Certain smells, tastes, and packaging can bring memories from your childhood flooding back in an instant. Here, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, looking at the best US and Canadian foods launched through the decades, from TV dinners and sugar-laced cereals to candy bars and fast food classics.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the tastiest foods launched the year you were born, from 1946 all the way to 2000 – did your favorite make the list?
Although now produced by confectionery giant Hershey's, the Almond Joy was the brainchild of the Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company in the mid-1940s. Following on from the success of the Mounds bar (launched in 1921), this delicious treat features a sweet coconut center topped with almonds and finished with a creamy milk chocolate coating. Now defined by its blue packaging, the Almond Joy is still loved decades later.
Betty Crocker, the beloved fictional baker, has been a household name since the 1920s, with her illustrated face appearing on early products such as baking flour and cookbooks. But the brand really struck gold in 1947, when the first Betty Crocker cake mix landed on grocery store shelves across the US. The debut mix was Ginger Cake (now sold as Gingerbread Cake), and it quickly inspired a full range of flavors. A global sensation, the company continues to be loved for its easy-to-use products.
Today produced by the Frito-Lay company, Cheetos first sprinkled orange dust over America's snack scene in 1948. The gloriously cheesy sticks have since become synonymous with Chester Cheetah, a cool big cat mascot defined by his sunglasses and white high-tops. These days, you can even find the snack – which comes in varieties including crunchy, puffs, and Flamin' Hot – sprinkled over soft serve or crushed into mac ’n’ cheese.
Salty, skinny French fries are a staple of the McDonald's menu and, arguably, no order is complete without a portion. But they haven't always been – up until 1948, the colossal chain served chunkier potato wedges. Today, unsurprisingly, McDonald's stick-thin fries are a bestseller, available in a range of sizes.
It’s hard to imagine a time before American-style cheese dominated the dairy industry, and yet Kraft De Luxe Process Slices didn’t land in grocery stores until 1950. Revolutionizing convenience-based foods, these pre-sliced cheese squares were designed to be used for cheeseburgers and sandwiches. By 1965, the slices were known as Kraft Singles and came individually wrapped.
Similar to a classic Mounds bar, the Bounty was launched in the UK and Canada in 1951 – and it’s a bar that certainly divided the crowd. Produced by Mars Inc., its thick coconut center wasn’t to everyone’s liking, despite being finished with either a silky milk chocolate or rich dark chocolate coating. It continues to be sold in Canada and elsewhere across the globe.
Whether you prefer it spread across bite-sized crackers or oozing out of a Philly cheesesteak, you've no doubt tasted this processed cheese at some point. First introduced in 1952, Kraft's Cheez Whiz has been a staple in kitchen pantries and student dorms across the US and Canada for over seven decades.
As more television sets sprang up in homes throughout the post-war 1950s, the TV dinner cemented itself into American culture. It was the creation of frozen food company Swanson's, who launched a full turkey dinner neatly organized into a tray with compartments. Despite tapping into the zeitgeist, the product was something of a happy accident – it was created as a way to use up excess turkey the company had left over after Thanksgiving.
A jolly white rabbit has long been the mascot for this colorful breakfast cereal, which debuted in 1954. Invented by General Mills, the brand is known for its rainbow of fruit shapes – think half-moon watermelons, bright orange segments, and purple grape bunches – and its satisfyingly sweet taste. These days, the cereal comes in a host of styles, from filled puffs to marshmallow additions.
A decidedly more grown-up breakfast cereal was Special K. Produced by Kellogg’s and launched in 1955, the morning meal is made from crispy rice, wheat, and barley flakes and was originally marketed towards men, as a protein-packed option that was more healthful and virtuous than other options on the market. As the years went on, Special K tweaked its advertising and became associated with dieting.
A key decade for cereal launches, Cocoa Puffs joined the General Mills family in 1956. A chocolate medley of corn, oats, and rice, the branding has been fronted by cheery Sonny the Cuckoo Bird, once clad in retro red stripes, since the 1960s. Unsurprisingly, the cereal is still a hit with sweet-toothed kids who love the delicious chocolate-flavored milk it leaves behind.
One of the most iconic fast food creations ever, Burger King's Whopper debuted in 1957 at the chain's first Miami, Florida location and has been a fan favorite ever since. The towering sandwich consists of a flame-grilled beef patty topped with pickles, salad, mayonnaise, and onions, and comes sandwiched inside a pillowy sesame seed bun. It's got such mammoth global appeal that the fast food heavyweight even markets itself as 'The Home of the Whopper.'
One of the most enduring and well-loved peanut butter brands on grocery store shelves, Jif has truly stood the test of time. Debuting in 1958, the brand launched with its former cheery kangaroo mascot, Jifaroo. While its fans may argue over whether creamy or crunchy is best, they all agree that it's delicious when spread on toast or served in a comforting PB&J sandwich.
