We’ve based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each food item in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. This list is unavoidably subjective. 

Landing on US and Canadian supermarket shelves in 1992, SnackWell’s was one of many brands that offered fat-free alternatives to cookies and sweet treats throughout the 1990s. Originally owned by Nabisco, before being sold to Back to Nature Foods, the product came in a few flavors, including vanilla creme and chocolate mint.

Taking a leaf out of its competitors’ books, McDonald’s attempted to try something different with the launch of Mighty Wings. The menu item was sold throughout the 1990s, and has returned twice since then, but despite some initial success Mighty Wings just never took off in the same way as those beloved, boneless McNuggets.  

Football fans may well remember this short-lived cereal featuring mini ball-shaped wheat and corn puffs. Launched at the start of the American football season in 1994, the box came with a cut-out goal and encouraged kids to score their breakfast by launching the little balls through the cardboard posts and into bowls.

These chewy, beach-themed fruit snacks from Fruit Corners came in flavors such as orangeade, lemonade, and red punch, and were shaped like sunglasses, starfish, boats, and surfers. Despite making a big splash with a promotional giveaway of a ‘rad wristband,’ the product was only on sale between 1990 and 1991.

Only in the 1990s would star-shaped cereal covered in sprinkles become such a hit. In the TV adverts for this popular brand, the Sprinkle Genie – voiced by comedian Dom DeLuise – memorably said 'You wish it, I dish it,' as he summoned up a tasty bowl. Despite all this, the cereal was removed from shelves by the latter part of the decade.

Available in the US from 1991, the McLean Deluxe was reportedly 91% fat-free, containing just under 0.4oz (11g) of fat compared to a classic Big Mac, which contains around 1oz (28g). It swapped the fat with carrageenan, a natural ingredient which comes from red seaweed, which helped to keep the patty big and juicy. Unsurprisingly, the burger failed to hit the mark with diners and was discontinued in 2002.

A great concept for a kids’ cereal, Hidden Treasures was a lucky dip; you could either pull out a plain or fruit-filled corn piece when you reached into the box. The product appeared on shelves between 1993 and 1995, and its advert featured H.T., a robot who had a special power which allowed him to check which cereal pieces hid cherry, orange, or grape centers, without biting into them.

While kids were seemingly surviving on sugary snacks and cereal, adults were doing the opposite: cutting carbs and counting calories. Following the 1992 release of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, the already established high-protein regime from the renowned American physician and cardiologist gained millions of new followers, allowing the brand to launch a line of shakes, as well as the protein-packed Atkins Advantage Bar.

These squeezy tubes of fruit-flavored yogurt won the hearts of kids and parents throughout the 1990s. Younger fans loved that the boxes came with a free 'fingerboard' skateboard and that the yogurt treats could be frozen to make creamy ice pops. Adults meanwhile appreciated the lack of mess the tubes created. Still slurped with gusto today, the brand’s bestselling flavors continue to be strawberry and berry.

Still popular today, General Mills launched French Toast Crunch in 1996. This genius creation features tiny toast-shaped pieces of corn cereal flavored with cinnamon and syrup. Available in the US and Canada, the cereal was discontinued for a short while in the US in 2006, but is now back to being a permanent feature on supermarket shelves (and in children’s breakfast bowls) once more.

Hamburger Helper – a line of boxed pasta and powdered seasoning intended to be cooked with ground beef – came up with an astronomically popular new product for kids in the 1990s: Hamburger Helper Space Adventure. The pasta was shaped like little aliens, spaceships, and stars, and came in flavors including cheese, spaghetti sauce, pizza, and beef. It's sadly no longer available, despite being an instant hit with little ones.    

Originally introduced by Betty Crocker in 1990, Dunkaroos came in various shapes, typically featuring a cartoon kangaroo mascot called Sydney, in cookie form. Available in snack sizes, each packet came with a serving of smooth frosting, perfect for dunking the cookie into. The treats were discontinued in the US in 2012 and Canada in 2018, but have since made a rather epic comeback. Dunkaroos launched in Australia in 2019.

