12 Breakfast Cereals from the ’80s That Need a Comeback

The 1980s were a time of creativity and fun, especially when it came to breakfast cereals. Manufacturers introduced unique flavors, bright colors, and even tie-ins with popular TV shows and movies. For many, these cereals were more than just a morning meal—they were a cherished part of childhood. Although some of these cereals have disappeared from store shelves, the memories of their taste and fun linger on. Here are twelve breakfast cereals from the ’80s that many would love to see make a comeback.

1. Smurf-Berry Crunch Smurf-Berry Crunch

Smurf-Berry Crunch Smurf-Berry Crunch was a cereal inspired by the popular ’80s cartoon, “The Smurfs.” It featured small, berry-flavored pieces in red and blue, mimicking the colors of the Smurfs themselves. The cereal had a sweet, fruity taste that appealed to kids, and the association with the beloved TV show made it an instant hit.

The cereal’s success was partly due to the popularity of the Smurfs, but it also stood out for its distinct flavor and bright appearance. However, as the Smurfs craze died down, so did the cereal. It was eventually discontinued, leaving fans wishing for its return. The memory of Smurf-Berry Crunch endures, especially for those who enjoyed watching the Smurfs while eating a bowl of this colorful cereal.

2. C-3PO’s

Named after the iconic Star Wars droid, C-3PO’s was a honey-sweetened cereal introduced in the mid-’80s. The cereal pieces were shaped like figure eights, resembling the droid’s mechanical design. It was marketed as a fun, intergalactic breakfast option for Star Wars fans, complete with box promotions that included collectible cards and cut-out masks.

While it wasn’t on the shelves for long, C-3PO’s left a mark on fans of both the cereal and the Star Wars franchise. The combination of a beloved movie character and a tasty, honey-flavored cereal made it a memorable part of many childhood breakfasts. Despite its short run, C-3PO’s remains a nostalgic favorite for those who remember the excitement of combining breakfast with a bit of Star Wars magic.

3. Ghostbusters Cereal Ghostbusters Cereal

Ghostbusters Cereal Ghostbusters Cereal hit the shelves in the late ’80s, riding on the popularity of the “Ghostbusters” movies and animated series. The cereal featured fruity-flavored corn puffs shaped like the Ghostbusters logo, along with marshmallow pieces shaped like ghosts. It was a playful and colorful cereal that captured the spirit of the franchise.

The appeal of Ghostbusters Cereal went beyond just its taste; it was part of a larger Ghostbusters craze that included toys, games, and other merchandise. Fans loved starting their day with a cereal that connected them to their favorite ghost-hunting heroes. However, like many themed cereals, it didn’t last long. The cereal was eventually discontinued, but it remains a fond memory for those who grew up with the Ghostbusters.

4. Pac-Man Cereal Pac-Man Cereal

Pac-Man Cereal Pac-Man Cereal was inspired by the iconic arcade game that defined the early ’80s. The cereal featured crunchy, sweet corn pieces shaped like Pac-Man and the ghosts he chased, along with marshmallows to add extra sweetness. It was a fun way for fans of the game to bring a bit of their arcade experience to the breakfast table.

The popularity of Pac-Man Cereal was closely tied to the massive success of the video game. Kids loved the idea of eating their favorite video game characters, and the cereal’s playful design made breakfast more enjoyable. However, as the Pac-Man craze faded, so did the cereal. Although it’s no longer available, Pac-Man Cereal remains a nostalgic reminder of the early days of video gaming.

5. Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal

Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal brought the taste of the popular donut chain to breakfast tables in the ’80s. The cereal featured two flavors—glazed style and chocolate style—both shaped like miniature donuts. It was a unique concept that blended the flavors of a favorite treat with the convenience of cereal.

For many, Dunkin’ Donuts Cereal was a delightful way to enjoy the taste of donuts without leaving the house. The cereal offered a sweet, indulgent breakfast experience that stood out from the more traditional options. Despite its popularity, it eventually disappeared from the market. Those who remember it still talk about its distinctive flavor and the fun of having donuts for breakfast.

6. Mr. T Cereal Mr. T Cereal

Mr. T Cereal Mr. T Cereal was a corn and oat cereal shaped like the letter “T” and sweetened with sugar. It was launched in the mid-’80s and capitalized on the popularity of Mr. T, the actor and professional wrestler known for his roles in “The A-Team” and “Rocky III.” The cereal’s box featured a bold image of Mr. T, and it quickly became a favorite among kids who admired the tough but kind-hearted star.

