Cinema and television has always been filled with entertaining stories and performances and it’s also a platform for food brands to advertise their products. Making the snacks appear in one of the scenes captures the audience interest and entices them to give the snack a taste. Through product placements and advertising deals, a snack is inserted in a movie scene as a way to advertise and at the same time, boost awareness for the brand. In this listicle, let’s discuss Top 20 snacks that helped make iconic television and movie scenes.
20. Pop Tarts in Gilmore Girls
Let’s start off with the iconic Gilmore Girls, who wouldn’t recognize Lorelai and her daughter Rory’s early morning conversation about Pop-Tarts?
It started off with a scene where Lorelai was staring at a Pop-Tart in her hand, reminiscing about her childhood when she had her taste of the treat at her friend’s. At first, she hesitated to try it, imagining the horror in her mom’s face if she ever learned she’s going to eat one. And when Lorelai finally did, she described it like “nothing ever tasted so good”, with her thoughts of “it tasted like freedom, rebellion, and independence”. And we totally agree.
Pop-Tarts is easily one of the best childhood treats we could ever think of. If someone ever asks, what’s our favorite childhood snack, I’m sure one would immediately blurt out, “Pop-Tarts”, because that’s the truth. When we were young, it’s like no other dessert tasted so good like Pop-Tarts, and now we’re so much older, we’d all agree with how Lorelai described the treat: no matter how our parents stopped us from eating this sweet treat, Pop-Tarts was our first taste of rebellion and freedom.
19. Funyuns Onion Rings in “Breaking Bad”
We all know Breaking Bad follows the story of Walter White, who becomes a crimelord after he struggles as a high school chemistry teacher. As the rest of the story unfolds, he produces a high-quality illegal substance to sell on the streets and the money he acquires will help provide for his family and pay his medical bills as he is diagnosed with cancer.
In one of the scenes, Walter is seen talking with Jesse, while rummaging through his things and then he finds 3 bags of Funyuns onion rings, his expression clearly says he’s not pleased with Jesse’s choice of food. The Jesse defends that “Funyuns are awesome!” while the Walter proceeds to go through the snacks again.
Sorry Walter, we’re on your side but believe Jesse for once, Funyuns are really awesome and they taste good. This was one of the early episodes where there are still bits of comedic exchanges between Walter and Jesse, and it’s fun to see Funyuns are included because we all agree, they really do taste good!
18. Oreos in “FRIENDS”
FRIENDS, who wouldn’t be familiar with this iconic TV series that shaped and inspired a generation of youngsters? It follows the story of tight-knit friends who live closely with each other in Manhattan, with each episode covering their daily lives and interactions with families, lovers, and colleagues along the way.
In one of the scenes, Ross walks into the room and asks Phoebe and Chandler what did he miss. The two then said that Joey stuffed 15 Oreos in his mouth as he nodded in confirmation. Then Ross tells the others it’s got to be a personal best, but as he tries to grab a cookie, Joey raises his finger and mumbles to stop him.
This snack placement is one of the best, by far. It perfectly shows how Oreo is one of the go-to snacks, especially when we’re hanging out with friends. Well, Joey just took it up another notch, but that’s a perfect display of it, too. We just wouldn’t dare to follow his example of stuffing 15 Oreos on our mouth.
17. Butterfinger in “The Simpsons”
The Simpsons follows the story of Homer’s family in a suburban setting. Homer lives in Springfield with his wife, Marge, and their three kids, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. He works for a nuclear power plant, and his story tells how they navigate the family life with mishaps and adventures along with the other town’s citizens.
It’s no secret that Bart loves Butterfinger and they have released commercials for it over the years. One of the popular ones they did shows Homer sneakingly goes into Bart’s room while he’s asleep and tries to take a bite on the his son’s favorite, the Butterfinger. Homer grabs the Butterfinger without knowing that’s it’s electrically clipped, he gets electrocuted the moment he lays his finger on the snack. Then, Bart wakes up and says his iconic line “Nobody lays a finger on my Butterfinger”.
