1. Hostess Choco Bliss
If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably remember tearing into a package of Choco Bliss. These little chocolate cakes were stacked with layers of moist cake, creamy frosting, and a shiny chocolate glaze on top. They felt more decadent than your average snack cake, like something you’d sneak after dinner rather than pack in your lunchbox.
The packaging made them look fancy too, with a clear window so you could see all that chocolate waiting inside. Sadly, Hostess discontinued them in the ’90s, and fans have been clamoring for their return ever since. Every so often, people start petitions online hoping to bring them back, but so far no luck. Choco Bliss remains one of those treats that feels almost legendary now.
2. Dolly Madison Zingers
Zingers were the rival to Twinkies, but with a bit more pizzazz. Dolly Madison offered them in chocolate, vanilla, and even raspberry, complete with frosting on top. They were a staple in many kids’ lunchboxes, especially since Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang were featured in the ads.
The chocolate ones were especially popular, with a fudgy coating that made them richer than a Twinkie. While Hostess eventually took over and still makes versions today, they aren’t quite the same as the originals from the ’80s. If you had the old ones, you know the difference in taste and texture. That’s why nostalgic snack lovers still reminisce about the classic Zingers.
3. Hostess Pudding Pies
These weren’t your average snack pies, they were filled with creamy pudding instead of fruit. Flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and banana made them a sweet surprise when you unwrapped that shiny foil packaging. They were soft, messy, and oh-so-satisfying, perfect for kids who wanted more than a plain pie.
The chocolate version was probably the most loved, tasting like a portable cream pie. They disappeared quietly in the ’90s, leaving fans scratching their heads as to why. Hostess still makes fruit pies, but nothing quite fills the pudding-shaped hole in people’s hearts. For those who got to try them, they’re remembered as one of the best Hostess experiments.
4. Little Debbie Jelly Creme Pies
These were a mix between a sandwich cookie and a hand pie. Two soft cakes sandwiched a layer of marshmallow filling and sweet jelly, usually strawberry. The combo made them a unique choice compared to Little Debbie’s more chocolate-heavy offerings.
They weren’t as popular as Oatmeal Creme Pies, but those who loved them really loved them. The balance of fruit and cream gave them a lighter feel, even though they were still indulgent. Sadly, they didn’t stick around long and are now just a memory for snack lovers. Every so often, collectors even post old boxes online, stirring up a wave of nostalgia.
5. Hostess Orange CupCakes
Most people remember the chocolate CupCakes, but the orange-flavored version was a treat all its own. With their bright orange frosting and white swirl on top, they stood out in any lunchroom. The flavor was a sweet orange cake paired with a creamy filling inside.
They had a citrus kick that made them taste different from the standard lineup. Some kids thought they were too bold, but those who liked them became loyal fans. Unfortunately, they were discontinued, though Hostess has occasionally teased limited-time returns. Today, they’re remembered as one of the most unique spins on the classic CupCake.
6. Hostess Light Twinkies
In the health-conscious ’80s, even snack cakes tried to go on a diet. Light Twinkies were marketed as a lower-calorie alternative to the classic, boasting fewer calories but keeping the fluffy cake and cream filling. Parents who felt guilty about sugar sometimes tossed these into lunchboxes.
But let’s be real, most kids weren’t fooled. They didn’t taste quite as rich as the original Twinkies, and that made them less fun. They quietly disappeared from shelves as kids reached past them for the “real thing.” Still, they’re a quirky reminder of how the snack world tried to keep up with diet fads.
7. Hostess Big Wheels
Big Wheels were Hostess’ answer to Little Debbie’s beloved Swiss Cake Rolls. They were round chocolate cakes filled with cream and covered in a rich chocolate shell. What made them different was their size—they were thicker and heavier, living up to the name.
They were a hit with kids who thought Swiss Cake Rolls were gone too fast. Big Wheels gave you more bites, more chocolate, and more of that classic Hostess flavor. They didn’t last into the ’90s, though, and became one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” snacks. For those who tried them, they were unforgettable.
8. Tastykake Kreamies
Tastykake made a lot of regional favorites, and Kreamies were one of the standouts of the ’80s. These were sandwich-style snack cakes filled with a thick layer of creamy filling. They came in chocolate and vanilla versions, each one rich and satisfying.
Unlike some snack cakes that felt airy, Kreamies were dense and indulgent. Kids in Tastykake’s home turf of Philadelphia swore by them, and visitors often stocked up to take boxes home. Sadly, they faded out of the lineup, leaving only memories behind. For those who grew up with them, no replacement has ever been quite right.
9. Hostess Banana Flip
The Banana Flip was a sponge cake folded over with a thick banana-flavored cream in the center. Its semi-circle shape made it stand out in a world of rectangles and rolls. The flavor was bold and distinct, especially if you were a fan of banana pudding.
They were especially nostalgic for people who loved fruitier snack cakes. Sadly, the Banana Flip was discontinued in the ’80s, and no version has come back since. It’s one of those snacks people still mention on forums when reminiscing about childhood treats. For many, it’s the one snack cake they’d revive if they could.
10. Dolly Madison Banana Twins
These twin sponge cakes with banana creme filling were fun to share—if you actually wanted to. They came as two cakes joined together, meant to be split apart. The banana flavor made them unique compared to the usual chocolate and vanilla desserts.
They were popular for a while but slowly disappeared from shelves. Fans who miss them say nothing today captures that exact taste. Banana-flavored snacks aren’t as common anymore, which makes Banana Twins even more missed. They’re another snack that fans still talk about decades later.
11. Hostess Tiger Tails
Tiger Tails were essentially Sno Balls with a twist. They had the same marshmallow coating and creamy filling, but they added a pink coconut topping striped with chocolate. The look alone made them exciting, and kids loved showing them off.
They tasted just as wild as they looked, with the combo of chocolate, coconut, and cream. They were discontinued in the late ’80s, leaving Sno Balls to carry on alone. Fans still reminisce about how fun they were, wishing Hostess would give them another run. They really captured the playful spirit of ’80s snack time.
12. Drake’s Devil Dogs Chocolate-Frosted
Most people know Devil Dogs as chocolate snack cakes with cream filling, but in the ’80s there was a special frosted version. The cakes were coated in a chocolate glaze, making them even richer. They were a big hit in the Northeast where Drake’s was especially popular.
These frosted Devil Dogs didn’t last long, but they were a treat for anyone who wanted extra chocolate in their snack. The glaze made them stand out compared to the plain versions. Even though they were short-lived, they’ve earned a permanent place in snack cake nostalgia. Fans still talk about them with a mix of fondness and frustration that they never returned.
13. Hostess Chocodiles
Chocodiles were Twinkies covered in a chocolate coating, making them even more decadent. They were introduced in the ’80s and quickly became a cult favorite. They were harder to find than Twinkies, which made them feel special and rare.
The mix of sponge cake, cream, and chocolate was a hit with anyone who tried them. Hostess discontinued them for a while, but fans never stopped asking about them. While limited runs have popped up since, the original version is still missed. For many snack lovers, Chocodiles remain one of the most iconic lost treats of the ’80s.
