Remember the crunch of a DunkAroo cookie? The satisfyingly salty snap of a Le Snak cracker paired with that weirdly orange cheese? Yeah, me too. Those were the toast of tastebuds of the 90s in New Zealand, a simpler time when snacks weren’t just sustenance.

But what happened to the food that fueled many millennials? It turns out they’re not just figments of sugar-coated memories.

I did a little digging into the lost pantry of Kiwi classics, uncovering many beloved discontinued 90s snacks along with the reasons why they were. Hence, I made a list of the ones most loved by Kiwis today. 

So, if you’re ready to reminisce, here are the most loved foods from the 90s that were discontinued in New Zealand. And who knows, just maybe they’ll make a comeback.

1. Le Snack

Le Snacks, the iconic combination of crackers and cheese, offered a convenient, portable snack, perfect for school or outings. But sadly, it’s no more!

After over 30 years of cheesy goodness, the manufacturer confirmed their discontinuation due to declining sales.

Changes in consumer tastes were the primary reason it was discontinued. Additionally, newer, trendier snacks attracted many Gen Z away from the classic Le Snack.

Pro Tip: While you won’t find Le Snacks on store shelves anymore, you can whip up your own cracker and cheese combos at home.

2. Paradiso

For many New Zealanders, the vibrant packaging of Tip Top’s Paradiso evokes nostalgic memories of sun-drenched days and childhood treats.

This unique dessert, combining layers of creamy ice cream with tangy sorbet, was a mainstay in freezers across the nation throughout the 1990s.

Paradiso offered a refreshing twist on the classic ice cream experience. It catered to both tropical and fruity palates. 

The contrasting textures and bold flavours were a winning combination, making Paradiso a popular choice for poolside snacks, picnics, and movie nights. However, like many beloved food items, Paradiso ultimately met its delicious demise.

Pro Tip: Head to your local store and grab a tub of vanilla ice cream and your preferred sorbet. Combine scoops of each into a bowl, creating a DIY version of the beloved summer treat.

3. Snifters

The 1990s were a golden age of iconic snacks, and few held a sweeter spot than the humble Snifter. 

This delectable treat, featuring a peppermint nougat centre coated in crisp chocolate and a colourful candy shell, was a mainstay in lunchboxes, movie theatre aisles, and pockets across the nation. But alas, like the fleeting thrill of dial-up internet, the Snifter met its unfortunate end.

Originally, its unique combination of textures and flavours—the crunchy shell yielding to the smooth, minty nougat, all enveloped in creamy chocolate—set it apart from the competition. 

However, after some years, Snifter’s discontinuation came about due to a lack of consumer demand.

While the original Snifter remains officially gone, the more promising, limited-edition Snifter Lumps surfaced recently, offering a familiar minty twist on the classic Kiwi chocolate.

Pro Tip: Try combining crushed peppermint Mentos with melted Cadbury Dairy Milk or white chocolate—a DIY homage to the beloved Snifter that might just satisfy your cravings.

4. Tangy Fruits

For many Kiwis, childhood memories wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant, bite-sized bursts of flavour known as tangy fruits. These small, round candies, available in an array of fruity colours, were a staple at movie theatres,sleepovers, and lunchboxes throughout the 1990s.

But sadly, like a teardrop trickling down a movie theatre cheek, Tangy Fruits were discontinued, leaving a bittersweet tang in the mouths of Kiwis everywhere.

So, what became of our beloved candy? Simply put, the sugar rush provided by a handful of tangy fruits simply didn’t hold the same appeal in a more health-focused era.

Still, their absence still sparks longing in many Kiwis, as evidenced by online petitions and occasional social media campaigns calling for their return.

Pro Tip: Swizzels Fruity Pops offers a taste reminiscent of the beloved Tangy Fruits. They might not be the exact same, but they might just satisfy that nostalgic craving.

5. Strawberry Toppa

Many childhood summers held the sweet memory of biting into a Strawberry Toppa, a refreshing vanilla ice cream bar dipped in a vibrant pink, candy-coated shell. 

Sadly, these iconic treats haven’t graced supermarket freezers since the early 2000s, leaving a nostalgic void for Kiwis yearning for a taste of the past. 

