Boppers from Stranger Things were real 80s snacks and here’s how you can make them

A new season of Stranger Things has arrived and all I can say is move over Eggos, there's a new retro snack about to take center stage thanks to season 5! Warning: Mild Stranger Things 5 spoilers ahead. 

Over the years, Stranger Things has had a way of creating viral sensations out of popular products going all the way back to the beginning when Eggos became synonymous with Eleven. The latest to enter the growing list are Boppers, a classic ‘80s snack which gets name-dropped several times throughout the first four episodes of the final season courtesy of our favorite mama bear, Steve Harrington. 

Early in the first episode of the season, Murray brings Steve a box of Boppers during a supply drop. Steve then makes several references to them across the episodes, including in one moment when he hilariously compares gates to the Upside Down to Boppers. 

“Gates are like Peanut Butter Poppers, right? The outside is, like, crunchy and tough. But then you bite down on it, it gives way to a gooey, creamy core,” Steve reasons. 

Are Boppers real snacks? 

With how many times Steve mentions Boppers across the season, I was curious whether Boppers were a real snack food or simply a made-up brand. Upon doing some research, I was able to confirm that Boppers are indeed a real snack from the ‘80s! 

General Mills first launched the Boppers snack in July 1985 with an original lineup of three flavors: Fudge Chip, Honey Crisp and Peanut Crunch. A year later, two additional flavors were introduced with the addition of Fudge Graham and Cookie Crunch. The snacks remained a mainstay in grocery stores for several years before eventually being discontinued in 1989. 

Unfortunately, unlike Eggos, Boppers are not a snack that Stranger Things fans can currently find on shelves; however, fans eager to give the throwback snack a try can make their own Boppers at home! 

How to make Boppers

Although Boppers are no longer available to purchase in stores, Stranger Things fans can whip up some Boppers in their kitchens thanks to Nature Valley! Nature Valley released an official recipe for creating the Boppers snack at home, giving fans the opportunity to try Steve Harrington’s favorite snack by putting their baker’s hat on. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 pouches Nature Valley™ oats 'n honey crunchy granola bars (from 8.9-oz box)
• 1/4 cup semisweet miniature chocolate chips
• 5 oz chocolate-flavored candy coating

Instructions

1. In large bowl, beat peanut butter and softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. On low speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar until well blended. Knead in by hand if needed to blend.
2. Shape mixture into ball. Divide dough in half; shape into 2 (12-inch) logs. Cut each log into 6 (2-inch) rounds. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
3. Place granola bars in gallon-size resealable food-storage plastic bag; crush using rolling pin. Place in shallow bowl; stir in chocolate chips.
4. Line cookie sheet or tray with cooking parchment paper. Microwave candy coating in small microwavable bowl uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds; stir until melted and smooth.
5. Remove one-third of peanut butter rounds from refrigerator. Using 2 forks, dip and roll each in melted candy coating, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately place in granola coating; sprinkle to coat. Store covered in refrigerator.

Stranger Things 5 is streaming now on Netflix.