If you are a 90s kid, I am sure you have some beautiful memories of spending your pocket money on your favourite snacks. From ₹1 candies and chewing gum to colourful ice candies and Rasna, 90s kids’ snacks were a big part of our childhood.
Back then, even ₹5 felt like a lot of money. You could buy a handful of candies, share them with your friends, and still have some change left! And who can forget those little shops outside our schools? They had everything we loved, from Kismi Bar and Boomer to Uncle Chipps and those cigarette-shaped candies that made us feel so cool!
Today, we have hundreds of chocolates, chips, and fancy snacks to choose from. But somehow, nothing quite matches the excitement of buying our favourite treats with the few coins we had saved.
So, let’s revisit some of the most iconic snacks from the 90s and early 2000s that made our childhood a little sweeter, tangier, and definitely more fun!
Key Takeaways
- ₹1 and ₹5 snacks were a big part of every 90s kid’s childhood.
- Kismi Bar, Poppins, Boomer and Melody were popular childhood favourites.
- Phantom Sweet Cigarettes and Center Shock made snacking extra fun.
- Rasna, Gold Spot and Pepsi Cola ice candies were summer favourites.
- Uncle Chipps, Cheetos and Jim Jam made school breaks exciting.
- Local treats like Borkut, Imli Goli and Churan Goli were equally loved.
- Many 90s kids’ snacks are still available, while others have disappeared.
Table of Contents
90s Kids Snacks: Chocolates, Toffees and Candies We All Loved
1. Kismi Bar
Remember that long, chewy, brown toffee with its unique elaichi flavour? Kismi Bar was quite different from the usual chocolates we had as kids. It had a slightly sticky texture, and you had to chew it for quite some time. Among all the 90s kids’ snacks, Kismi was one of those treats that didn’t need fancy packaging or advertisements to become our favourite. Its taste was enough!
2. Poppins
A colourful roll of happiness! Poppins came with multiple fruity candies packed inside a cylindrical wrapper. The fun part was choosing which colour to eat first. Some of us would save our favourite colour for the end, while others would simply finish the entire packet in minutes. Poppins was one of those 90s kids’ snacks that made sharing with friends so much more fun.
3. Phantom Sweet Cigarettes
Okay, this one was hilarious! Phantom Sweet Cigarettes were small, white, cigarette-shaped sugar candies with a red tip. We would hold them between our fingers and pretend to smoke like grown-ups. Of course, there was no actual smoking involved. They were just sweet candies! Looking back, it’s funny how something so simple became one of the most memorable 90s kids’ snacks in India.
4. Boomer Bubble Gum
Boom Boom Boomer! Remember that advertisement? Boomer wasn’t just about chewing gum. It was about blowing the biggest bubble possible! And when that bubble burst and stuck to your face, your friends would laugh like anything. Among all the 90s kids’ snacks, Boomer deserves a special mention for turning something as simple as chewing gum into a competition.
5. Big Babol
Big Babollll E Hai Bade Kaam Ki Cheez! If you remember this jingle, congratulations, your childhood was awesome! Big Babol was another popular bubble gum that gave Boomer some serious competition. And remember those little comic strips that came with some packs? They made buying chewing gum even more exciting. Honestly, half the fun of these 90s kids’ snacks was in the little surprises that came along with them.
Also read: https://youthknows.com/90s-kids-memories/
6. Center Fresh
Center Fresh, zubaan pe rakhe lagaam! This chewing gum had a refreshing minty taste with a liquid-filled centre. The best part was biting into it and getting that sudden burst of flavour. Center Fresh was one of those childhood treats that we would happily buy from the local kirana shop whenever we had a few extra rupees.
7. Center Shock
Remember the green apple-flavoured Center Shock? That chewing gum was a different kind of adventure! The moment you put it in your mouth, its extremely sour taste would make your face twist into the funniest expressions. In fact, watching your friends react to it was sometimes more entertaining than eating it yourself. Although it arrived in India in 2002, it deserves a place among the nostalgic 90s kids’ snacks and early 2000s favourites.
