The Ghostbusters franchise has consistently thrilled us with an array of fantastic food tie-ins, ensuring that fans can savor the supernatural in both cinematic and snack forms. From ghostly cereal to limited-edition key lime Twinkies, their marketing strategies are pure magic. (Queue up Mick Smiley!)
So, grab your proton packs and get ready, because we're about to venture into the slime-covered world of Ghostbusters-inspired snacks.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife Cereal (2021)
I had scoured every corner of town in search of Ghostbusters Afterlife cereal, and just when I thought all hope was lost, I stumbled upon it while browsing Walmart's website. The catch? It was in stock, but that also meant facing the dreaded spectacle that is this particular Walmart on a busy Sunday afternoon. I would rather jump in the river of slime than deal with that. But I needed this cereal!
After finally making my way through the maze of people, I found an end cap piled high with boxes. I grabbed a couple and made my escape. There was something undeniably nostalgic about this, like stumbling on upon a portal to my childhood. Memories of the original Ghostbusters cereal from the '80s came flooding back. Here's hoping we get a sequel to this cereal!
Ghostbusters Key Lime and White Fudge Marshmallow Twinkies (2016)
While opinions about the 2016 Ghostbusters movie may vary, one thing is undeniable – it brought us some awesome marketing tie-ins. Who could forget the Key Lime Twinkies, resembling vibrant green slime, or the White Fudge Marshmallow Twinkies, with the iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man grinning from the packaging?
Hostess had initially planned to release Ghostbusters: Afterlife Twinkies with bright blue frosting, aligning perfectly with the film's release. Due to the pandemic, they were temporarily shelved, only to resurface during the summer under the name 'Tropical Blast Twinkies.' Even though they weren’t what we expected, it was still cool to see Twinkies with blue frosting and imagine what could've been.
Ecto Cooler (2016)
Again in 2016, fans were treated to a hit of nostalgia with the return of Ecto Cooler. Originally introduced in 1987 as a promotional tie-in for the animated series, this citrus-flavored drink was a beloved part of our childhoods. With the release of the 2016 movie, Ecto Cooler made its triumphant return.
I wish I could share an exciting story of venturing into the unknown, searching every store and market for the elusive drink. But my quest was less daring and more digital. The only way I managed to secure a case was by placing an online order. Now, these two cans are the lone survivors. The Central Valley summer heat claimed several others in the case, popping them open like the eggs on the counter of Dana Barrett's apartment. Note to self: Don't store Ecto Cooler on the top shelf of a closet.
BONUS: Sonic Drive-in Wacky Pack Ghostbusters toys (2022)
This one is a bit of a cheat as its not something you can eat. Late into last year's Halloween season, Sonic Drive-in had a surprise for us – Ghostbusters toys in their Wacky Packs kids' meals. These included a Slurpin’ Slimer spoon, a glow-in-the-dark Slimer spoon, a Proton Blaster spoon, a PKE Meter spoon, and a Stay Puft straw buddy.
When I asked about their availability, the friendly staff allowed me to purchase the entire set all at once, saving me the hassle of returning week after week. It was a convenient and much-appreciated gesture!
In the world of Ghostbusters, there's no shortage of tie-ins when a new movie is released. From tracking down elusive cereal boxes to sipping on nostalgic citrus drinks, our journey through the realm of Ghostbusters-inspired snacks is always an adventure to remember.
Stay Spooky,
Jeremy
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