Nostalgic Snacks That Were Banned or Discontinued

#29: Hi-C Ecto Cooler, 1987–2001

Hi-C Ecto Cooler was introduced as a tie-in to The Real Ghostbusters cartoon in 1987. With its neon green color and Slimer mascot, it instantly captured kids’ imaginations. The citrus-flavored drink became a lunchbox legend, turning ordinary juice boxes into something fun, weird, and a little bit spooky.

Even after the cartoon ended, Ecto Cooler remained a staple throughout the 1990s. Its goofy branding and tangy flavor carved out a permanent place in pop culture. For kids of the era, nothing felt cooler than showing up at school or a birthday party with an Ecto Cooler in hand.