The Chinese delicacy xiao long bao – paper-thin dumplings filled with hot soup – made its way to America in 1995. Taking inspiration from Din Tai Fung in Taipei, restaurateur Joe Si opened Joe’s Shanghai in Flushing, New York City and put the tasty item on the menu. Word quickly spread, and the dish is now adored across the US and beyond.

Only a lucky few had the chance to try McDonald’s Pizza, a personal pan with four slices and toppings such as cheese, pepperoni, green pepper, and onion. In the late 1980s and early 1990s it was served in just under half of McDonald’s outlets in the US. Its major downfall was that it took too long to prepare, leaving the chain unable to justify making it a permanent menu item.

Inspired by the success of Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s developed a new, peanut butter-loaded version of its popular, sphere-shaped sweet treat in 1990. Still a cherished favorite enjoyed in the US, Canada, and further afield, the snack features a creamy peanut butter center and a layer of milk chocolate all encased in that familiar, crunchy sugar coating.

Hands up if you remember feeling all sophisticated ordering this cheesy delight in a restaurant or serving it up at a dinner party? A popular appetizer in the 1990s, baked brie graced menus across the country. You would usually find it wrapped in pastry and loaded with sweet chutneys, or served with hunks of bread, perfect for scooping up the oozy, gooey center. 

When Ocean Spray introduced Craisins as a fruit-based snack instead of a typical baking ingredient, it helped switch up the dried fruit category forever. Launched in 1993, these dried cranberries were infinitely more appealing than regular raisins and were seen as a healthier snacking alternative for road trips and school lunchboxes.

The origins of tuna tartare may be up for debate, but chef Shigefumi Tachibe is often attributed with popularizing the fresh fish dish. While working at Los Angeles’ restaurant Chaya Brasserie, the French-trained Japanese chef began experimenting with alternatives to a classic beef tartare and came up with this tuna variation in 1984. The dish – made up of cubed raw tuna and a zingy, acidic dressing – was a hit and went on to feature on high-end restaurant menus across the US throughout the 1990s.

Another of the decade's truly memorable fast food options, McDonald’s launched this deluxe sandwich featuring lobster meat, shredded lettuce, and lobster sauce stuffed into a hot dog bun in 1992. While it hasn’t ever been a permanent menu item, it has reappeared on McDonald’s menus in Canada and New England during lobster season. Sold at a wallet-friendly price, many fans regularly call for it to become a lasting fixture.

Just as the brand’s popular slogan suggests ‘one slice is never enough’ when it comes to Viennetta. The supermarket-bought frozen dessert featured layers of wafer-thin chocolate and smooth vanilla ice cream and was first launched in the UK in 1982, before making its way to the US and Canada in the late 1980s. While it was both delicious and undeniably popular, Viennetta was discontinued in the mid-1990s, only to be reintroduced by US ice cream brand Good Humor in 2021.

Blooming onion – a dish that sees an onion cut into a flower shape, before being battered and deep fried – became a popular appetizer in the late 1980s. While it’s believed versions of the dish have been around since the 1940s, this fried style became increasingly popular in 1985, thanks to Russell’s Marina Grill in New Orleans. Tim Gannon, a former employee of the restaurant, went on to open Outback Steakhouse and by 1988, trademarked the phrase ‘Bloomin’ Onion.’ Restaurants all over the country served variations of the dish well into the 1990s and beyond.

The first ever non-pizza item arrived at Domino’s in 1992 – and it came in the form of moreish breadsticks and marinara sauce. Following the likes of Papa Johns and Little Caesars’ move to add sauces to menus, these doughy delights quickly became a staple order for pizza lovers. They have since been replaced by cheese-loaded breads and Twists (buttery dough bites) in the US, but you can still enjoy them in Canada and other locations around the world.

Taking a jalapeño pepper, stuffing it with cream cheese, and coating it in breadcrumbs, before deep frying it until golden brown was a genius move and produced an appetizer that we’ll always remember from the 1990s. The heat balanced the creamy cheese brilliantly, and jalapeño poppers quickly became hugely popular, appearing on chain restaurant and sports bar menus across the US.