Growing health concerns and a shift in consumer preferences towards “natural” ingredients put pressure on the manufacturers to adapt.

Pro Tip: Grab vanilla ice cream bars, melt pink candy melts, and dip the bars for a homemade version. You can even experiment with different flavourings for the coating!

6. CC’s Corn Chips

CC’s Corn Chips, with their iconic jingle, were a beloved Kiwi snack throughout the 1990s. But sadly, they have become a nostalgic memory rather than a readily available treat.

The official reason given by Bluebird Foods, the manufacturer, was consumer preference. Blind taste tests, they claimed, revealed a higher preference for Doritos, a global brand they were also producing locally.

Despite their absence, CC’s have remained etched in the hearts of Kiwis. Because of this, although their supermarket days seem over, Bluebird occasionally brings them back for limited releases, often coinciding with special occasions.

Pro Tip: While waiting for the next CC’s revival, try Simply Snax Corn Chips. While not an exact replica, they share some similarities with the beloved CC’s taste.

7. McDonald’s Kiwiburger

The McDonald’s Kiwiburger wasn’t just another burger. It was a cultural touchstone and a taste of home for many New Zealanders. 

Born in 1991, the Kiwiburger boasted a uniquely Kiwi flavour profile. Featuring a beef patty, beetroot, cheese, egg, tomato, lettuce, onion, mustard, and ketchup, it captured the essence of the classic Kiwi burger.

But as time went on, the tastes of consumers changed, and preferences leaned towards simpler, standardised burgers.

While it’s been officially discontinued, McDonald’s brings this burger back sometimes for a limited time.

Pro Tip: As of February 2024, the Kiwiburger is making another limited-time return as part of McDonald’s Best of ’91 campaign. However, it won’t be on the menu for long.

8. Fruit Rollups

Ah, fruit rollups. Those brightly coloured, sugary sheets that stained your fingers as much as they satisfied your sweet tooth.

Fruit rollups were first introduced in the United States and made their way to New Zealand shores in the late 1980s. Marketed as a fun and convenient way to get your daily dose of fruit, they were an instant hit with kids and parents alike. 

However, their popularity began to wane in the late 1990s. Concerns about sugar content and the lack of real fruit started to outweigh the convenience factor. Parents became more aware of healthier alternatives like fresh fruit or homemade snacks.

Newer, more innovative snacks have entered the market, offering healthier options with exciting flavours and textures. Fruit Rollups simply couldn’t keep up.

By the early 2000s, Fruit Rollups had all but disappeared from New Zealand shelves.

Pro Tip: Some speciality candy stores or online retailers occasionally stock imported fruit rollups. Additionally, some adventurous Kiwis have ventured into making their own homemade versions using fruit puree and a dehydrator.

9. Biguns Chips

Remember the thrill of tearing open a bag of Biguns—those oversized, boldly flavoured chips that were a staple of 90s Kiwi kids’ lunchboxes and sleepovers? 

Their oversized format, bold flavours like cheese, cheese & bacon, BBQ, and their playful packaging resonated with children and adults alike. They were perfect for sharing or satisfying solo cravings, making them a hit at parties, picnics, and movie nights.

Sadly, like many beloved snacks of yesteryear, Biguns faded from supermarket shelves around the mid-2000s, leaving a void in the hearts (and stomachs) of countless New Zealanders. 

Despite their initial success, Biguns faced increasing competition in the burgeoning snack market. The late 90s saw the introduction of international brands like Doritos, offering a wider variety of flavours and marketing budgets that Bluebird (the manufacturer) struggled to match.

Pro Tip: Some independent grocery stores and discount outlets occasionally stock older chip varieties, including Biguns! Keep an eye out for surprise finds, and you might just snag a nostalgic treat.

10. Sparkles

For many Kiwis reminiscing about their childhood, the fizzy tang of Sparkles candy holds a special place in their memory. These bite-sized, sherbet-filled treats, encased in a thin candy shell, offered a delightful explosion of flavour with every pop. 

But alas, Sparkles met an unfortunate end, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste for many. So, what happened to Sparkles? 

Some think that declining sales due to changing tastes and increased competition from other candies led to their discontinuation. Others believe it was due to potential manufacturing challenges or changes in ingredient sourcing.