8. Coffee Bite
For those of us who loved the smell of coffee even before we started drinking it, Coffee Bite was a treat! It had a rich coffee flavour mixed with sweetness, and the taste would linger in your mouth for quite some time. Coffee Bite was one of those classic 90s kids’ snacks that many of us still remember fondly. And the best part? You can still find it in shops today.
9. Melody Chocolaty
Melody itni chocolaty kyun hai? Melody khao, khud jaan jao! I am sure you just read that in the advertisement’s voice! Melody had a hard, caramel-like outer layer with a chocolaty centre. The trick was to resist chewing it immediately and enjoy the flavour slowly. Among all the 90s kids’ snacks, Melody had one of the most memorable advertising lines, and honestly, the question is still stuck in our heads!
10. Mango Bite
That bright yellow wrapper with a delicious mango-flavoured candy inside! Mango Bite was a favourite among kids who loved fruity toffees. It had a sweet mango taste, and you could easily finish several pieces without realising it. Whether it was a birthday celebration in school or a quick purchase from the neighbourhood shop, Mango Bite was one of the most familiar 90s kids’ snacks.
11. Pan Pasand
Pan Pasand was probably our first introduction to the flavour of paan! This hard candy had a distinctive sweet paan taste that made it quite different from regular fruit-flavoured candies. Some kids absolutely loved it, while others preferred their Mango Bites and Poppins. But when we talk about 90s kids’ snacks, Pan Pasand definitely deserves a place on the list.
12. Hajmola Candy
Who would have thought that something associated with digestion could become such a popular childhood treat? Hajmola candies had that unmistakable khatta-meetha, slightly spicy taste that made you want another one immediately. Many of us loved eating them simply for their flavour. These tangy little candies were definitely among the most interesting 90s kids’ snacks.
13. Rola Cola
Rola Cola was like having your favourite cola drink in candy form! These little brown candies came packed together in a roll and had a sweet, fizzy-cola-like flavour. You could enjoy the taste of cola without actually buying a bottle. And that made Rola Cola one of the most interesting 90s kids’ snacks, especially for children who loved soft drinks.
14. Guru Chela Mouth Freshener
Now this is something that many 90s kids might have forgotten! Guru Chela was a sweet, colourful mouth freshener, somewhat similar to the sweet saunf we get at restaurants. It was the kind of thing you would keep eating little by little rather than finishing all at once. While chocolates and chewing gums usually get all the attention, childhood favourites like Guru Chela also deserve a mention in our list of 90s kids’ snacks.
15. Borkut
If you grew up in Maharashtra, I am sure you remember Borkut! This sweet and tangy powder was made using dried bor (Indian jujube), sugar, and other ingredients. It came in small packets, and we would eat it directly from the packet, little by little. That khatta-meetha taste was seriously addictive! Borkut was one of those local 90s kids’ snacks that could easily compete with branded candies.
16. Shreeji Orange Candy
Remember those bright orange ice candies that were especially tempting during summer? Shreeji’s Orange Candy is a frozen orange-flavoured treat, perfect for those afternoons when all you wanted was something cold and sweet. It belongs in this list of 90s kids’ snacks and childhood treats for the simple joy of enjoying an orange ice candy on a hot day.
Also read: https://youthknows.com/your-favorite-90s-chocolate/
90s Kids’ Snacks: Biscuits, Chips and Crunchy Snacks
17. Britannia Little Hearts
Those tiny, heart-shaped, crispy biscuits with sugar sprinkled on top! Little Hearts were so light and crunchy that finishing an entire packet was hardly a challenge. And somehow, eating them one by one felt more satisfying than taking a handful. Even today, when I see that familiar packet, it reminds me of school days. Little Hearts are among those 90s kids’ snacks that have managed to stay popular across generations.
18. Britannia Jim Jam
Jim Jam biscuits were quite fancy compared to regular cream biscuits! Two biscuits with cream in between and a little blob of colourful jam right in the centre. And let’s admit it, many of us had our own way of eating them. Some would eat the jam first, while others would separate the biscuits to enjoy the cream. Among all the 90s kids’ snacks, Jim Jam was definitely one of the most fun to eat.
