by Shameera Nair Lin

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a kid in possession of some free time must be in want of a snack. Okay, perhaps far from universal, but snacks are a bit of a time capsule. A lot of snacks either produced or found locally in your neighbourhood mini market, in particular, are those that have become staples when we think about snacks found in Malaysia. Besides being addictive and the ultimate treat-your-self experience without blowing your budget, these snacks are also known to evoke a sense of togetherness as it’s best enjoyed in the company of others.

To take you down memory lane, let’s visit some of our favourites that are not the usual suspects: Apollo, Super Ring, Popo Muruku and Mamee Monster.

1. Ding Dang and Tora

For those who grew up in the 80s, 90s and early to mid-2000s, this is what we would call an iconic duo. Not known for their taste, it is the packaging of all three snacks that forms associations with the past. We are still not too sure why Ding Dang’s packaging features a fake version of Doraemon, or why the Tora icon is that of a colour pencil on wheels, but Kinos did a great job with making these snacks memorable.

2. Eyeglass Chocolate Candy

It’s safe to say that Eyeglass chocolate might be objectively bad chocolate. However, living up to its name, it’s the eyeglass-shaped packaging that’s worth all the sens. With that being said, you won’t be turning into 007 with these any time soon. Give it a try.

3. Nyam Nyam ChocoBerry

Arnott’s Nyam Nyam ChocoBerry was the new kid on the block when it was first released, making the rounds on national television every day. So much so this commercial will be forever remembered.

4. Nanonano

Yet another marketing success, Nanonano is definitely the one candy you will never forget once you’ve heard the jingle. Have fun trying to figure out the full range of tastes in a Nanonano — we’ve yet to succeed!

5. Ice lollies

Ice lollies are a rite of passage and should only be consumed when it’s 34C in the afternoon. That is an experience of its own.

6. Wheel crackers

Our personal favourite: wheel crackers! In this instance, less is definitely not more. In fact, the more, the better. This writer would like to grow tired of this snack, but it’s been two decades and we are no closer to that aim.

7.  Iced gem biscuits

This iconic colourful biscuit has seen the insides of every household. Despite being a simple treat, it continues to be enjoyed by generations of people, serving as a poignant reminder that anything with lasting value is worth preserving, much like the Group’s mission to turn the right thing into lasting value.