Bart, we get it. If we ever loved a snack as much as you do, we’ll surely do our best to guard it as well. Butterfinger collaborating with The Simpsons for several years of commercials is just the perfect touch to get the word out there. And their catchy tagline? Perfectly suits Bart’s voice for the kids.
16. Crunch Candy Bar in “Die Hard”
Die Hard is one of the classic action movies released in 1988. It follows John McClane, a New York police officer visiting his young daughter and estranged wife on Christmas Eve. He later joins her at a party for a Japanese business she works for. The festivities get interrupted by a group of henchmen who took over the building and holds everyone hostage. As the scenes roll out, it becomes clear that McClane is the only one who can turn these events around and save the people around him.
Al Leong, one of the henchmen is seen holding a defensive position at a dessert stand in the food court. Right before the SWAT team arrives, he is seen distracted by the candies in the stand. Seconds later, he just can’t resist the sight of the snacks and grabs a large Crunch Chocolate Bar while looking around if anyone sees what he’s doing.
Even though Die Hard is an action film, it’s still keeps reality and bits of comedic scenes in place. Plus, it gives a much-needed boost in the henchmen’s characters, showing that they’re still humans and may give emotions and weaknesses at some point. So, Al Leong, we’re on your side buddy, we know how match-offs really need a boost of energy and what’s a better energy booster than a pack of Crunch Chocolate Bar?
15. Cheerios in “Honey I Shrunk The Kids”
“Honey I Shrunk The Kids” follows the story of Wayne’s family. Wayne is a scientist who accidentally shrinks his son and daughter along with two of the neighbor’s kids into insect size. Now that the kids are the size of an insect, they must face the many dangers the big world has in store for them while they find a way to grow back to normal.
One morning, while Nick and the rest of the kids navigate the instantly-huge-world with the help of Quark, their family dog, he was thrown out of Quark’s fur and falls inside Wayne’s bowl of Cheerios with milk. Due to Nick’s tiny size, he was almost eaten by his own dad. Luckily, Quark still comes to the rescue and distracts Wayne so he can notice Nick and see him pointing to the others on top of the table.
Despite being one of the odd snack placements, Cheerios still hits the right audience with their inclusion in the family movie, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”. Wayne eating the cereal in the morning also shows that the snack can be consumed by everyone in the family.
14. Oreos With Peanut Butter in “The Parent Trap”
Twin sisters, Hallie (American) and Annie (British-raised) who lives on opposite sides of the world devise a plan to swap identities and see their divorced parents they’ve both missed. They both get a chance to spend some time with their parents and if their plan should succeed it might bring their family back together again.
Despite being at the other sides of the globe, Hallie and Annie met at a summer camp. Even if they didn’t liked each other at first, they both notice that they look alike. As they slowly get to know each other, they started asking questions and they realize that they have the same birthdays, they love eating Oreos with peanut butter, and that they might really be twins.
The twin’s journey was a real destiny-at-work, and while their meeting and bond was made by fate, there’s just one simple reason why they both love Oreo with Peanut Butter. More than the twin-thing, it just shows how Oreo with Peanut Butter is deliciously appealing to different cultures.
13. Eggo Waffles in “Stranger Things”
Set in the 80’s, Stranger Things tells us the story of the people living in Hawkins, Indiana, a seemingly ordinary town until they are plagued by hostile alternate-dimension beings that come from a place called the “Upside Down”. What seemed like a curse at first, was actually caused by a failed human experimental facility that bridged the “Upside Down” to Hawkins.
Eleven, the girl whose power was used in the failed human experiment is seen walking down a supermarket’s frozen section aisle, after the first attack from “Upside Down”. She spots the Eggo Waffles inside a freezer and following her love for the snack, she immediately grabs packs of it. As Eleven hurries to get out of the store, the store manager tries to catch up to her but is blocked by people and things controlled by Eleven. As he reaches the automated doors, the glass immediately shatters causing people to stare in shock.
