17 Things That Were Discontinued But People Wish Would Come Back

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By Jonathan Trent

Many once-popular things have disappeared from our everyday lives. With technology advancing and trends changing constantly, it’s no wonder that products come and go. Let’s take a look at 17 things that were discontinued, but many people wish they would make a permanent comeback.

Crystal Pepsi

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Crystal Pepsi, launched in 1992, was a clear cola that developed a cult following. It was a bold move in the soft drink market and was discontinued after a couple of years. The company has brought it back for limited runs, sending a wave of nostalgia through fans everywhere.

Dunkaroos

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Dunkaroos were a 90s snack of cookies paired with frosting for dipping. They were discontinued in the U.S. in 2012 but remained a favorite childhood treat for many. According to The New York Times, they have been brought back now and again thanks to thousands of consumer requests.

McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce

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This delicious sauce was released in 1998 to promote the movie Mulan. Its tangy taste garnered a dedicated fan base, and it was shot back into the spotlight after being featured in the TV program Rick and Morty. McDonald’s has re-released the sauce on occasion, but fans are hoping for its permanent return.

Clearly Canadian

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This flavored sparkling water was widely popular in the 1990s. It had a distinct glass bottle and fruity flavor but was unfortunately discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving a void in the beverage market.

Butterfinger BB’s

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These bite-sized versions of the Butterfinger candy bar were a big hit in the 1990s. People loved the convenience and unique shape of BB’s compared to the traditional bar, and despite multiple campaigns to bring them back, they remain nostalgic memories.

Original Trix 

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Originally, Trix cereal contained fruit-shaped pieces that were replaced with round puffs in the 2000s. General Mills temporarily reintroduced the original shapes, and this was a roaring success among fans.

Nintendo Power Magazine

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Forbes states that the renowned Nintendo Power magazine ceased publication in 2012. It ran from 1988 to 2012 and was an essential source of gaming news and tips. Gamers fondly remember its in-depth guides and exclusive content, so a comeback would be very welcome.

Surge Soda

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Surge was introduced in the mid-90s with a high-energy marketing campaign. It was initially successful but discontinued in the early 2000s. A limited re-release showcased a strong nostalgic demand for the product. 

Planters Cheez Balls

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These cheesy snacks were a fan-favorite from the 1980s until their discontinuation in 2006. They were so popular that online petitions and social media campaigns were created to bring them back!

Ecto Cooler

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Ecto Cooler was a neon green citrus drink associated with the Ghostbusters franchise, but it was discontinued in 2001. It briefly returned in 2016 when the Ghostbusters reboot was released, but fans still hope it will return for good.

Altoids Sours

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Altoids Sours were introduced in the early 2000s and quickly gained a large cult following. When they were discontinued in 2010, many people were disappointed, but they still reminisced about their taste and often sought out similar alternatives.

Google Reader

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Google Reader was launched in 2005 and was a popular RSS feed aggregator that many used to keep up with their favorite websites. CNN reported that it was shutting down in 2013 due to a declining user base; however, several petitions have since called for its return.

Jell-O Pudding Pops

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These icy treats were a staple of the 80s and 90s, adored for their creamy texture and delicious flavors. Even though they were discontinued in the early 2000s, many still remember them and wish for their return to supermarkets.

Kodak Kodachrome 

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Kodak Kodachrome film was known for its rich color and fine grain and became a favorite among photographers. The rise of digital photography led to its discontinuation in 2009, but many analog photography enthusiasts looked for alternatives that could replicate Kodachrome’s qualities.

Microsoft Zune

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Zune was Microsoft’s attempt to compete with the iPod. It offered a unique user interface and features. It had a passionate fan base but was unfortunately discontinued in 2011 due to poor sales. It’s still popular to this day with tech lovers who appreciate its distinct approach.

Heinz Colored Ketchup

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According to the BBC, the global food giant Heinz targeted children with colored ketchup in the early 2000s. Green, purple, and blue ketchup spiced up many family dinner tables, and while initially successful, these products fell out of favor by 2006.

Ovaltine Cookies

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Ovaltine’s malt-flavored cookies were popular throughout the mid-20th century and were greatly enjoyed for their taste and nutritional value. However, they were discontinued decades ago. Many people who remember Ovaltine cookies hope for their return to stores.

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