Pro Tip: While you won’t find Sparkles on store shelves anymore, a similar candy called Beacon Fizz Pops can sometimes be found in speciality stores or online retailers that import retro sweets.

11. DunkAroos

DunkAroos were bite-sized biscuits begging to be dunked in creamy hazelnut spread, a playground legend and lunchbox staple of the 1990s. But DunkAroos faced its demise, leaving a generation with nothing but sticky-fingered nostalgia.

The local manufacturer cited declining sales as the main reason for discontinuing DunkAroos. Additionally, marketing resources were likely directed towards more popular products, making DunkAroos less commercially viable.

Pro Tip: Though commercially extinct, the Dunkaroo spirit lives on! Substitute the original biscuits with classic Kiwi treats like Tim Tams, Arnott’s Mint Slice biscuits, or ANZAC biscuits.

12. Chill Lolly Scramble Ice Cream

For many New Zealanders who grew up in the 90s, Chill Lolly Scramble sent shivers of pure delight down their spines. Nestled within the rich chocolate ice cream were hidden gems—fizzy lollies in various colours and flavours—waiting to be discovered.

Several factors are attributed to the Chill Lolly Scramble’s disappearance, mainly changing tastes. As times evolve, so do palates. 

The 1990s saw a shift towards healthier options, and the high sugar content of the lollies didn’t resonate with newer generations.

Pro Tip: Look for sour candies in bulk at confectionery stores. Mix them with your favourite chocolate ice cream recipe, freeze,and voila! You can relive the magic of the Chill Lolly Scramble in your own kitchen.

13. Yum Bars

Yum Bars, the beloved cake bar filled with a creamy caramel centre, hold a special place in the hearts of many. So why did Yum Bars vanish?

While an official reason for their discontinuation hasn’t been publicly disclosed by the manufacturer, the discontinuation was likely due to production costs—balancing quality ingredients with affordability might have become challenging.

Despite their absence, Yum Bars remain a nostalgic symbol of Kiwi childhood. The memory of their moist cake, gooey caramel, and chocolate drizzle sparks a pang of longing for simpler times. 

Pro Tip: Though Yum Bars are gone, you can always make your own mini chocolate cake with caramel. (Yes, we know it’s not the same.) But if you’re craving a trip down memory lane, it might be your closest bet!

14. Hubba Bubba Bubble Jug

The 1990s were the decade of the Hubba Bubba Bubble Jug. But like many fads of the era, Bubble Jug’s reign was short-lived.

The Hubba Bubba Bubble Jug was a game-changer. The brightly coloured plastic jug, shaped like a giant bubble wand, promised endless bubble-blowing fun. 

Simply pour the sweet, bubblegum-flavoured liquid into the attached wand, dip the end, and blow—voila! Gigantic, iridescent bubbles filled the air.

But alas, it had vanished from shelves, leaving Kiwi kids wondering what had become of their beloved bubble-blowing companion. 

Some speculate it was a marketing decision, while others believe it fell victim to changing tastes and health concerns.

Pro Tip: For those yearning for a taste of their childhood, some independent candy stores and online retailers occasionally stock vintage treats, including the elusive Bubble Jug. Keep an eye out, and you might just snag one for a nostalgic bubble-blowing time.

15. Whistle Lollipops

Remember Whistle Lollipops? Those vibrantly coloured, whistle-shaped treats? Sadly, their sugary siren song fell silent sometime in the early 2000s.

Several whispers have swirled around the candy grapevine about why this candy has disappeared. Some point to a shift in consumer preferences. 

Others suggest stricter regulations on choking hazards might have played a role, given the lollipop’s whistle attachment.

Pro Tip: Some stores specialising in retro candies occasionally import a similar candy called Melody Pops. Give it a try!

16. Calippo Shots

Ah, Calippo Shots. Those tiny spheres of fruity, chewy delight held within a plastic tube were a staple of Kiwi childhoods in the 1990s.

Sadly, these frozen treats are nothing more than a sweet memory for many, having seemingly vanished from supermarket shelves around the mid-2000s.

While changing tastes might be a factor, some New Zealanders believe other reasons are at play. Some speculate that production costs became unsustainable, while others whisper that internal conflicts within the manufacturer led to the product’s downfall.

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