10 Michigan Snacks That Have Been Forgotten But Locals Want Back

Michigan’s food culture is rich, but some beloved snacks have faded into obscurity. These treats, once staples in local households, stir up nostalgia among those who remember them. Here are ten snacks that Michiganders would love to see make a comeback.

1. Better Made Popcorn (Especially The Old Flavors)

Long before gourmet popcorn became trendy, Better Made’s flavored popcorn was a favorite in Michigan. Imagine cheddar, barbecue, and other bold flavors packing a punch. These bags were not just snacks; they were conversation starters at gatherings.

People craved the intense seasoning, and it was a staple during movie nights. Sadly, these flavors have mostly disappeared, leaving just cherished memories. Better Made’s chips survive, but the popcorn’s absence is still felt.

2. Better Made BBQ Popcorn

The BBQ flavor of Better Made Popcorn deserves special mention. It was tangy, smoky, and left your fingers deliciously orange. For many, it was like having Detroit’s famous barbecue chips in a crunchy, airy form.

Its disappearance created a void in snack bowls during local sports games. The intense flavor profile made it a favorite, and its return would undoubtedly be celebrated by fans.

3. Vernors Ginger Ale Candy

Vernors is synonymous with Michigan, and its candy was a concentrated burst of its signature flavor. Those amber drops packed a fiery ginger-vanilla punch.

Older Michiganders fondly remember them for soothing sore throats and providing a sugar rush on road trips. These candies are now elusive, mostly found in nostalgia shops, but their legacy endures in fond stories.

4. Sanders Chocolate Fudge Snack Bars

Sanders is famous for its hot fudge, but their snack bars were local treasures. These dense chocolate blocks, wrapped in smooth chocolate, offered a portable indulgence.

They were the perfect treat for a quick pick-me-up, often enjoyed immediately after purchase. Though Sanders still thrives, the absence of these snack bars leaves a sweet memory unfulfilled.

5. Awrey’s Sunshine Cookies

Awrey’s Bakery gave Detroit its cherished Sunshine Cookies. Light, crisp, and just sweet enough, they were lunchbox staples across the region.

These cookies graced family gatherings, church functions, and everyday coffee breaks. As Awrey’s footprint shrank, so did the presence of these beloved cookies, now mostly living on in fond stories shared by those who remember.

6. Velvet Peanut Butter Crackers

Velvet Peanut Butter Crackers were a Michigan staple before big brands took over. They featured two crackers with a layer of old-school peanut butter that tasted homemade.

These snacks were perfect for hunger pangs between meals, offering both taste and nostalgia. Their disappearance went unnoticed until people went searching for them, only to find they were no more.

7. Faygo Rock & Rye Candy Sticks

Faygo’s Rock & Rye is a cult favorite, and its candy sticks were once iconic. These sweet rods captured the creamy cherry-vanilla flavor perfectly.

Children would pair them with the soda for a sugar rush, creating a nostalgic duo. The sticks faded as candy aisles changed, but they remain a cherished memory among fans.

8. Kar’s Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Kar’s is now known for trail mix, but their chocolate peanut clusters were legendary. Simple yet satisfying, these clusters combined salted peanuts with milk chocolate.

They were the perfect grab-and-go snack, leaving you wanting more after each bag. As Kar’s shifted focus, these clusters became a fond memory, celebrated by long-time Detroiters.

9. Stroh’s Ice Cream Novelty Bars

Stroh’s, known for beer, charmed Michigan with its ice cream bars. These creamy, chocolate-coated delights were corner-store staples.

They weren’t extravagant, but they delivered classic flavors that locals grew up loving. While Stroh’s ice cream lives on, the specific grab-and-go bars have mostly vanished, leaving behind sweet nostalgia.

10. Bumpy Cake Snack Packs

Detroit’s Bumpy Cake is iconic, but its snack packs were once the perfect portable treat. They delivered the full cake experience in a single serving, making them a lunchbox favorite.

These packs made enjoying Bumpy Cake easy without needing an occasion. While the full cakes are still available, the snack packs have disappeared, leaving gaps in lunch bags and sweet memories.