Founders Mike and Marian Ilitch didn’t know what they were in for when they opened their first pizza restaurant in Garden City, Michigan in 1959. Famed for their delicious doughy pan pizzas and cheesy top, the pair began franchising across the US in 1962 and went on to become a nationwide favorite. The brand’s first Canadian outpost opened in 1969.
Invented by Beech-Nut in 1960, Fruit Stripe became an instant favorite with kids across the US. The gum was known for its mascot, Zipes the Zebra, as well as its strong yet short-lived fruity flavors. Despite a long history and loyal following, Fruit Stripe was eventually discontinued in early 2024, much to fans’ dismay.
Transforming home brews from the 1960s onwards, Coffee Mate is a powdered milk alternative that turns a boring black coffee into a creamy delight. You can still buy it today in its time-honored original concentrated form, as well as a liquidized variation and fun flavors such as Peppermint Mocha, French Vanilla, Caramel Latte, and Hazelnut.
These adorable goldfish-shaped crackers aren't actually a US invention, but were invented in 1958 in Switzerland. Appealing to Margaret Rudkin, a vacationing American, she went on to license the snack and brought it to the US in 1962. Made by Connecticut-based Pepperidge Farm, the golden baked treats are carved with cute little smiles and made with real Cheddar. A lunchbox favorite and a kids' birthday party staple, they're sure to get you feeling nostalgic.
A veritable rainbow in a bowl, this cereal is named after its fruity flavors and ring shape. Launched in 1963, eye-catching red Froot Loops boxes, emblazoned with mascot Toucan Sam, stand out on the grocery aisles and remain a firm favorite across the US and Canada years later. The colorful 'loops' – in red, yellow, orange, blue, and more – certainly brighten the breakfast table.
A favorite with kids and a nostalgic treat for adults, Lucky Charms has been on grocery store shelves since 1964. A glorious mix of rainbow, horseshoe, and four-leaf clover–shaped pieces, it's peddled by a beaming leprechaun named Lucky. There's little sign of the cereal falling out of favor, with the treat best enjoyed with ice-cold milk for breakfast or baked into Rice Krispies–inspired treats.
Marketed by Campbell's Franco-American brand as 'the neat new spaghetti you can eat with a spoon,' SpagettiOs became an instant bestseller when the product first hit stores in 1965. The canned goods were increasingly popular with busy moms who served the savory hoops piled over buttery toast or as an accompaniment to a meat and potato supper.
Whether you've a penchant for Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch, these triangular chips are the perfect party snack and have been for more than half a century. Invented at a Mexican-style restaurant in Disneyland, they went on to be launched across the US in 1966, with early flavors including Toasted Corn and Taco (as shown in the photograph). The brand has since gone international, with a whole host of styles available across the globe.
Now a signature McDonald's burger, the Big Mac – a towering creation with two beef patties and a famed special sauce – was at first met with uncertainty from the chain's big bosses. It was pioneered by franchisee Jim Delligatti, who created the mammoth burger to satisfy the appetites of his laboring clientele. After being rolled out at Delligatti's own store in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1967, the burger was a big hit and became available across the US by 1968.
Hunt's Snack Pack puddings are a nostalgic lunchbox staple and a lip-smacking sweet treat after dinner. The pots first appeared in US grocery stores in 1968 and were heavily geared towards kids, though many adults enjoy them too. Today these tasty pudding cups can be found in flavors ranging from tapioca and strawberry to chocolate and butterscotch.
Another genius Frito-Lay invention, these tasty snacks are a packet-based answer to your fried onion ring craving. The snacks have been on store shelves since 1969, and for many, you just can’t beat the original tangy flavor. That said, these days, Funyuns come in a host of options, including Flamin’ Hot, Steakhouse Onion, Spicy Queso, and Chile Limón.
A popular choice since the 1970s, the Kit Kat was invented in the UK in 1935. The famed candy bar, renowned for its two- and four-finger bars, traveled across the Atlantic in 1970, and hasn’t looked back since. These days, you’ll find endless flavor options of this crunchy wafer bar, including Birthday Cake and Cappuccino.
Part of the Betty Crocker brand, Hamburger Helper debuted in 1971 and instantly became a pantry cupboard staple for many households across the US. Each box came saddled with pasta shapes and powdered seasoning, which could be cooked up with hamburger mix. The brand went on to launch further variations, including the Tuna Helper and Chicken Helper.
Entering the morning meal market with a bang, McDonald's became a staple fast food breakfast spot in the early 1970s, and it was thanks in part to the Egg McMuffin. The seriously indulgent breakfast option features Canadian bacon, oozing American cheese, and an egg piled into an English muffin. The item was test marketed in 1972 across various locations in the US, before being rolled out nationally in 1975.