The world’s love for funfetti has only grown since the white cake mix with rainbow sprinkles was first introduced by Pillsbury in 1989. By the 1990s, it was a must-have at children’s birthday parties across America and beyond. These days, you’ll find numerous associated products available, from ice cream and cereal to multi-tiered wedding cakes.  

Rice Krispie cakes – treats loaded with sticky, gooey marshmallow and puffed rice cereal – have been prepared by kids at home for decades. In 1995, Kellogg’s finally took the leap and launched a ready-made version – and it was a huge success. Simple to make, yet even simpler to buy, the sugary snack remains a favorite among children (and plenty of adults).

The first big name in the frozen pizza business, Totino’s was initially best known for its Party Pizza, made with signature ‘Crisp Crust’ technology. That was until the early 1990s, when the Pillsbury Company introduced Totino’s Pizza Rolls. Featuring pizza toppings and sauce packaged up in bite-size rolls made from pizza crust, they’re still popular today and are available in an array of flavors, from triple cheese to pepperoni and bacon.

Eye-wateringly tart, Warheads are Taiwanese candies brought to the US in 1993. Still enjoyed today, kids have always loved just how sour each packet is, challenging one another to see how many they can eat before the extreme flavoring becomes too much to handle. The treat is now available in a variety of flavors and styles, from Chewy Wallys to Lil’ Worms.

This rich, red cake has been around since the early 20th century, but its popularity really began to soar when trendy New York City spot Magnolia Bakery started selling its now-renowned cupcake version in 1996. Complete with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this tasty treat went on to become a global sensation after appearing in an episode of Sex and the City.

It may have landed in 1999, but the KFC Original Recipe Sandwich marked the end of the decade triumphantly. The fried chicken giant finally decided to enter the burger game and turned its famous Original Recipe Chicken into a deliciously crisp sandwich. The soft bun was loaded with golden breaded chicken, salad, and mayo, and early commercials joked: ‘Them burger boys would love to have this.’

Produced by Kraft Heinz, Lunchables initially launched in Seattle in 1988, before being rolled out nationally a year later. The build-your-own snack became an instant school lunchbox staple for kids, with the classic pack featuring crackers, meat slices, and cheese. Over the course of the 1990s, further varieties – including the Mini Cheese Pizza and Mini Hot Dogs – were launched in the US and Canada. Interactive and delicious, Lunchables remain a nostalgic favorite for those that grew up in the 1990s.

These delicious, microwavable treats may have launched in 1983, but their popularity only increased in the 1990s and early 2000s. Cooked straight from the freezer, the turnovers featured flavors such as Ham & Cheddar, Egg & Cheese, and Double Pepperoni. Instantly popular with kids, they became the after-school snack of choice thanks to their convenience and tastiness.

Delicious and unabashedly indulgent, this rich cake with its signature molten chocolate center was (unsurprisingly) popular from the get-go. Its invention is hotly debated, with two French chefs – Michel Bras and Jean-Georges Vongerichten – both claiming to have created it in the 1980s. Either way, it was arguably the dessert that defined the 1990s, popping up everywhere from supermarket shelves to restaurant menus.

Was this the best invention since pizza itself? We certainly think so! Stuffed crust pizza was introduced to the world by Pizza Hut in 1995 and suddenly, the once discarded outer edges of the pie became the star of the show. To make the golden, cheesy crust, pizza dough edges are folded over a layer of mozzarella for a truly tasty bite.

This iconic salad features romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan, and an anchovy, garlic, egg yolk, and lemon juice dressing and it reached peak popularity in the 1990s. Supermarket sales of ready-made Caesar dressings rose by a quarter in 1990, and the classic salad was a particular hit in restaurants too.  

A Canadian creation, this frozen treat was invented by franchisee Ron McLellan at a McDonald's outlet in Bathurst, New Brunswick in 1995. Original McFlurry flavors included Oreo, M&M’s and Nestle Crunch, all of which went down a storm from the start. By 1998, the McFlurry was being sold throughout Canada and the US, and expansion across the rest of the world followed soon after.

Now reminisce over the foods we all loved growing up  

Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.