The cereal itself was simple but satisfying, with a crunchy texture and a sweet taste that made it a hit. However, Mr. T Cereal was more than just a breakfast option—it was a symbol of the ’80s pop culture phenomenon that Mr. T represented. The cereal didn’t last long, but it left a lasting impression on those who grew up watching Mr. T on TV.

7. Morning Funnies Cereal Morning Funnies Cereal

Morning Funnies Cereal Morning Funnies Cereal was a unique offering that featured colorful, fruit-flavored pieces shaped like various cartoon characters. The box itself was designed to look like a comic strip, with different comic characters and jokes printed on it. This cereal was a visual and taste treat, appealing to kids who loved reading the comics while eating breakfast.

The combination of fun shapes, bright colors, and a sweet taste made Morning Funnies a memorable part of many childhood mornings. However, its uniqueness couldn’t keep it on the shelves for long. The cereal was discontinued, but it’s still remembered for its creative packaging and the joy it brought to comic-loving kids.

8. S’mores Crunch S’mores Crunch

S’mores Crunch S’mores Crunch was a cereal that aimed to capture the taste of the classic campfire treat. It featured graham-flavored cereal squares, chocolate puffs, and marshmallow bits, all combined to mimic the flavor of s’mores. For kids who loved s’mores, this cereal was a way to enjoy that flavor any time of the day.

The cereal was popular for its unique flavor and the way it brought a sense of outdoor fun to the breakfast table. S’mores Crunch was a hit with those who enjoyed the mix of graham, chocolate, and marshmallow. Despite its initial success, it eventually disappeared from the market, leaving behind fond memories of its sweet, nostalgic taste.

9. Sprinkle Spangles Sprinkle Spangles

Sprinkle Spangles Sprinkle Spangles were star-shaped corn puffs coated with colorful sprinkles, offering a sweet and crunchy breakfast experience. The cereal’s bright colors and fun shapes were a hit with kids, and the sprinkles added a touch of magic to each bowl. The cereal was heavily marketed with a mascot named “The Sprinkle Genie,” who promised that “Every spangle is spangled with sprinkles!”

Despite its fun concept, Sprinkle Spangles were short-lived. The cereal’s novelty couldn’t sustain it for long, and it was eventually discontinued. However, it remains a fond memory for those who loved the playful idea of having sprinkles for breakfast.

10. Waffelos Waffelos

Waffelos Waffelos were waffle-shaped cereal pieces that came in two flavors: maple and blueberry. The cereal aimed to bring the taste of waffles to the breakfast table in a convenient, ready-to-eat form. The maple flavor was especially popular, capturing the sweet, rich taste of syrup-drenched waffles.

Waffelos were a favorite for those who loved the idea of a waffle-inspired cereal. The unique shape and flavors made it stand out in the crowded cereal market. However, despite its popularity, Waffelos eventually disappeared from store shelves, leaving fans wishing for its return. It’s remembered as a cereal that perfectly captured the essence of a classic breakfast favorite.

11. Fruit Brute Fruit Brute

Fruit Brute Fruit Brute was one of the original monster-themed cereals from General Mills, alongside Count Chocula and Franken Berry. It featured a fruit-flavored cereal with marshmallow bits and was represented by a werewolf mascot. The cereal had a unique mix of fruity and sweet flavors, making it a hit with those who enjoyed the other monster cereals.

Despite its popularity, Fruit Brute was discontinued in the early ’80s, making it one of the rarer monster cereals. Its absence has only increased its mystique, with fans still longing for its return. Fruit Brute remains a cult favorite, remembered for its distinctive flavor and its place in the monster cereal lineup.

12. Banana Frosted Flakes Banana Frosted Flakes

Banana Frosted Flakes Banana Frosted Flakes were a twist on the classic Frosted Flakes cereal, adding a banana flavor to the mix. The cereal combined the familiar sweet, crunchy corn flakes with a hint of banana, offering a new take on a breakfast staple. It was a unique flavor that stood out from the more traditional cereal options available at the time.

While Banana Frosted Flakes were not as long-lasting as the original, they left a mark on those who enjoyed their distinct taste. The combination of banana and sugar-coated flakes was a hit with kids and adults alike. Though it’s no longer available, Banana Frosted Flakes are fondly remembered as a creative and tasty variation of a beloved cereal classic.