As a child of the 80’s, I was not allowed much caffeine or cavity-creating chewing gum. I had to make do with Candy, Caffeine-free soda, and a giant toothbrush. I became quite familiar with many different types of products, and binged when possible. Growing up in the 1980’s gave me quite a range to select from, and now, in 2010, I reflect back on the best of the best that is now the best of the departed.
Crystal Pepsi
No discontinued list would be complete without a mention of Pepsi’s greatest offering: the translucent and caffeine-free Crystal Pepsi. In the US, this was manufactured in 1992-1993, and became an immediate big hit. The taste varied depending on who was drinking the soda pop. Some thought it tasted like regular Pepsi, others like a Sprite-ish fizz. Personally, if I closed my eyes, I would not have known the difference between it or the caramel colored Pepsi. Sales drooped eventually, forcing the company to abandon the idea and product.
Bonkers
One of my favorite candies as a young teen was Bonkers. A mix between Mamba, Starburst, and Now & Later, it was a chewy, fruity, two flavor combination of joy. One flavor wrapped around the other, just daring you to chew right through. Bonkers had Strawberry, Orange, Grape, Watermelon, and Chocolate flavors. There is a Bonkers candy still available, but it is made by Joyco company not Nabisco, and is just not the same.
Surge
Before there was Vault or any of the other myriad of energy drinks, there was Surge. This was manufactured by the Coca-Cola company in 1996 and lasted for 5 years. It had a citrus flavor that rivaled that of Mello-Yellow and Mountain Dew. I drank this religiously, although infused with caffeine, and it became my diving board into the wicked world of “Energy” drinks.
Lifesaver Holes
We asked for the Holes at Dunkin’ Donuts and we got them. Why not give us the holes of one of America’s favorite candies? Well we got what we asked for, and while briefly popular, the Holes disappeared because they were creating an oxymoron for the brand. Lifesavers candy would not be saving lives if kids began popping the holes back in place. At least we still have doughnut holes.
Slice
One of my favorite sodas growing up was made by the Pepsi-Cola company, Slice. Actually, may favorite was Orange Slice. There have been 20+ variations/flavors of the drink, and although many flavors have vanished, one can still pretty much taste regular Slice by drinking a Sierra Mist.
