Additional Coverage:
- 15 Snacks Every ‘80s Kids Had In Their Lunchbox (blog.cheapism.com)
The Ultimate 80s Lunchbox Showdown: A Nostalgic Look Back
Lunchtime in the 80s. It wasn’t just about fueling up; it was a fierce competition for the coolest eats.
Forget kickball and pop quizzes, the real battlefield was the cafeteria table. What treasures did your lunchbox hold?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some iconic 80s lunchbox staples.
The Lunchbox Itself: A Status Symbol
Before we even peek inside, let’s talk lunchboxes. These weren’t just containers; they were declarations of coolness.
Transformers, Dukes of Hazzard, Star Wars, Ghostbusters—your lunchbox screamed your personality. It was the elementary school equivalent of a designer handbag.
What did yours say about you? (And hey, it might be worth a small fortune today!)
The Goods: From Savory to Sweet
- Ritz Handi-Snacks: The perfect combination of crunchy Ritz crackers and spreadable cheese. Who else remembers struggling with that little red spreader?
- Fruit Roll-Ups: Part snack, part art project. Did you meticulously peel off the designs or gobble it down in one glorious bite?
- Cool Ranch Doritos: These weren’t just chips; they were currency. A bag of Cool Ranch Doritos in 1986 bought you serious lunchbox clout.
- Lunchables: The OG charcuterie board for kids. They only hit the scene in 1989, but they quickly revolutionized lunchtime.
- Hostess vs. Little Debbie: The ultimate dessert showdown.
Were you Team Hostess, loyal to Twinkies and Ho Hos? Or did you pledge allegiance to Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies and Zebra Cakes?
Either way, you were guaranteed a sugar rush.
- Keebler Magic Middles: The cookie that proved fudge-filled centers are always a good idea.
- OREO Big Stuf: Three inches of pure Oreo goodness. The sugar rush was legendary.
- Fruit Wrinkles: Sugary, chewy, and not much else. But we loved them anyway.
- Cereal, Dry: No milk? No problem! 80s cereals like Nintendo, Ghostbusters, and Ninja Turtles were just as delicious straight from the box.
Wash It All Down:
- Hi-C Ecto Cooler: The bright green, citrusy drink inspired by “Ghostbusters.”
- Slice: The ultimate cool-kid soda. If you had this in your lunchbox, your parents were definitely the “fun” ones.
- Squeezeits: Remember wrestling those little bottles to get every last drop of sugary goodness?
- Pop Rocks: The candy that exploded in your mouth (and sometimes in your desk).
- Dr. Pepper Gum: The gum with the mysteriously flavored liquid center.
Did it actually taste like Dr. Pepper?
The jury’s still out.
Ah, the 80s lunchbox. A time capsule of sugary treats, questionable food choices, and pure childhood joy. What were your favorite lunchtime memories?
Read More About This Story:
- 15 Snacks Every ‘80s Kids Had In Their Lunchbox (blog.cheapism.com)