Back in Time Today
The 1980s was a golden era for breakfast cereals, with colorful boxes and unique flavors gracing kitchen tables across America. From video game-inspired treats to movie-themed delights, these cereals brought joy to many morning routines.
Today, we fondly remember 20 forgotten cereals from the 1980s that shaped our childhoods and left us craving for their return. Dive into this nostalgic list and rediscover those crunchy, sweet flavors that made breakfast the best meal of the day.
1. Donkey Kong Cereal
Imagine starting your day with the iconic Donkey Kong Cereal, a breakfast bowl full of banana-flavored, barrel-shaped puffs. This cereal was a tribute to the wildly popular Nintendo game, making every bite feel like an 8-bit adventure.
The sweet crunch delighted kids and adults alike, evoking the thrill of dodging barrels in the classic arcade game. Each spoonful was a nostalgic nod to the golden age of video games, capturing the essence of playful competition.
Although it disappeared over time, its memory remains a cherished piece of 80s breakfast lore.
2. Smurf-Berry Crunch
Smurf-Berry Crunch was a cereal that brought the magic of the Smurfs right to your kitchen table. With its bright blue and red fruity cereal pieces, it captured the imagination of children everywhere.
Inspired by the beloved little blue creatures, this cereal was a flavorful adventure in every bite. The mix of fruity flavors created a taste sensation that was as whimsical as a Smurf village.
Long gone from shelves, it remains a sweet memory of carefree Saturday mornings filled with cartoons and playful snacks.
3. C-3PO’s Cereal
C-3PO’s Cereal brought the galaxy far, far away right to our breakfast bowls. This Star Wars-themed cereal featured double-O shapes with a mild honey taste, making it a breakfast favorite among young Jedi and their masters.
Each bowlful was like a morning mission with C-3PO himself, navigating through space with sweet, crunchy bites. The cereal’s golden hue mirrored C-3PO’s metallic shine, adding a touch of intergalactic charm.
Fans of the franchise still reminisce about its warm honey flavor, longing for another taste of this Force-filled breakfast.
4. Mr. T Cereal
Mr. T Cereal was as bold and unforgettable as the man himself. Sweetened corn and oat T-shaped pieces made breakfast time a true power meal. “I pity the fool who didn’t eat this!” became a catchphrase as iconic as the cereal itself.
The crunchy texture and sweet taste made it a favorite for those who wanted to start their day with a punch of energy.
It was more than just breakfast; it was an experience that turned cereal time into an action-packed event, embodying Mr. T’s larger-than-life persona.
5. Pac-Man Cereal
Pac-Man Cereal was a breakfast adventure that mirrored the iconic arcade game. The cereal featured fruity bits and marshmallow shapes of Pac-Man and his ghostly foes.
Each bowl felt like navigating a maze, munching on the delicious pieces as if you were Pac-Man himself. The bright colors and sweet flavors brought a sense of fun and nostalgia to the kitchen table.
Though long vanished, it remains a cherished memory for those who spent hours chasing ghosts in arcades, now wishing for just one more game – or bowl.
6. Ice Cream Cones Cereal
Ice Cream Cones Cereal was a dream come true for dessert lovers. Combining vanilla or chocolate puffs with crunchy cone pieces, it turned breakfast into an indulgent treat.
The cereal captured the joy of ice cream in every spoonful, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors. Each bite was reminiscent of carefree summer days, evoking memories of chasing ice cream trucks and savoring sweet, creamy cones.
Though no longer available, the cereal’s delicious legacy continues to tempt those longing for a nostalgic taste of dessert at dawn.
7. Ghostbusters Cereal
Who you gonna eat for breakfast? Ghostbusters Cereal, of course! With marshmallows shaped like Slimer and the iconic No-Ghost logo, it was a breakfast that made busting hunger feel good.
The cereal was a delightful mix of sweet flavors and playful shapes, turning every morning into a ghost-busting adventure. As kids munched their way through the paranormal pieces, they felt like part of the Ghostbusters team.
Despite its disappearance, fans continue to reminisce about its unique charm and the thrilling taste of saving the day, one bite at a time.
8. Rainbow Brite Cereal
Rainbow Brite Cereal brought the colorful magic of the beloved heroine right into the morning routine. The vibrant, fruit-flavored bites mirrored the cartoon’s enchanting spirit, offering a burst of color and taste with every spoonful.
It was more than just a cereal; it was a celebration of imagination and creativity. Kids loved seeing their bowls filled with a rainbow of flavors, making breakfast a delightful start to the day.
Though it vanished with time, its colorful legacy continues to inspire those who remember the magical mornings it created.
9. Strawberry Shortcake Cereal
Strawberry Shortcake Cereal was a berry-flavored delight that transformed breakfast into a fragrant, colorful feast. Its pink and red tones mirrored the charming character it was inspired by, bringing a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to the table.
The cereal’s enticing aroma filled the kitchen, reminiscent of a strawberry-filled garden. Each bite was a delicious reminder of the beloved Strawberry Shortcake, making mornings feel like a joyful, fruit-filled adventure.
Although it disappeared from shelves, its sweet scent and flavor remain fond memories for those who cherished their berry-inspired breakfasts.
10. Gremlins Cereal
Inspired by the hit movie, Gremlins Cereal was a mischievous addition to the breakfast table. Shaped like little Mogwai heads, this sweet, crunchy cereal brought the fun and chaos of the film into every bite.
The playful shapes and delightful flavors made mornings feel like a cinematic experience, as kids imagined their cereal bowls filled with the adorable creatures.
