- - 10 Iconic '80s Food Commercials That Still Spark Nostalgia Today

Choya JohnsonFebruary 16, 2026 at 1:55 AM

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Peter Turnley/Corbis/VCG / Getty Images

Growing up, many of us couldn’t wait for our favorite commercials to come on during TV breaks. We stayed glued to the screen, eager to see what would be advertised next. From beloved snacks making a comeback to brand-new products designed to make us beg our parents at the grocery store, those ads had us hooked.

Nothing excited kids—and even adults—more than a catchy commercial that lived rent-free in our minds. You know—the kind you’d randomly blurt out without even realizing it. And if you grew up in the '80s (or the '90s), then you know how impactful '80s food commercials have been on the culture.

Some of these commercials were so unforgettable that we still quote them today with friends and family. And we're willing to bet there are a few you’ve completely forgotten—until you see them again. The moment they pop up on your TV or social feed, that wave of nostalgia hits and suddenly, you’re sharing it on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. And rightfully so.

So, if you're a lover of nostalgia, but don't feel like scrolling through social to get that hit, don’t worry—we’ve done the work. Here are 10 iconic ’80s food commercials guaranteed to take you back to a time when things felt fresh, authentic and unforgettable.

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10 '80s Food Commercials You Need to See1. "This Is Your Brain On Drugs Commercial"—Partnership for a Drug Free America (1987)

The “This Is Your Brain…This Is Your Brain On Drugs” PSA is one of the most iconic spots from the 1980s—a simple setup using an egg in a frying pan to show what drugs can do to your brain. It wasn’t trying to sell a product; it was trying to scare viewers straight with one unforgettable visual you couldn’t unsee.

The imagery and message were so bold that generations of kids still remember it decades later, making it a true example of how a powerful commercial (even a public service announcement) can live rent-free in our minds long after the ad break ended.

2. "Where's the Beef?"—Wendy's (1984)

Though Wendy’s doesn’t lean on its “Where’s the Beef?” motto in everyday ads anymore, its unforgettable 1984 commercial is a major reason the phrase became more than just a tagline; it became a pop-culture staple.

Featuring Clara Peller demanding to know “Where’s the beef?” over a tiny burger patty, the humorous spot didn’t just sell burgers—it became a catchphrase used in everyday conversation—even politics—cementing Wendy’s place in advertising history.

3. "The Choice of a New Generation”—Pepsi (1985)

Pepsi’s “The Choice of a New Generation” wasn’t just selling soda; it was selling attitude. With high-energy visuals, bold fashion and the pulse of pop culture, the campaign made cracking open a Pepsi feel like joining a movement.

Backed by superstar powerhouses like Michael Jackson and Madonna, the ads blended music, style and swagger into something bigger than a soft drink. It wasn’t about quenching thirst—it was about claiming your vibe, your era and your voice. That tagline turned Pepsi into more than a cola; it became a cultural stamp for a generation that wanted to stand out, be heard and sip on something that felt undeniably now.

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4. "I Heard It Through the Grapevine”—The California Raisins (1986)

The California Raisins ad wasn’t just another ’80s food commercial; it was a full-blown pop culture moment. A troupe of claymation, sunglass-wearing raisins grooving to a rendition of the 1960's classic single “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” turned an otherwise humble snack into a soulful, dance-loving sensation, helping boost raisin sales and spawning albums, TV specials, toys and even a cartoon series.

What started as a quirky marketing idea in 1986 became one of the most memorable animated food mascots of the decade and produced a jingle and look that still makes Gen Xers smile decades later.

5. “Mac Tonight”—McDonald's (1987)

This legendary McDonald’s ad wasn't just serving late-night burgers. Instead, it’s delivered the jazzy, moonlit charm of one smooth crooning pianist. “Mac Tonight,” with his crescent-moon face and slick shades, serenaded viewers with a catchy tune that made even nighttime cravings feel cool.

The playful combination of music, quirky animation and irresistible charisma turned this commercial into more than a promo spot. It actually became a cultural moment you found yourself humming, laughing at and sharing, cementing its place as a nostalgic favorite that still lights up memories decades later.

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6. “Silly Rabbit—Trix Are for Kids!” —Trix (1987)

Unlike most cereal commercials, this classic cereal ad wasn't just about selling fruity shapes and breakfast. This iconic placement was about the endless, comical struggle of one determined bunny, telling a story that set the tone for the brand for decades. No matter how hard he tries to sneak a bowl of Trix, that mischievous rabbit always got stopped cold by the iconic line, “Silly rabbit—Trix are for kids!”

The catchy hook and the goofy chase made this more than a commercial to sell ereal to kids. It became one of those commercials you couldn’t help but repeat, laugh at or quote to friends years later, earning its place as a nostalgic favorite that hops around in your memory.

7. “Mikey Likes It”—Life Cereal (1988)

This memorable “Mikey Likes It” commercial showcased the hilarious, unexpected victory of one picky kid. No matter how skeptical his siblings were, Mikey’s unplanned approval of Life Cereal turned the table, sparking laughter and disbelief with every crunch.

The simple premise, the iconic line and Mikey’s genuine reaction made this more than a breakfast ad and instead made it a cultural touchstone. It became a spot you couldn’t help but quote, share and remember fondly long after the milk settled.

8. “Ecto Cooler”—Hi-C (1989)

Fans of classic food marketing still light up when this commercial comes to mind, because it didn’t just sell a snack—it defined a generation. In just 30 seconds, the ad captured hearts with its catchy tune and unforgettable scene (you know the one), turning a simple product into a cultural touchstone.

For many kids of the ’80s, this commercial wasn’t just background noise or a moment to jump up and grab a snack from the kitchen. Instead, it was appointment TV, and it stuck with us for decades after. It’s the kind of moment that still gets shared on social media, sparking nostalgia and laughs from anyone who remembers humming that jingle long after the TV went off.

9. "L'Eggo My Eggo!"—Eggo Waffles (1989)

Brought to shoppers by the brand that we knew and love, this placement started a movement that would transcend well past the '80s and '90s. Showcasing the pure, irresistible joy of breakfast in the hands of kids everywhere, the now-iconic “L’Eggo my Eggo” line perfectly captured that playful tug-of-war between parents and their little waffle lovers.

The catchy slogan, the buttery visuals and the mischievous scramble to snag the last Eggo, made this commercial a phrase and a moment you couldn’t help but mimic, laugh at or share, cementing its place as a crispy, nostalgic favorite in pop culture.

10. “Like a Prayer”—Pepsi (1989)

Pepsi and pop culture fans will forever remember the "Like a Prayer" commercial as one of the most talked-about ads in music and advertising history. The 120-second spot paired Pepsi with Madonna at the peak of her superstardom, blending her controversial hit "Like a Prayer" with bold, cinematic visuals that sparked conversation around the world.

While the ad was ultimately pulled due to backlash over the song’s religious imagery, it still stands as a defining moment where a soda commercial crossed over into mainstream music culture, proving that an ad could be as headline-grabbing as the chart-topping artist in it. Not too shabby, if you ask us!

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This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”