10 Rare Grocery Items That Collectors Want
You might think your pantry is stocked with everyday snacks and canned goods that aren’t worth more than a few bucks. But hidden among those shelves could be a treasure trove of rare grocery items worth serious dough. From discontinued cereals to limited-edition condiments, certain food products can fetch impressive prices online. Here are 10 rare grocery items that might be more valuable than you think.
1. Discontinued Cereal Boxes
Remember those quirky cereal mascots featuring limited-edition flavors? Boxes of discontinued cereals like Kellogg’s OKs or Freakies are now prized by collectors for their nostalgic appeal and connection to childhood memories. Even flattened boxes without any cereal inside can fetch big money, like this collection of vintage cereal boxes that sold for $3,200.
2. Sealed Vintage Soda Bottles
Unopened bottles of vintage sodas, like Crystal Pepsi or Surge, are also coveted among collectors. You can find these nostalgic drinks, which are tied to specific eras or marketing campaigns, listed on eBay for over a hundred dollars per bottle or can. An unopened can of Crystal Pepsi from 1992 previously sold for $75.
3. Limited-Time Condiments
Special-edition condiments, like McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce or Taco Bell’s Diablo Sauce, have become cult favorites. Case in point: A bottle of Szechuan Sauce sold for over $15,000 on eBay after fans turned it into a bidding frenzy.
4. Discontinued Candy
Candies that have been discontinued, like Butterfinger BB’s or PB Max, are another rare grocery item for collectors. Unopened packages are listed for anywhere between $20 to over $200, depending on the rarity and demand. Bonus points if the packaging is retro!
5. Vintage Canned Goods
Old cans of food, especially those with unique or retro designs, can be surprisingly valuable. Collectors look for items like vintage SPAM cans or Campbell’s Soup labels, as evidenced by this 1984 Nacho Cheese label signed by Andy Warhol that’s going for a whopping $1,500.
6. Rare Snacks
Limited-edition or regional snacks, such as Zapp’s Voodoo Chips ($35 per bag on eBay) and Japanese Kit Kats (can confirm the green tea ones are to die for and I don’t even have much of a sweet tooth), are also hot commodities among collectors. These items, which often sell for a premium online, can be difficult to find outside their country or region of origin.
7. Discontinued Spices or Seasonings
Spices and seasonings that are no longer produced, like McCormick’s vintage spice tins or Durkee’s limited-edition blends, can be worth big bucks to collectors. Unopened tins in good condition are listed from around $50 to over $150.
8. Vintage Alcohol Bottles
Unopened bottles of vintage alcohol, like Prohibition-era whiskey and gin, can also command big bucks among vintage memorabilia collectors and history buffs alike. Depending on the brand and age, these bottles can sell for hundreds, or even thousands of dollars (one bottle of Old Grand Dad Bourbon from 1917 is listed for a whopping $5,000).
9. Limited-Edition Coffee
Special-edition coffee blends, like Starbucks’ Holiday Reserve or Folgers vintage tins, are popular among collectors for their connection to the past. Unopened packages, especially those with unique packaging or flavors, are listed for around $70.
10. Rare Energy Drinks
Discontinued energy drinks, like Monster’s Energy Assault or Red Bull’s designs from the early 2000s, are also valuable among vintage collectors. Unopened cans are listed for anywhere between $70 to over $150, depending on the condition. One Monster can sold for $99 in December 2024.