We all have that one nostalgic Aussie snack from our school days that we wish we could still buy. It brings back a wave of nostalgia whenever we see it or remember it, and we’ve yet to find something better, even after all these years of searching.
We were curious to know which snacks were the most popular, so we asked our Facebook followers which tuckshop snacks they loved buying as children. They didn’t disappoint, flooding the comments section with over 900 comments (and counting!) expressing their memories and love for old-school treats.
We’ve broken down 49 favourites mentioned by our followers, plus where you can find them (if they aren’t discontinued!). But first, here are the five most mentioned treats. Do you remember them?
Top 5 popular canteen snacks
1. Space food sticks
Do you remember Space Food Sticks? With a somewhat similar appearance to KitKats, this chocolate and caramel treat has a massive fan base behind it.
Space Food Sticks completely dominated the conversation, with a mix of curiosity, nostalgia, and mild confusion about what they even were. One follower said: “I was going to post ‘Space Food Sticks’, but what are they actually? Because they didn’t even taste like chocolate.”
But that uncertainty didn’t matter. People still loved them despite the unusual flavour. “I’m also on the Space Food Sticks train—both chocolate and caramel. Yum,” said another.
The appeal was in the experience: futuristic space vibes, their compact size making them totally lunchbox-worthy, and two tasty options. It seems there was a strong emotional pull tied to childhood novelty and routine, with both chocolate and caramel flavours fondly remembered. The overwhelming consensus? Strange, unforgettable, and deeply missed.
Watch @phoodiegram reminisce about space food sticks
2. Jupiter Bars
Jupiter Bars came through as a cult favourite, despite being less prominent in mainstream memory than Space Food Sticks. They were fiercely defended by those who remembered them. “Jupiter Bars… they were the best,” one follower commented. “Jupiter Bars—bring them back!” said another.
There’s a sense that they were richer, better, or just more satisfying than modern equivalents. The vibe here is loyal nostalgia, not everyone’s snack but for those who loved them, nothing else compares.
3. Bush Biscuits
Bush biscuits carry a completely different energy. They were simple, homemade, and comforting – perfect with a cup of tea. Unlike the novelty snacks, these are remembered for their texture and how they were eaten: thick with butter, sometimes with Vegemite. The nostalgia here leans more traditional and almost wholesome, tied to canteens, home baking, and earlier eras. The consensus is clear: basic ingredients, but unbeatable when done right. They represent a slower, simpler kind of food memory.
“Bush biscuits with butter… you couldn’t beat it.”
4. Sunnyboys
Sunnyboys were the go-to icy pole on hot, summer days. Whether walking home, or on a lunch break, it was a treat everyone remembers fondly. They weren’t fancy – just ice and flavour, but that simplicity is exactly why they stuck. The vibe is pure Aussie summer: refreshing, affordable, and iconic. And everyone wants them back.
5. Cream buns
Cream buns are remembered as indulgent, messy, and completely over-the-top in the best way. People talk about overflowing cream, overly sweet jam, and icing sugar dusted on top. According to many, it felt special and a little chaotic to eat. There’s also a strong comparison to today, with many implying they’re just not made the same anymore.
Breakdown of 49 nostalgic Aussie school treats and where to buy them
| Snack | Mentions | Still Available? | Example / Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Food Sticks | 45 | Discontinued | |
| Jupiter Bars | 38 | Discontinued | |
| Bush Biscuits | 28 | Discontinued | |
| Sunnyboys | 26 | Discontinued | |
| Cream Buns | 24 | Yes | Bakery item (Coles/Woolworths bakeries) |
| Pineapple Donuts | 16 | Rare | Some bakeries only (Franky & Co, 7Eleven) |
| Milo Bars | 15 | Yes | Coles and Woolworths |
| Choo Choo Bars | 14 | Discontinued | |
| Dunkaroos | 9 | Limited return | Woolworths (sold out), Amazon (Vanilla Cookies and Frosting with Rainbow Sprinkles) |
| Wagon Wheels | 7 | Yes | Coles, Woolworths, Amazon |
| Polly Waffle | 7 | Partial return | Woolworths |
| Cobbers | 6 | Discontinued | |
| Razz / Razzies | 6 | Discontinued | |
| White Knights | 6 | Discontinued | |
| UFOs (chips/lollies) | 5 | Rare | Specialty lolly shops |
| Glugs | 4 | Discontinued | |
| Ovaltine / Ovalteenies | 4 | Discontinued | |
| Chicken Cackles | 4 | Discontinued | |
| Yummy Drummies | 4 | Discontinued | |
| Licorice (straps/blocks) | 4 | Yes | Woolworths, widely available |
| Triple Treat Ice Cream | 4 | Discontinued | |
| Finger Buns | 4 | Yes | Bakeries, Coles, Woolworths |
| Horseshoe Rolls | 4 | Rare | Some bakeries |
| Boston Buns | 3 | Limited | Some bakeries |
| Nut Chews | 3 | Discontinued | |
| Red Skins | 3 | Rebranded | “Red Ripperz” (Allen’s) Woolworths, Coles |
| Kool Fruits | 3 | Discontinued | |
| Jelly Tip Ice Cream | 3 | Discontinued | |
| Chicken Chips (various brands) | 2+ | Yes | Supermarkets |
| Twisties | 2+ | Yes | Widely available |
| Zooper Doopers | 2+ | Yes | Supermarkets |
| Big M Milk | 2+ | Yes | Supermarkets |
| Party Pies | 2+ | Yes | Supermarkets |
| Sausage Rolls | 2+ | Yes | Bakeries & frozen |
| Meat Pies | 2+ | Yes | Widely available |
| Honey Jumbles | 2+ | Yes | Woolworths |
| Vanilla Slice | 2+ | Yes | Bakeries |
| Apple Slice | 1–2 | Yes | Bakeries |
| Paddle Pops | 2+ | Yes | Supermarkets |
| Samboy Chips | 2+ | Yes | Supermarkets |
Try our nostaglia-inspired recipes
