The Childhood Snacks We Secretly Still Crave

For Generation X, childhood wasn’t complete without a few tasty treats that made lunchboxes, school breaks, and weekend outings extra special. Some of these snacks are long gone, others still survive, but all of them carry memories that can make us feel ten years old again the moment we taste—or even just think about—them. Here’s a nostalgic look at the childhood snacks we secretly still crave.

1. Space Raiders

Crunchy, tangy, and a little bit addictive, Space Raiders were the ultimate retro snack. Whether you went for pickled onion, beef, or flaming hot flavours, these little alien-shaped crisps were perfect for sharing (or hoarding). The tangy seasoning still brings a wave of nostalgia to anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s.

2. Wagon Wheels

Soft marshmallow, jam, and chocolate all wrapped in a giant biscuit—Wagon Wheels were a weekend treat, a railway journey snack, or a secret post-school indulgence. Some may say they’re “just a biscuit,” but for Gen X, they were pure magic. The combination of chewy, gooey, and chocolatey textures is hard to beat even today.

3. Pom-Bear Crisps

Cute, bear-shaped crisps that seemed almost too adorable to eat—but most of us ate plenty anyway. Slightly salted, perfectly crunchy, and just the right size for little fingers, Pom-Bears are still around today, but they hold a special place in the memories of those who first discovered them decades ago.

4. Jelly Tots

Tiny, colourful, fruit-flavoured morsels that came in a paper tube or a small bag, Jelly Tots were a classic sweet treat. They were fun to pour, fun to eat, and fun to trade at breaktime. For anyone who loved chewy sweets, these remain an iconic taste of childhood.

5. Fruit Gums

Before gummies became a global phenomenon, simple fruit gums were the chewy, fruity staples in sweet shops and lunchboxes. The flavours may have been basic, but the memories are rich—squeezing the bag, sharing with friends, and slowly enjoying each tiny cube of nostalgia.

Why We Still Crave Them

There’s something about childhood snacks that goes beyond flavour. They’re tied to memories: school trips, Saturday morning cartoons, and family outings. They remind us of a simpler time, when the biggest worry was which snack to pick first. Even if we’ve grown up and our tastes have changed, these treats have a way of taking us right back to the joy of childhood.

Whether it’s Space Raiders, Wagon Wheels, or a handful of fruit gums, these snacks prove that some things are timeless—and some memories are edible.