In recent years, the ’90s have resurfaced as a major trend, captivating both fashion enthusiasts and music lovers alike. From the revival of grunge-inspired clothing to the nostalgic tunes dominating the airwaves, the ’90s era has become an iconic source of inspiration for the current generation.
That got us wondering — what are the biggest ’90s trends dominating 2023? Which toys, accessories, and food items are people most itching for a comeback of? We analyzed the past 12 months of search data for 45+ iconic ’90s items to identify what Americans are still searching for today. Read on to see what we found.
An Analysis of ’90s Obsession Around the U.S.
First things first: which ’90s trends are people most nostalgic for today? According to search history, Waffle Crisp cereal, fanny packs, Tamagotchis, Nintendo 64s, and mood rings are all still heavy in our minds.
Waffle Crisp earns the title as the top ’90s item overall in six U.S. states. The cereal gained immense popularity in the ’90s, captivating cereal enthusiasts with its unique waffle-shaped cereal pieces that offered a delightful combination of sweet and crispy flavors. Waffle Crisp first hit the shelves in 1996 and was discontinued in 2018, but has since been revived permanently — perhaps contributing to the resurgence in popularity.
Fanny packs are close behind, winning five U.S. states. This comes as no surprise, given that fanny packs have made a notable comeback in recent years, reclaiming their status as a trendy fashion accessory. Celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts have embraced the functional and versatile nature of fanny packs, incorporating them into stylish outfits for a modern twist.
Rounding out the top three is Tamagotchi, the iconic virtual pet from the ’90s. The electronic toy continues to captivate both nostalgic adults and new generations with its interactive and adorable gameplay, reminding us of the joy and responsibility of caring for a digital companion.
All things considered, we next wanted to know which states are the most nostalgic for the ’90s. Ohio is the frontrunner in embracing and embodying the nostalgic essence of the ’90s, with its residents showcasing an unparalleled enthusiasm for the fashion, music, and pop culture of that iconic decade. Ohio’s ’90s essentials include the Nestle Quik brand, My Size Barbies, and fanny packs.
Texas is the second most-obsessed state, with unique favorites like Trolls dolls, the fruit-flavored soft drink Slice, and, of course, brimmed hats. Honorable mention belongs to #3 Utah, lovers of Hubba Bubba, Tamagotchi, and slap bracelets.
For a full list of ’90s favorites in every state, hover over the interactive map above.
Closing Thoughts
That wraps up our ’90s analysis. While every state may have its own favorites, one thing’s for sure: the ’90s will forever hold a special place in popular culture, serving as a timeless source of inspiration for years to come.
What makes each decade special in its own right is the personal memories and relationships associated with each era. Whether you met your partner in a decade past or are still on your journey, celebrate the relationships in your life with timeless jewelry from Shane Co. From vintage classics to modern styles, there are pieces for lovers of every decade.
Methodology
To gauge the popularity of various ’90s items, we started with a list of 45 popular snacks, toys, and accessories that defined the ’90s. From there, we analyzed Google Trends search interest for each of the items in every U.S. state over the past 12 months. In addition, we added up total search interest across items to determine which U.S. states are searching for ’90s items the most.
