Growing up in Connecticut during the 1980s was an unforgettable experience—especially when it came to food. The 80s were a golden era for snacks, school lunches, and comfort foods, many of which are sadly no longer available today.
For those of us who spent our childhoods in the Nutmeg State, certain iconic foods will forever bring back fond memories of simpler times. Here’s a look at 10 beloved foods that every 80’s Connecticut kid can’t forget.
1. Dunkaroos
If you were a Connecticut kid in the 80s, you were definitely packing Dunkaroos in your lunchbox. These delicious treats came with graham cracker cookies and a creamy, sugary frosting dip, making them the ultimate after-school snack. They were fun to eat and even more fun to trade with friends, especially when you had the coveted “double frosting” pack. Dunkaroos may have disappeared for a while, but thankfully they’ve made a comeback—just not quite the same as the original.
2. Pizza Bagels
Before bagel bites became the snack of choice, Connecticut kids were all about pizza bagels. These mini bagels topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni (or whatever toppings you liked) were the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. Whether it was an after-school snack or a quick dinner, pizza bagels were a go-to meal for many 80s kids.
3. Hostess Fruit Pies
Hostess Fruit Pies were the ultimate sweet treat, and for many, they were a lunchbox staple. Whether you went for the apple, cherry, or lemon-filled variety, biting into that sugary, fried crust with the gooey filling inside was always a highlight of the day. Those little pie-shaped pastries came wrapped in a foil packet, and they were perfect for satisfying any craving for something sweet.
4. Jell-O Pudding Pops
24/7 Fast-Food Joint Arrives at Popular NJ Shopping Plaza
Jell-O Pudding Pops were the frozen treat of choice for many 80s kids. Packed with creamy pudding on a stick, they came in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and swirled varieties. These were the perfect way to cool off during Connecticut’s hot summers and were often the center of nostalgia-filled commercials. Sadly, Jell-O stopped making these frozen delights in the 90s, leaving many longing for the smooth, delicious treat.
5. Tang
Before fruit-flavored water became all the rage, Tang was the go-to drink for 80s kids.
This powdered drink mix, which was advertised as “the astronaut drink,” was tangy, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing when mixed with water. It made an appearance at breakfast tables and in lunchboxes across Connecticut, and while it’s still around today, it just doesn’t have the same childhood charm it once did.
6. Baked Lays (Original Flavor)
Baked Lays chips may seem ordinary today, but back in the 80s, they were a revelation. They offered a healthier alternative to regular potato chips without sacrificing flavor.
Connecticut kids loved grabbing a bag for lunch or munching on them while watching Saturday morning cartoons. The crispy, light texture combined with the salty goodness made them a classic snack that’s still beloved today.
7. Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks were the candy that everyone was talking about in the 80s. When you popped these little fizzy candies into your mouth, they exploded with a unique, crackling sensation. The novelty of the popping sound and sensation made it a must-have candy for daring kids, and many of us had contests to see who could handle the most without freaking out.
8. SunnyD
SunnyD, or Sunny Delight, was marketed as the “fun” orange juice, and it was a must-have beverage for any 80s kid. While technically not 100% juice, this sweet, tangy drink was a fixture at many Connecticut households. The bright orange packaging and neon-colored drink were practically synonymous with childhood, though its sugary taste sometimes had parents questioning its nutritional value.
9. Pudding Cups (Snack Pack)
Snack Pack Pudding Cups were a staple of school lunches throughout the 80s. Whether you loved chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch, these pre-portioned cups of pudding were the perfect way to finish off a lunch. The rich, velvety texture of the pudding paired with that little plastic spoon made it feel like a treat, even if you ate it every day. They’ve stood the test of time and remain a nostalgic favorite for many.
10. The Big Mac
While technically not a Connecticut-exclusive, the Big Mac had its moment in the 80s as a signature fast food item that many Connecticut kids would savor on a Saturday afternoon. McDonald’s iconic burger, with its two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, was a meal that brought satisfaction after a long week. Even today, the Big Mac remains a cultural icon, but there’s something about eating one after a day of playing outside that makes it unforgettable.
Conclusion: A Delicious Walk Down Memory Lane
For those of us who grew up in Connecticut in the 80s, these foods are more than just snacks—they’re a link to our childhoods, a reminder of simpler times when food was about fun and flavor. Whether it was trading Dunkaroos at lunch, enjoying the popping sensation of Pop Rocks, or savoring the sweet taste of Hostess Fruit Pies, these treats were more than just fuel for the day—they were part of our shared experience.
So, if you ever find yourself longing for a taste of the past, just remember: these foods might be hard to find, but the memories are always there, ready to take you back to a time when life was a little bit sweeter (and a lot more flavorful).