19. Cheetos
For many of us, Cheetos meant cheesy, crunchy snacks and, more importantly, the excitement of finding a free collectible inside certain packets! Remember collecting Pokémon Tazos and other little surprises? Sometimes, we were more interested in those collectibles than the actual snacks. Cheetos were one of those 90s kids’ snacks that made opening a packet almost as exciting as eating it.
20. Uncle Chipps
Before we had so wide a variety of chips to choose from, Uncle Chipps was already winning our hearts! The classic green packet was a familiar sight in school bags, kirana shops and family picnics. And who remembers the spicy Chilli Cha-Cha flavour? Even today, people talk about missing that particular variety. Uncle Chipps deserves a special place among 90s kids’ snacks because sometimes, all we needed was a packet of crispy potato chips to make our day.
90s Kids’ Snacks: Cold Drinks, Ice Candies and Summer Treats
21. Rasna
I love you, Rasna! If you remember this advertisement, you are definitely a 90s kid! Rasna was practically a summer vacation essential in many Indian homes. One packet of concentrate could make a whole jug of refreshing orange drink, enough for everyone playing together in the afternoon. And somehow, Rasna made at home always tasted extra special. Among all the 90s kids’ drinks, this one brings back some of the sweetest summer memories.
22. Gold Spot
The Zing Thing! Gold Spot was a bright orange-flavoured fizzy drink that many Indian kids enjoyed before it disappeared from the market. That vibrant colour and sweet, bubbly taste made it quite memorable. Coca-Cola eventually phased it out after returning to India. While today’s kids have plenty of soft drinks to choose from, Gold Spot remains a nostalgic drink worth mentioning alongside our favourite 90s kids’ drinks.
23. Limca
Remember those hot summer afternoons when a chilled glass bottle of Limca felt like the best thing in the world? Its lemon-lime flavour was refreshing, slightly tangy and quite different from the sweeter orange and cola drinks. Whether it was a family outing, a restaurant visit or a special treat from the local shop, Limca was a familiar part of childhood. And yes, no list of 90s kids’ snacks and drinks would feel complete without it.
24. Rooh Afza
Rooh Afza was another summer favourite, especially in homes where making cold drinks from scratch was a regular thing. A little Rooh Afza mixed with chilled water or milk, and your afternoon drink was ready! Its deep red colour, floral sweetness and distinctive taste made it instantly recognisable. While it wasn’t exactly a snack, Rooh Afza certainly belongs in this collection of 90s kids’ drinks and childhood refreshments.
25. Pepsi Cola Ice Candy
Now this is pure nostalgia! Remember those long, thin plastic tubes filled with colourful frozen liquid? We called them Pepsi Cola, even though they weren’t necessarily related to the Pepsi brand. You would bite off one corner of the plastic and slowly suck out the flavoured ice. Sometimes, you had to push the ice up from the bottom to finish it. Among all the 90s kids’ snacks, this inexpensive summer treat was one of the most exciting things to buy outside school.
26. Kwality Wall’s Ice Cream
Hearing the ice cream vendor’s bell was enough to make us run outside! From Chocobars to Cornetto cones and other frozen treats, Kwality Wall’s was a familiar name during our childhood. Of course, getting permission from our parents was another challenge altogether! Ice creams were often reserved for weekends, outings, or special occasions. That is exactly why they deserve a place among the most memorable 90s kids’ snacks and treats.
90s Kids’ Snacks: Local Snacks We Bought Outside School
27. Imli Goli
Those little balls of tamarind goodness! Imli Goli had the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. You would pop one into your mouth and immediately feel that strong khatta taste. Some were coated with sugar, while others were more spicy. These little treats were among the most affordable 90s kids’ snacks sold outside schools and at local shops.
28. Aam Papad
Aam Papad was basically mango in a chewy, sheet-like form. Made using mango pulp, these thin layers had a sweet and tangy taste that made them difficult to resist. Some varieties were sweeter, while others had that extra sourness we absolutely loved. And the fun part was peeling off one layer at a time! Aam Papad was one of those traditional 90s kids’ snacks that never really needed any advertising.