Before Nature Valley's wildly popular bars came its granola: deliciously crunchy rolled oats and sesame seeds flavored with honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. This sweet cereal – best served with milk – was launched in 1973 and its snack bars would follow two years later. The brand has gone on to have a global reputation, with various products available, from biscuits to fruit and nut bars.
This popular candy exploded onto the scene in the 1970s, delighting kids who loved the bizarre sensation of the tiny rocks 'popping' in their mouths. False claims involving exploding children circled the product after its launch but, of course, tests showed that the item was – and is – perfectly safe. Early flavors included strawberry and grape, and they're still a favorite with retro candy lovers today.
Set up in 1965, Subway has gone on to become one of the world’s largest fast food chains – and the launch of the B.M.T. sandwich in 1975 played a huge part in that. The sub – originally named after the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit system on the NYC subway – comes loaded with tasty fillings including pepperoni, salami, ham, and salad and is still a go-to option for many.
While Canadian fast food giant Tim Hortons may have opened in 1964, it was really the launch of its now legendary Timbits that shot this chain to stardom. The donut bites, packaged inside a cardboard box, became instantly popular and the go-to order for groups. These days, the sweet treats come in a host of flavors, from Apple Fritter and Blueberry to Sour Cream Glazed.
Released in 1977, Bubblicious was an instant hit with kids who loved the gum for its strong, zingy flavor. The product was first released in Lightning Lemonade, before expanding to other flavors like Cotton Candy, Grape, and Sour Cherry. Bubblicious went on to be sold in various countries around the globe and continues to be a nostalgic choice for many.
America's favorite ice cream brand was launched in the late 1970s by founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who originally had plans to start a bagel company. By some miracle they turned their attention to the sweet stuff and their innovative flavors and creamy recipes have been winning over ice cream fans ever since. Early pints included Oreo Mint, French Vanilla, and Chocolate Fudge, and now chocolatey Half Baked and Cherry Garcia are among the most-loved choices.
A sweeter version of General Mills' already popular cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios were introduced in 1979, accompanied by a cheerful anthropomorphic bee (later named BuzzBee). The wholegrain product resembles original Cheerios in size, shape, and color, but has a syrupy honey and almond flavor. It’s still one of the brand’s bestsellers decades later.
Can you remember the first time you tried a BeaverTails pastry? It was likely in the 1990s, after the brand saw rapid growth across Canada. The chain – famed for its long, flat wholewheat pastries of the same name, deep fried and smothered in cinnamon sugar – opened its first bricks-and-mortar shop in 1980 at Ottawa’s ByWard Market, and has gone one to boast locations across the country, as well as in France and the UAE.
Armed with a catchy marketing slogan, Lean Cuisine landed on the scene in the early 1980s. Tapping into the decade's love of convenience food, the brand offers a range of low-calorie ready meals, with early options including Zucchini Lasagna and Spaghetti with Beef and Mushroom Sauce, all handily under 300 calories. While the range has been discontinued in Canada, Lean Cuisine is still going strong across the US and diners now have around 100 entrées to choose from.
Bringing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory creations to life, Breaker Confections changed its name to the Willy Wonka Candy Company in 1980 and released these fruity treats two years later. Runts quickly became popular, loved for their fruit-inspired shapes and flavors. While many of this brand’s products have since been discontinued, Runts (now owned by Ferrara) are still very much around.
Launched by General Mills in 1983, before joining the Betty Crocker brand, Fruit Roll-Ups became a lunchbox staple and a favored after-school snack in the 1980s. These fruity refreshments are exactly what they sound like: a thin gummy treat rolled up in plastic wrapping, available in a host of flavors, from Strawberry Blast to Tropical Tie-Dye.
Loved since 1984, Cinnamon Toast Crunch has gone on to become one of General Mills’ most popular brands. Like most styles, this cereal was aimed heavily towards kids and instantly became popular thanks to its deliciously sweet cinnamon and sugar–coated wheat and rice squares. These days fans can get their fix thanks to a host of Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavored products, including seasoning blends, cake mixes, and creamy toast spreads.
Making their debut in grocery stores in 1985, these mini pizza-style savories quickly became favored by parents as a super-speedy dinner option, often accompanied by oven fries. Classic offerings include the pleasantly salty Cheese and Pepperoni and indulgent Three Cheese, as well as the newer Bagel Dogs.
Did you even grow up in the 1980s if you didn't nag your mom for a Push Pop Candy from the store? The little lollipop – still favored by children today – can be pushed out as and when you want a fruity lick, then retracted and saved for later. The original flavors included grape and cherry, while new styles like the Gummy Roll and Gummy Pop-its have since launched.