Citing much newer movies and television shows, we all know how superheroes need one snack that powers them up. In Eleven’s case, Eggos are her power snack. It may contradict Eleven’s strong telekinetic powers, but it perfectly displays how she is still a kid, and kids tend to love soft and delicious snacks like Eggo.
12. Junior Mints in “Seinfeld”
Seinfeld follows the story of Jerry Seinfeld and his friends as they deal with life and some quirky situations, like the one where Junior Mints was included.
Jerry and his friend Cosmo are watching a live surgery demo when Cosmo pulls out a pack of Junior Mints. Surprised that anyone can eat in their current situation, Jerry asks in shock where Cosmo got the mints. Then Cosmo tries to push a piece of mint to Jerry but it gets in the air and lands somewhere inside the surgery area. Then they look at each other in disbelief.
Sometimes we all need a pack of candy to cool us down, especially in nerve-wracking situations like watching a live surgery. So it’s completely understandable the choice of Junior Mints. But honestly, Cosmo, do you really need to force Jerry to eat one? We all know where the Junior Mints landed..
11. Skittles in “Shazam 2”
Another superhero movie, Shazam aka Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to control the powers they got from the Gods. However, a trio of ancient Gods arrives on Earth in search of the magic that was stolen from them. Shazam and his friends are now involved in a battle for their powers and the safety of humanity as well.
Heading towards the climax of the film, a unicorn is seen rushing towards a group of people when called by a young girl. The unicorn only stops running when the girl throws Skittles at it, with the latter saying “Taste the rainbow”. The unicorn then stops to taste the candies and the girl explains it’s the closest thing they have to ambrosia. Soon afterward, a group of unicorns try to taste the candy and the group of humans ride the unicorns into battle.
I know we’ve talked about how superheroes need a power snack of their own, and hey, unicorns are also partly superhero in Shazam so the fictional beings count. Despite its awkward product placement, Skittles still delivered its part as a power snack, but we don’t really recommend throwing it to a unicorn just to prove the point.
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10. Milky Way in “This is the End”
Set in an apocalyptic but comedic setting, “This is the End” follows the Hollywood actor, Actor James Franco, hosting a housewarming party with his other celebrity friends. While at the party, the apocalypse begins to destroy the world and traps Franco’s party inside his house. As the world crumbles outside the party begins to deal with quarrels and decreasing supplies (and snacks).
In one of the scenes, we see James’ friend group huddled around their supplies of food and they begin to argue about what to do with the Milky Way Bar. James wants it for his own because he bought it, but the others say it must be shared between all of them. A fair display of priorities, we believe.
If an apocalypse happens in real life, I, too, will secure all my important belongings, aka food. And I’ll leave some space for my favorite candies and snacks, as well, so James’ argument was fair. However, when worst comes to light, I’d still choose to share any of my food with my buddies, but I’d also expect them to do the same for me when the going gets tough. Bros before chocos!
9. Jolly Rancher in “Batman V Superman”
The battle of Superman and Zod left Metropolis in shambles and its residents hopeless and angry. While crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne is convinced that Superman is a threat to humanity and plans to end his reign of terror, Lex Luthor plans his own actions to defeat the Man of Steel.
Lex Luthor is talking to a high-ranking government official about getting access to the fallen Kryptonite ship and Zod’s remains. After getting the approval, he creepingly offers him a Jolly Rancher. The official is reluctant to take the candy but Lex forces it into his mouth. This scene shows the authority of Lex over any official and no one can disobey him.
This may be one of the scenes where a candy is used on the wrong definition as a “power” snack, so we understand why there’s no mention of the brand at all. But, as Lex is an antagonist who uses anyone and anything for his gain, we know that Jolly Rancher was just at the wrong place and at the wrong time.
