Nostalgic Snacks That Were Banned or Discontinued

#25: WOW! Chips, 1998–2000s

In the late 1990s, Frito-Lay introduced WOW! Chips, fat-free versions of Lay’s, Ruffles, and Doritos made with the fat substitute Olestra. The bright packaging and bold “guilt-free” promise made them an instant sensation. Snackers flocked to stores, thrilled at the idea of eating chips without the calories.

For a brief moment, WOW! Chips were everywhere — in vending machines, lunchboxes, and Super Bowl ads. They became the poster child of the 90s “diet food” craze, where indulgence and health consciousness collided. It felt like the snack world had been transformed overnight by this new invention.