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.
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.
1. "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.
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.
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.
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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)
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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