving
So there you have it – five discontinued items and discontinued foods that we would bring back in a heartbeat if we had a time machine. From the clear refreshment of Crystal Pepsi to the puffed-up fun of 3D Doritos, these products represent a simpler time when innovation and flavor reigned supreme. While some of them have made brief comebacks, they never seem to stick around for long enough. Perhaps one day, our collective nostalgia will be enough to convince these companies to bring them back for good.
Until then, we'll just have to keep dreaming of a world where Butterfinger BB's are readily available, Squeezits flow freely, and Surge gives us the energy we need to conquer the day. What discontinued treasures would you bring back? The possibilities are endless!
For more information on discontinued food products, you can visit this Wikipedia page on Discontinued Food Products.