13. Doo Dads
Everyone knows Chex Mix, the king of savory snack mixes. But for a time, it had a worthy rival: Doo Dads. Produced by Nabisco, Doo Dads were a similar concoction of mixed crackers, pretzels, peanuts, and other crunchy bits, all coated in a savory seasoning blend. They came pre-packaged in a box, saving consumers the trouble of making a snack mix from scratch.
What made Doo Dads different? Fans of the snack often claim its seasoning was superior, with a unique, slightly tangy flavor that set it apart. It also contained a different assortment of bits and pieces than its competitors, including tiny, toast-like crackers and cheese tidbits. For many families, choosing between Chex Mix and Doo Dads was a matter of household loyalty.
Doo Dads were a fixture on grocery store shelves for decades before being unceremoniously discontinued in the 1990s. The reason was likely market consolidation. In a competitive category, it is often more profitable for a company to focus its marketing budget on a single leading brand rather than splitting it between two similar products. While Chex Mix went on to become an even bigger powerhouse, Doo Dads faded into obscurity, remembered only by those who knew and loved its distinctively zesty flavor.
