Remember slap bracelets, dial-up internet that took forever, and the ear-splitting screams for boy bands? Let’s rewind to the 1990s, a decade of vibrant colors, iconic fashion, and unforgettable flavors. Planning a 90s themed party is the perfect way to relive this awesome era with your friends. But what’s a 90s bash without the perfect spread? The perfect 90s party isn’t complete without a menu of iconic, fun, and maybe-a-little-tacky foods that defined the era. This article explores the must-have foods for your ultimate 90s throwback bash! Get ready to transport your taste buds back to a time of frosted tips and Tamagotchis with these totally rad 90s themed party food ideas.
Sweet Treats That Were All That and a Bag of Chips
No 90s themed party is complete without a generous assortment of sugary, colorful treats. These sweets were the currency of the playground, the stars of our lunchboxes, and the fuel for countless hours spent playing video games. These 90s themed party food options are a guaranteed hit.
Fruit Roll-Ups and Fruit by the Foot
These stretchy, sugary fruit snacks were the epitome of 90s convenience and fun. Unrolling a Fruit by the Foot was a miniature event, and the artificial fruit flavors were addictive. What made them so popular? Their portability, vibrant colors, and the sheer novelty of eating a rolled-up sheet of “fruit.” For your 90s themed party food spread, consider cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters to add a playful touch. You can even use them as dessert “wraps” for ice cream or yogurt! Find them at most supermarkets or online retailers specializing in nostalgic candy.
Dunkaroos
These little packets of pure joy featured graham crackers and a container of frosting made for dipping. The little kangaroo mascot was adorable, and the act of dunking made snack time an interactive experience. Dunkaroos offered a delightful combination of sweet and crunchy. While they experienced a period of scarcity, Dunkaroos have made a triumphant return to store shelves, much to the delight of 90s kids (now adults!). For your 90s themed party, serve them in individual cups for easy grabbing, or create a Dunkaroo “bar” with different dippers like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. You can also find DIY recipes online if you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your own healthier version.
Gushers
These chewy candies with a liquid center were a sensory explosion. The burst of fruity flavor when you bit into one was incredibly satisfying. Gushers capitalized on the 90s obsession with anything extreme and attention-grabbing. Did you know they experimented with some truly bizarre flavors over the years? Imagine serving a bowl of Gushers at your 90s themed party food table. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color and a touch of unexpected flavor.
Rice Krispie Treats
These marshmallowy squares were a staple of school bake sales and homemade snacks. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, Rice Krispie Treats represented the simplicity and comfort of the 90s. The combination of crispy rice cereal and gooey marshmallows is simply irresistible. Elevate your Rice Krispie Treats for your 90s themed party by making a gourmet version with brown butter and sea salt. You can also use food coloring to create vibrant, neon-colored treats or cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters. These are always a welcomed 90s themed party food option for everyone.
Push-Up Pops
These frozen treats in a cardboard tube were a refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day. The act of pushing the ice cream up from the bottom was strangely satisfying. The bright colors and fruity flavors of Push-Up Pops perfectly embodied the carefree spirit of the 90s. Look for Push-Up Pops at your local grocery store or try making your own with a DIY recipe using fruit purees and yogurt. They are sure to be a hit at your 90s themed party food selection.
Savory Snacks: Snack Time, Anytime
Beyond the sugary delights, the 90s also offered a range of savory snacks that were perfect for after-school munching and weekend hangouts. These were the foods that fueled our video game sessions and late-night sleepovers. No 90s themed party food is complete without a few savory options.
Pizza Rolls
These bite-sized pockets of pizza goodness were a microwave marvel. Quick, easy, and satisfying, Pizza Rolls were the go-to snack for busy kids and teenagers. The combination of tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni in a crispy, doughy shell was simply irresistible. For your 90s themed party, serve Pizza Rolls with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for the adults. You can even bake them in the oven for a crispier texture.