29. Churan Goli
Remember those small, dark, tangy digestive balls? Churan Goli had a strong combination of sour, salty, and spicy flavours. You could find them at small shops, sometimes in packets or glass jars. The taste was so intense that even one little goli could make your mouth water. Among all the local 90s kids’ snacks, Churan Goli was definitely a favourite for children who loved chatpata flavours.
30. Roasted Chana
Not every childhood snack came in a colourful packet! Roasted chana was one of those simple treats that our parents and grandparents also enjoyed. It was crunchy, filling, and often sold in small paper packets. Sometimes, we would eat it with jaggery for a little sweetness. While branded chocolates get most of the attention, traditional 90s kids’ snacks like roasted chana were equally common in many Indian households.
31. Chana Jor Garam
Chana jor garam, babu main laya mazedaar! Remember hearing vendors calling out to customers? Chana Jor Garam was made using flattened, roasted black chickpeas, usually mixed with spices, onions, lemon, and other ingredients. It was crunchy, spicy, and absolutely delicious. The best part was getting it freshly prepared in a little paper cone. This is one of those 90s kids’ snacks that reminds us of street vendors, parks, and evening outings.
32. Masala Peanuts
A handful of spicy peanuts could easily become an evening snack, especially when we were playing outside with friends. Some were roasted with salt and spices, while others had a crunchy, spicy coating. And once you started eating them, stopping was quite difficult! Masala peanuts were among those simple 90s kids’ snacks that were easily available at local shops and roadside stalls.
33. Murmura Bhel
Murmura Bhel was probably one of the most common snacks prepared at home when we wanted something quick and tasty. Puffed rice mixed with onions, tomatoes, coriander, chutneys, and a little sev made such a delicious combination! Every family had its own version. While packaged 90s kids’ snacks were exciting, homemade murmura bhel had its own charm, especially during evening snack time.
34. Sukha Bhel
Unlike regular bhel, Sukha Bhel didn’t need chutneys to taste delicious. A mixture of puffed rice, sev, peanuts, spices, and sometimes raw mango made it wonderfully crunchy. Street vendors would toss everything together and serve it in a paper cone. Some would even give you a little piece of cardboard to use as a spoon! Sukha Bhel was one of those 90s kids’ snacks that made our evening walks and outings even more enjoyable.
35. Khatti Meethi Imli
If you loved sour treats as a child, you probably remember eating khatti meethi imli! Tamarind mixed with sugar, salt, and spices created that irresistible sweet-and-sour flavour. Sometimes it came as small pieces, while other times it was shaped into little balls. The moment you tasted it, your mouth would start watering. Among the many local 90s kids’ snacks, imli was definitely a favourite for those who loved tangy flavours.
36. Til Chikki and Peanut Chikki
Chikki was one of those traditional sweets that we enjoyed without thinking much about how simple its ingredients were. Peanut chikki had crunchy peanuts held together with jaggery, while til chikki was made using sesame seeds. Both were especially popular during winter and around Makar Sankranti. These traditional 90s kids’ snacks were sweet, crunchy, and often made at home or bought from local sweet shops.
Final Thoughts
Writing about these 90s kids’ snacks brought back so many beautiful childhood memories! Back then, happiness was as simple as buying a few candies with ₹5, sharing a packet of chips with friends, or enjoying a glass of Rasna after playing outside all afternoon.
Some of these snacks are still available, while others have disappeared from the market. But the memories associated with them are still fresh in our minds.
I am sure I must have missed a few of your favourites. So, tell me in the comments, which childhood snack would you love to bring back? And if this blog made you nostalgic, do share it with your school friends. Let’s see how many of these snacks they remember!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy 90s kids’ snacks in India today?
You can find several nostalgic snacks on Amazon, Flipkart, speciality candy websites, and local kirana shops. However, availability varies by brand and location.
2. Were 90s snacks cheaper than today’s snacks?
Yes, many popular candies and chewing gums were available for ₹1 or ₹2. However, prices varied depending on the product, pack size, and year.
3. Why do childhood snacks taste different today?
Sometimes brands change their recipes, ingredients, or manufacturing processes. But our childhood memories also influence how we remember their taste.
4. Are old Indian candy brands making a comeback?
Some brands have relaunched nostalgic products or introduced updated packaging to attract both older customers and younger generations.