As the movie continued to captivate audiences, the cereal became a nostalgic treat remembered fondly by fans. Though it vanished like the mischievous gremlins themselves, its legacy endures in breakfast lore.
11. Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal
Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal was a surprising breakfast treat that captured the essence of the beloved coffee shop. Available in glazed and chocolate varieties, it brought the indulgence of donuts to the cereal bowl.
The rich flavors and satisfying crunch made it a delightful morning option without the caffeine. Each spoonful was like a mini donut experience, perfect for those who couldn’t resist a sweet start to their day.
Though the cereal eventually vanished, it remains a fond memory for those who enjoyed a taste of Dunkin’ in their breakfast routine.
12. Batman Cereal (1989 Movie Tie-In)
Batman Cereal was more than just a breakfast; it was a tie-in to the iconic 1989 movie that captured the imagination of fans everywhere.
The yellow bat-shaped pieces brought the superhero mystique right to the kitchen table, packaged in a box shaped like Batman’s head.
This cereal was a symbol of the excitement and adventure associated with Gotham’s hero, offering a heroic start to the day. Though it disappeared with time, its legacy continues as fans fondly recall the mornings spent saving the world, one spoonful at a time.
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cereal
Cowabunga! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cereal was a breakfast adventure for fans of the green heroes. With crunchy sweetened pieces and marshmallow “ninja nets,” it captured the excitement and energy of the beloved cartoon.
Each spoonful was a nod to the pizza-loving turtles, transforming breakfast into a fun-filled mission. Kids enjoyed the playful shapes and vibrant flavors, feeling like part of the turtle team.
Although the cereal vanished over time, it remains a nostalgic reminder of Saturday mornings spent with Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael.
14. ET Cereal (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial)
ET Cereal was a taste of extraterrestrial delight, inspired by the beloved movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. With peanut butter and chocolate puffs, it captured the flavors associated with E.T.’s love for Reese’s Pieces.
The cereal turned breakfast into a cosmic adventure, as each bite carried the whimsy and wonder of the iconic film. Kids enjoyed the harmonious blend of flavors, feeling a connection to the friendly alien.
Though it disappeared from shelves, ET Cereal remains a cherished memory for those who once took their taste buds on an interstellar journey.
15. Breakfast with Barbie Cereal
Breakfast with Barbie Cereal was an even more sparkling iteration of the beloved Barbie breakfast experience. With pink and glittery cereal pieces, it brought a sense of glamour and excitement to the morning meal.
The cereal offered a sweet taste that matched Barbie’s stylish world, making each breakfast feel like a special occasion. Fans enjoyed the enhanced sparkle and sweetness, adding a touch of magic to their routines.
While it eventually vanished, its dazzling legacy continues to shine brightly in the memories of those who enjoyed its chic charm.
16. OJ’s Cereal
OJ’s Cereal was an innovative breakfast option that daringly captured the essence of orange juice in cereal form. The orange-flavored cereal pieces offered a unique taste that was both refreshing and unexpected.
Each bite brought a sunny citrus twist to the morning routine, appealing to those who craved something different from the traditional cereal offerings.
Though its flavor was polarizing, it remains a memorable part of cereal history for its bold attempt to expand breakfast horizons. Despite its disappearance, OJ’s Cereal is remembered for its audacious flavor adventure.
17. Pro Stars Cereal
Pro Stars Cereal was a breakfast champion, endorsed by sports legends like Bo Jackson and Wayne Gretzky. The star-shaped cereal pieces provided a nutritious and energizing start to the day, perfect for aspiring athletes.
Each bowl was a salute to athletic excellence, fueling fans with a taste of greatness. The dynamic design and association with sports heroes made it a popular choice for those who dreamed of scoring big.
Although it eventually disappeared, Pro Stars Cereal remains a nostalgic tribute to the sporting spirit and the pursuit of victory.
18. Wheaties Dunk-A-Balls
Wheaties Dunk-A-Balls was a slam dunk of a cereal, endorsed by none other than Michael Jordan. The mini basketball-shaped cereal pieces made breakfast a sporty affair, appealing to fans of the game.
Each spoonful was like a shot on the basketball court, offering a sweet and crunchy experience that fueled the mornings of aspiring athletes.
The association with Jordan added a touch of legendary status to the cereal, making it a cherished part of breakfast history. Though it eventually vanished, Wheaties Dunk-A-Balls remains a fond memory for those who admired the thrill of the game.
19. Rocky Road Cereal
Rocky Road Cereal was the ultimate dessert breakfast, combining chocolate, marshmallow, and almond bits for a taste sensation. Each bite was reminiscent of the classic dessert, turning breakfast into a sweet indulgence.
The blend of textures and flavors offered a decadent start to the day, perfect for those who enjoyed a little luxury in their morning routine.
Though it eventually disappeared, Rocky Road Cereal remains a delightful memory for those who loved the idea of dessert for breakfast, capturing the warmth and coziness of a campfire treat.
20. Wheaties Quarterback Crunch
Remember the days when breakfast was an adventure? Wheaties Quarterback Crunch was a touchdown in every bowl. Imagine the thrill of starting your day with cereal shaped like miniature footballs.
Their crunchy texture paired with that sweet, mild nutty flavor was something to look forward to as you geared up for school.
Wheaties Quarterback Crunch wasn’t just about fun shapes; it celebrated the sport with collectable trading cards of legendary quarterbacks tucked inside.
With each spoonful, you were not only fueling up for the day but also connecting with the heroes of the gridiron. How we long for its return!