Completely Ruined

There are so many delectable foods and snacks that make up the earlier years of our lives. However, going back to them now, it’s clear something has changed—and certainly not for the better. Here are 20 iconic snacks and meals that are far worse than we remember.

1. Subway’s Meatball Sub

Before 2001, Subway’s meatball sub sandwich was a staple for most people. However, this quickly changed when a shift in the recipe resulted in something completely unrecognizable. There is a noticeable shift in flavor, and the chalky, artificial texture of the meatball isn’t helping anyone either.

2. Cadbury Chocolates

In 2015, Cadbury decided to make a major shift in the recipe. While we can’t pinpoint the exact difference, many consumers report a too-sweet and greasy flavor, as well as a waxy and firm texture. Not to mention, they decided to abandon using Dairy Milk in their Crème Egg shells.

3. Breyer’s Ice Cream

Have you noticed how instead of calling it ice cream, Breyer’s is now referred to as a frozen dairy dessert? This is because their reduction of cream content means they’re not allowed to falsely advertise themselves. In addition to this, they’ve switched to artificial thickeners and stabilizers that taste gross.

4. Chips Ahoy

You’ve probably noticed by now that Chips Ahoy cookies are surprisingly hard and dense when you bite into them. Not to mention, they lack their chewy texture, are way too sweet, and have less chocolate content than before.

5. Pringles

The use of cheaper oils has resulted in a dip in quality for Pringles. The crispy texture has been replaced with a dense and chalky aftertaste, and certain flavors in particular, such as sour cream and onion, suffer the most.

6. McDonald’s Fries

Everyone knows McDonald’s has changed the oil in their French fry recipe, specifically switching from flavorful beef tallow to accessible vegetable oil. Not only is this cheaper and less tasty, but the addition of new freezing and shipping practices ruins the overall texture too.

7. Ritz Crackers

There is a significant lack of butter in new Ritz crackers, which is why they lack the rich and melt-in-your-mouth texture they were known for. Instead, to save on costs, new Ritz crackers are known to be brittle and thin.

8. Tomatoes

It might be surprising to hear that even vegetables have been significantly changed. This is because they are genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Scientists have prioritized shelf life over flavor, which is why genetically produced tomatoes are more bland and watery.

9. Twix Bar

By now, everyone is talking about the hard caramel texture that ruins the Twix experience. One bite, and you’ll realize the cookie is thinner, and it all tastes extremely sweet—not in a good way either. This is because the filling is now made up of large portions of high-fructose corn syrup.

10. Oreo

High-fructose corn syrup has ruined plenty of recipes, and Oreo isn’t safe either. The classic taste has been replaced with artificial sweeteners that have changed the original flavor. Not to mention, cost-cutting has resulted in the cookies becoming thinner and thinner.

11. Nutella

If you didn’t grow up with Nutella, it may surprise you to hear that the recipe has changed. Due to additional sugar and palm oil, alongside less cocoa, the spread has become less creamy and chocolatey and more greasy.

12. Toblerone

It turns out Toblerone isn’t even allowed to claim itself as Swiss chocolate anymore. This is because the factories have been moved out of Switzerland to keep prices down. Even the flavor and texture feel less luxurious now.

13. Sprite

While Sprite has lost its usual flavor, it has arguably become a bit healthier. This is because the new recipe is more watered down and uses artificial sweeteners instead of natural sugars. Depending on what you want, this is both a win and a loss.

14. Original Snack Mix

Some consumers have noticed the absence of the beloved sesame stick from the snack mix. In addition to this, the seasoning levels have been reduced, making it taste bland. Not to mention, the snacks within seem to be shrinking.

15. Peanut Butter Cup

While Reese’s is still pretty tasty, it was apparently way better in the past. Many consumers have noticed the filling is drier—this is due to a shift in the peanut butter that was used inside.

16. Pop Tarts

Pop Tarts were a staple breakfast treat in the past, but now they’ve become flaky, crumbly, and thinner. In fact, there is barely any fruit in them, as most of them barely have 2% of actual dried strawberries. The majority of the coloring comes from food coloring Red 40 and sugar.

17. Campbell’s Soup

As the soup cans get smaller and the salt levels get higher and higher, it’s no surprise that many people are noticing discrepancies in Campbell’s. The clam chowder soup specifically has been noted to have fewer clams, more potatoes, and a watered-down flavor.

18. Arizona Iced Tea

While Arizona has managed to retain its affordable $1 price, the quality of the beverage has certainly suffered. Consumers have reported a decline in flavor, likely because of additions of artificial flavoring and more sweeteners.

19. Olive Garden Breadsticks

Restaurant-goers have noticed the hard and dried-out texture of the breadsticks at Olive Garden. They were once garlicky, buttery, and fluffy, but that has changed—likely due to the use of shelf-life-extending preservatives.

20. Skittles

It turns out the green Skittle, that now tastes like sour apple, wasn’t always that way. It used to be lime flavored, and fans of the snack desperately miss it. Not only has the flavor been replaced, but the snack overall has a harder texture and a more artificial flavor.