8. Coca-Cola in “The Gods Must Be Crazy”
“The Gods Must Be Crazy” follows a tribe in Africa living a content and normal life until one day a Coca-Cola bottle drops out of an airplane into their possession. They find many uses for it and soon they begin fighting over the bottle. The tribal leader then decides to go to the end of the world to try to give the bottle back to the gods. He then has many encounters and mishaps along the way.
Even though the Coca-Cola bottle was thrown thousands of feet in the air, somehow it still landed in one piece. As exaggerating as it may seem, it displays how the bottle is durable. I know we can all relate to this and I bet some of you still have a glass Coca-Cola bottle intact and hiding in your house after all these years.
7. Cornetto in “Shaun of the Dead: Trilogy”
“Shaun of the Dead: Trilogy” follows a zombie survival story with Shaun and Ed as the main characters. Shaun is an electronics worker with a seemingly ordinary life. He shares an apartment with his best friend, Ed. When the town gets infested with the undead, Shaun has to protect his girlfriend and his mother leading him to rise to the occasion.
There are three scenes where the Cornetto is mentioned or have appeared in Shaun of the Dead and its succeeding movies. The first one is from the “Shaun of the Dead” when Shaun asks Ed what he wants from the shop and Ed sleepily answers “Cornetto”. The second scene is in Hot Fuzz, showing Ed and Shaun inside a car, and the former asks Shaun what he wants from the shop. Shaun responds with “Cornetto”, mimicking Ed’s answer in the first scene. After indulging in the ice cream, both had different reactions whereas Shaun gets a “brain wave”, while Ed gets a “brain-freeze” shortly after. The last Cornetto scene is shown in “World’s End,” with an apocalyptic setting where Ed reminisces about all the processed food he ate in the past while a Cornetto wrapper flies by at the fence he was in.
6. Doritos in “Wayne’s World”
Wayne’s World is an American comedy film that follows a spin-off of the Saturday Night Live skit. It follows the story of Wayne and Garth who does everything to save their show against Rob Lowe, a producer who wants to take the skit to the world of commercial television.
Rob is seen talking to Wayne and Garth, forcing them to advertise products according to their contract. Even though Wayne and Garth don’t agree, they still subtly advertise Doritos, and other products like Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and Reebok, in a comedic manner.
If you ask me, Wayne’s comedic but crunchy advertisement of Doritos would immediately sell me out to buy one pack. Plus, the silence after each scene makes it even funnier and more iconic.
5. Captain Crunch in “The Breakfast Club”
“The Breakfast Club” is a coming-of-age movie where a power-hungry principal puts five students from different walks of life in detention on a Saturday. The students had a chance to tell their stories, making them see each other in a different light. After detention, they’re left to wonder if school will ever be the same again.
The five students start to have lunch, and Ally, a seemingly outcast girl pulls apart her sandwich, throws away her sliced ham, which lands on top of a pillar, and begins to pour Pixy Stix on both slices of bread. Then she begins to pile fistfuls of Captain Crunch cereal and makes a sandwich. Thanks to all the noise created by her meal preparation, she grabs the attention of the other students as they look at her in disgust. Ally, being the confident gal she is, gives them a wink while she chews her meal.
While I’m not one to try this lunch combination, I’d still give Ally a much-needed shout-out for her unique taste for a lunch meal and the huge bite she gave that sandwich. It’s not a common meal combination you’d see every day at school, but hey, let’s give the girl what she wants, as long as she cleans up all the Captain Crunch that fell on the floor.
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4. Dr Pepper in “Forrest Gump”
Forrest Gump tells the story about a slow-witted man who has never thought of himself as one. He has accomplished many things in his life without restrictions, like playing football, being a soldier in the Vietnam War, and even captaining a shrimp boat. He has inspired people he has met on his journey, but he can never get the attention of his childhood love, Jenny.