Bagel Bites
Another microwaveable masterpiece, Bagel Bites were miniature pizzas on a bagel base. They were a convenient and delicious way to satisfy a pizza craving in a matter of minutes. The soft bagel, tangy sauce, and melted cheese created a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Bagel Bites came in a variety of flavors, including cheese, pepperoni, and sausage. Get creative with your 90s themed party and arrange Bagel Bites on a platter in a fun pattern, like a smiley face or a peace sign.
Lunchables
These pre-packaged lunch combinations were the ultimate in convenience. Lunchables offered a variety of options, from crackers and cheese to mini pizzas and nachos. While often criticized for their nutritional value, Lunchables held a certain nostalgic appeal for 90s kids. For a more grown-up take on Lunchables at your 90s themed party, create DIY Lunchables using healthier ingredients. Offer a “deconstructed” Lunchable platter with crackers, cheeses, sliced meats, and vegetables.
Chips and Dip
No party is complete without chips and dip, and the 90s had some iconic pairings. Think Cool Ranch Doritos paired with French onion dip, or sour cream and onion chips with creamy dill dip. These were the quintessential snack combinations for after-school hangouts and weekend gatherings. Set up a chip and dip station at your 90s themed party with a variety of chip flavors and dips. Don’t forget to include some retro options like Ruffles and spinach dip.
Drinks to Quench Your Thirst
To wash down all those delicious snacks, you’ll need some equally iconic 90s drinks. These beverages were the perfect complement to the snacks and treats, adding another layer of nostalgia to your 90s themed party. What 90s themed party food is complete without a 90s themed drink.
Capri Sun
These foil pouches of juice were a staple of lunchboxes and soccer games. Capri Sun offered a variety of fruity flavors and the convenient pouch made it easy to take on the go. While not the most environmentally friendly, Capri Sun held a special place in the hearts of 90s kids. Serve Capri Suns at your 90s themed party for a dose of nostalgia. You can even find Capri Sun pouches in retro flavors or create a custom label with a 90s theme.
Soda
Certain sodas were particularly popular in the 90s, like Surge, a citrus-flavored energy drink with a cult following. Others like Mountain Dew with all of its versions, or Coca-cola or Pepsi were also quite popular. These sugary beverages were the perfect accompaniment to pizza and video games. Set up a soda station at your 90s themed party with a variety of retro soda flavors. Display the sodas in glass bottles for an authentic 90s feel.
Juice Boxes
Similar to Capri Sun, Juice Boxes were a convenient and portable way to quench your thirst. They came in a variety of fruit flavors and were a staple of school lunches. Juice Boxes were a simple and affordable option for staying hydrated. Offer a selection of Juice Boxes at your 90s themed party. You can even find Juice Boxes with 90s-themed characters or designs.
Presentation and Extra Touches
The key to throwing a truly memorable 90s themed party is paying attention to the details. From the decorations to the music, every element should transport your guests back to the 1990s. This includes the presentation of your 90s themed party food.
Theming
Use 90s-themed serving dishes, tablecloths, and decorations to create an immersive experience. Think neon colors, geometric patterns, and images of iconic 90s symbols like floppy disks, cassette tapes, and Tamagotchis. Don’t forget to play 90s music to set the mood. Create a playlist of the biggest hits from the decade, from grunge to hip-hop to bubblegum pop. This is where the fun of 90s themed party food really comes alive.
DIY Food Station
Set up a “make your own Dunkaroo” bar with different flavors of frosting, graham crackers, and toppings. Or create a personalized pizza roll station with various sauces and cheeses. DIY food stations add an interactive element to your party and allow guests to customize their snacks.
Printable Decorations
Download and print retro food labels, party signs with 90s slang, and other themed decorations to add a personal touch to your party. You can find free printable templates online or create your own using graphic design software.
Conclusion
Food is an integral part of any party, and a 90s themed party is no exception. By serving these iconic snacks and treats, you’ll transport your guests back to a simpler time of frosted tips, dial-up internet, and unforgettable pop culture. These 90s themed party food ideas are a guaranteed success. So grab your scrunchies and butterfly clips, and get ready to party like it’s 1999! This selection of food will bring your party to life with the fun and lightheartedness of the 1990s.