What started as a simple pot pie recipe has gone on to become a global brand, loved for its vegetarian options. Set up by Andy and Rachel Berliner, the pair made their first pot pie in 1987 in their family home – and since then have gone on to launch a range of much-loved products, including both classic vegetable and creamy broccoli pot pies, as well as frozen burritos, canned soups, and pizzas.
Canadian grocery store Loblaw launched a line of luxury products named President’s Choice in 1984, but it was really the group’s The Decadent range, released four years later, that will forever remain a cherished choice for those that grew up in the 1980s. The chocolate chip cookies were a crowd favorite, thanks both to their huge size and chocolate content.
It was always a good day when you opened your lunchbox to find a packet of these stashed inside. Test marketed across Seattle in 1988, Lunchables went on to be rolled out across the US in 1989 and were an instant success. Ready to eat, all you needed to do was peel off the plastic lid and you could stack the crackers, cheese, and meat slices together to form a bite-sized delight. Still available today, kids can now get their hands on a few different options, including Mini Cheese Pizza and Mini Hot Dogs.
A little like a dinnertime version of Lunchables, Kid Cuisine is a range of frozen dinners launched at the turn of the decade and, as the name suggests, is heavily marketed towards kids. Known for its friendly cartoon penguin mascot, the brand continues to offer a range of choices including Popcorn Chicken, Mac & Cheese Bites, Cheese Quesadillas, and Dino Nuggets.
Made from 100% wholegrains, Sun Chips were one of the first healthier savory snacks to land on grocery store shelves in 1991. This wavy chip quickly became parents’ go-to option to pack in school lunchboxes and – thanks to their delicious flavor options and crunchy texture – kids didn’t mind. Fans can still enjoy the snack three decades later in flavors such as Harvest Cheddar, Garden Salsa, Original, and French Onion
The early 1990s saw the release of General Mills' Dunkaroos, a sweet snack featuring Graham crackers and indulgent accompanying dips in flavors such as chocolate frosting and vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. Despite its popularity and loyal fanbase, the treat was discontinued in the 2010s, before reemerging in 2020.
Revolutionizing the dried fruit category, Ocean Spray unveiled its Craisins as a fruit-based snack, rather than your typical baking ingredient, and it’s safe to say this marketing worked. The brand’s cranberries went on to become one of America’s most popular ‘healthy’ treats, despite their sugar content. They’re still available today, with a few different coated choices like Greek yogurt and milk chocolate.
Launching way back in the 1920s, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups had cemented themselves as a perennial favorite, and the release of Reese's Nutrageous in 1994 only helped to propel the brand further. Still making use of the company's crowd-pleasing peanut butter flavor, this nutty bar added caramel and actual peanuts to the chocolate casing. Unsurprisingly, it went down a treat.
While it's not hard to whip up your own Rice Krispies–based sweet snack in the kitchen, Kellogg's launched their own version in 1995. Still loved today, these moreish treats bind together the crunchy cereal with gooey marshmallow, all packaged inside the brand’s distinctive blue wrapper. They come in a few flavors these days, including Chocolatey Peanut Butter and Double Chocolatey Chunk.
Lay's baked potato chips, marketed for their reduced fat content, had hit grocery shelves by the mid-1990s. The product offered those watching their weight a delicious alternative to regular chips, allowing them to still eat their favorite salty snack. Baked Lay’s are still going strong today with popular flavors including Original, Barbecue, and Sour Cream and Onion.
Invented at a Canadian McDonald’s franchise by Ron McLellan in 1995, the McFlurry proved so popular it was rolled out across Canada and the US in 1997. The frozen treat is made up of a smooth soft serve ice cream and has featured a host of delicious toppings over the years, from Oreo and Reese’s to S’mores and Lotus Biscoff.
The ultimate yogurt on the go, this kid-friendly snack from Yoplait launched in 1998. It was handy as it packaged yogurt in a tube-like wrapper, making it easy to squeeze and virtually mess-free. The treat has come in a host of flavors over the years, including Strawberry Splash, Berry Blue Blast, and Cotton Candy.
Satisfying sweet-toothed coffee lovers everywhere, the Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino debuted at the end of the decade. A menu staple over two decades later, it's the ultimate caffeine indulgence – caramel syrup is blended with coffee, milk, and ice, before being doused in whipped cream and yet more caramel sauce. Frappuccinos come in a variety of flavors these days, but some say you can't beat the original.
In 2000, fans of the Harry Potter franchise could finally sample Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans courtesy of a Jelly Belly and Warner Bros. partnership. Inside little pull-up boxes, eager tasters could try flavors like cinnamon, blueberry, and banana, as well as disturbing options such as sausage, vomit, and dirt. They’re still available today for those wanting to test them out.