Forrest gets a chance to meet the President of the United States, former President John F. Kennedy. We first see him narrating all the free food that comes with such an occasion. Forrest, being excited and nervous at the same time, he shares that he might’ve drank 15 bottles of Dr. Pepper. This action led to him controlling his pee until he shook hands with the President, answering “I gotta pee”, when the latter asks him how he feels.
I love how Forrest Gump tells a positive story about mental challenges and how people who are carrying them don’t view themselves as people who need help. Forrest lived a happy life, and no matter what choices he made, there was still a positive and sometimes funny outcome that came out of it, like how he drank 15 Dr. Pepper and made President JFK laugh.
3. Baby Ruth in “The Goonies”
The Goonies tells the story of adventurous friends who went against a property development company that plans to destroy their home and replace it with a country club. With the goal to to prevent the takeover from happening, a group of kids discover a pirate map that leads underground. They soon discover that the map is filled with dangerous obstacles they must face.
Two of the characters, Chunk and Sloth are chained in the underground. Chunk offers and throws a Baby Ruth to Sloth, trying to boost him to break them out of their chains. Due to Chunk’s hands being retrained, he was unable to throw the candy bar properly and it ends up bouncing on Sloths head and falls in the ground. Sloth, being excited, pulls the chains off the walls and reaches for the candy bar, ultimately freeing them both.
With a new-found strength thanks to Baby Ruth, Sloth is the main hero and savior of the day in The Goonies. After he freed himself, we all know that Baby Ruth did the trick, despite being a sweet treat.
2. Pepsi in “Back to the Future 2”
In this sequel, Marty and Dr. Brown returns from the future after saving Marty’s son from disaster. After they go back to their timeline, they didn’t have a clue that everything has changed for the worse. Marty’s father has been murdered aand his nemesis, Biff Tannen profited from it. Now, Marty and Doc must do everything to defeat Biff and repair the space-time continuum in their current timeline.
In their present, Marty goes to a store manned by a machine. It shows two arguing men until Marty stops them and says, “All I want is a Pepsi”. Then, a table in front of them opens up a small hole and delivers a Pepsi bottle. Marty, fascinated by the way it was delivered, stares at it for a while.
Now, let’s discuss how this movie and scene was pure iconic. Remember the soda wars in the 80’s? Pepsi was a contender of it and thanks to “Back to the Future’, the brand was given a fighting chance against big soda names including Coca-Cola. This movie also paved the way for new products to be released such as the Crystal Pepsi and the Tab Clear which is from Coca-Cola. Too bad, we didn’t get a table with a soda dispenser on top!
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1. Reese’s Pieces in “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”
ET tells the story about Elliot, a young boy who goes on an adventure with an extraterrestrial alien named ET, who was stranded on Earth.
The scene with starts with Elliot luring ET from its hiding in the woods by scattering Reese’s pieces along a path. Later in the evening, ET comes to Elliot’s house and returns some of the Reese’s pieces he found. Elliot then uses more of the candies to lure ET up to his room to get a better look at him and also, to hide his new-found friend from his family.
If you think this product placement is iconic, wait till you discover that M&M’s should be the prop that was used. But after turning the offer down, it was later on passed to Reese’s, so when the movie became a success, so does Reese’s sales and profits.
ET was a game-changer in extraterrestrial movies during its time. Contrary to then popular alien movies like “The Thing”, ET approached a softer storyline on which aliens were given a human-like personality. The unlikely combination of ET liking Reese’s pieces is a unique pair that captured the hearts of families, which also landed the top spot on our list of 20 TV & Movie Snacks We Want To Try.
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From The Club
Enjoying a movie isn’t complete without snacks or even sweet candy. These treats complete the coziness and excitement we feel when we immerse ourselves in each storyline. So when we see product placement, it gives a relatable feeling and makes the fictional story more humane, especially if an on-screen superhero consumes the product; it makes us feel closer to them. My personal favorite was Pepsi in Back to The Future 2. What about yours?
