15 Iconic Snacks from School Lunchboxes in the Early 2000s

The early 2000s were all about exciting lunchbox snacks that made school days more fun. From sweet treats to cheesy bites, these iconic snacks weren’t just food—they were pure joy. Let’s look back at the lunchbox favorites we all loved!

Dunkaroos

Dunkaroos were a delightful snack pack featuring kangaroo-shaped cookies paired with sweet frosting for dipping. Introduced in the 1990s, they gained immense popularity among children for their interactive nature and sugary taste. Each package typically contained cinnamon or chocolate-flavored cookies alongside vanilla or chocolate frosting, sometimes with added sprinkles. Despite being discontinued in the U.S. in 2012, Dunkaroos made a triumphant return in 2020 due to nostalgic demand.

Lunchables

Lunchables, introduced by Oscar Mayer in 1988, offered a convenient, all-in-one meal solution for kids’ lunches. These pre-packaged kits typically included combinations of crackers, meats, and cheeses, allowing children to assemble their own mini sandwiches. Over time, the brand expanded to include pizzas, nachos, and even desserts, making them a versatile lunchbox staple. Their convenience and variety contributed to their enduring popularity throughout the early 2000s.

Trix Yogurt

Trix Yogurt was a vibrant, fruity-flavored yogurt that appealed to kids with its dual-color swirls and sweet taste. Flavors like raspberry rainbow and strawberry banana bash were among the favorites. Marketed with the slogan “Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!”, it became a lunchtime favorite. Although it was discontinued for a period, Trix Yogurt made a brief comeback in 2021, delighting fans of the original product.

Fruit Roll-Ups

Fruit Roll-Ups are a type of fruit-flavored snack that gained popularity for their sweet taste and fun shapes. Each roll-up was a thin, stretchy sheet of sugary goodness, often featuring cut-out shapes or tongue tattoos that added an interactive element to snack time. Their portability and variety of flavors made them a common inclusion in school lunchboxes during the early 2000s.

Gushers

Gushers, officially known as Fruit Gushers, are hexagonal-shaped fruit snacks with a liquid-filled center. Upon biting into them, the liquid “gushes” out, providing a burst of flavor that kids loved. Flavors ranged from tropical to classic fruit combinations, and their unique texture set them apart from other fruit snacks. Gushers remain a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the early 2000s.

Capri Sun

Capri Sun is a brand of juice drinks packaged in distinctive silver pouches with a straw attached. Flavors like Pacific Cooler and Wild Cherry were lunchtime staples, providing a refreshing beverage option for kids. The convenience of the pouch and the variety of flavors contributed to Capri Sun’s popularity in school lunches during the early 2000s.

Hi-C

Hi-C is a fruit-flavored drink that was a common sight in lunchboxes, especially with flavors like Flashin’ Fruit Punch and Orange Lavaburst. Packaged in juice boxes or pouches, Hi-C provided a sweet beverage option that complemented many lunchtime meals. Its bright flavors and convenient packaging made it a favorite among schoolchildren.

Go-Gurt

Go-Gurt, introduced by Yoplait, is yogurt packaged in a squeezable tube, making it easy for kids to consume without the need for a spoon. Flavors ranged from strawberry to more adventurous combinations, and special editions, like those featuring Shrek, added to their appeal. The portability and fun factor made Go-Gurt a popular choice for school lunches in the early 2000s.

Cosmic Brownies

Cosmic Brownies, produced by Little Debbie, are dense, fudgy brownies topped with a layer of chocolate icing and sprinkled with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces. Their rich taste and chewy texture made them a beloved dessert item in many lunchboxes. The bright, candy toppings added a fun visual element, appealing to kids during the early 2000s.

Fruit by the Foot

Fruit by the Foot is a long, rolled-up fruit snack measuring approximately three feet in length. Each roll came individually packaged, making it easy to include in lunchboxes. The snack’s length and fruity flavors provided a fun and tasty experience, and some versions included tongue tattoos or games on the paper backing, adding to their interactive nature.

Planters Cheez Balls

Planters Cheez Balls were bite-sized, cheese-flavored snacks with a crunchy texture. Packaged in a signature blue canister, they were a popular choice for parties and lunchboxes alike. Their intense cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch made them a memorable snack from the early 2000s. Although they were discontinued for a time, Planters Cheez Balls have made occasional returns due to popular demand.

Gripz

Gripz were miniature versions of popular snacks like Cheez-Its and Chips Deluxe cookies, packaged in small pouches for easy snacking. Their bite-sized nature made them appealing to kids, who enjoyed eating them straight from the pouch. Each pack was designed for convenience, fitting perfectly into lunchboxes or backpacks. The small, crunchy snacks quickly became a schoolyard favorite, combining portability and flavor. Gripz were also marketed as a fun, interactive way to snack on familiar favorites.

Yoo-hoo

Yoo-hoo is a chocolate-flavored beverage that became a classic addition to many school lunches. Its rich, smooth chocolate taste was loved by kids, and it was often found in convenient boxes or bottles. Unlike regular chocolate milk, Yoo-hoo was marketed as a unique drink that didn’t require refrigeration. With its iconic yellow and brown branding, it stood out as a nostalgic drink for many who grew up in the early 2000s. The drink remains a beloved childhood staple for many adults today.

String Cheese

String cheese, often made from mozzarella, was a fun and nutritious snack that kids loved peeling apart. Its playful design encouraged kids to interact with their food while enjoying a source of calcium and protein. Individually wrapped for freshness, string cheese was a popular choice for busy parents packing lunchboxes. Many brands offered flavored versions, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to cater to different tastes. It remains a timeless lunchbox snack enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Oreo Cakesters

Oreo Cakesters took the iconic Oreo cookie and transformed it into a soft, cake-like treat. These fluffy, chocolatey snacks were filled with classic Oreo cream, making them a hit with kids and parents. Their soft texture and rich flavor provided a unique twist on the traditional Oreo. Packaged in individually wrapped portions, they were an easy addition to school lunches. Although discontinued for some time, Oreo Cakesters made a comeback due to nostalgic demand.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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