Stranger Things Product Placement: The Definitive Guide
by Andrew Gibbs on 08/17/2016 | 12 Minute Read
There are plenty of things we’re happy to leave back in the 80s—the hair, the parachute pants, and the Cold War, just to name a few. But whether you loved it or hated it, lived through it or were made in it (or missed it completely), it’s natural to feel a little nostalgia for this wild decade. And strangely enough, Netflix is the way to get your 80s fix, with their recently released series, Stranger Things. Those hairstyles! That fashion! And, oh yes: that packaging.
Stranger Things is a thrilling drama about Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and the search for her 12 year-old son, Will. In a seemingly sweet and small town of Indiana, the series takes you through some frightening mysteries, including secret government experiments and supernatural forces, and at the same time you are transported to 1983. Throughout the show’s 8-episodes, you’ll take a walk down memory lane with packaging iterations we’ve long forgotten, including an old Family Feud, boxes for Eggo waffles, and the mother of all school supplies, a Trapper Keeper.
This is THE definitive guide to the packaging designs you’ll see in the first season—we went through all 8 episodes, frame by frame, to find 31 different products. And don’t worry, there are no spoilers ahead—just some totally rad packaging.
The Food:
Eggs Homestyle Waffles
Eleven’s sole source of nutrients and sustenance. Eggo Waffles are to Stranger Things as Reese’s Pieces are to ET.
Via CollectingCandy Flickr / CollectingCandy.com
Ep07 23:53
Hunt's Snack Pack Tins
Turns our Stranger Things lovers have been calling up Hunt's to bring the retro tin back. Word on the street is that they just might! Spotted in the school's fridge.
Via CollectingCandy Flickr / CollectingCandy.com
Sun-Maid Raisins
The classic 80's tin, spotted in the Wheeler’s basement.
EP01 16:11
Mrs. Butterworth's
Mrs. Butterworth herself is the perfect companion to Eggo's.
EP01 21:58
Ritz Crackers
Remember when they came in a tin? I do. You might not. Spotted at the Hamburger Joint.
Morton's Salt
Forever iconic. And who wouldn't love a new Dodge Caravan?!
Ep03 8:29
Pringles Newfangled Potato Chips
Whoops! The set designers accidentally used a 1968 version of the Pringles can.
Smarties
The ultimate sustenance. Part of Dustin's hoard of snacks.
Original Bazooka Bubble Gum
Sadly they don't make it anymore. Or maybe not. Part of Dustin's hoard of snacks.
PEZ
I used to eat these like candy, no dispenser needed. Part of Dustin's hoard of snacks.
Nilla Wafers
The classic 80's box that I remember from my childhood. I could eat a whole one right now. Part of Dustin's hoard of snacks.
Via CollectingCandy Flickr / CollectingCandy.com
Little Debbie Nutty Bars
Crunchy goodness, and also one of Little Debbie's first multipack creation. Part of Dustin's hoard of snacks.
EP05 13:40
Wonder Bread
1/3 of a PB&J. Spotted in the Wheeler's kitchen, and the grocery store where Eleven "visits".
JIF Creamy Peanut Butter
Remember when Peanut Butter came in glass, and didn't come with salmonella? Spotted in the Wheeler kitchen.
Ep06 34:43
Hershey's Cocoa Poweder
The kitchen essential that has stood the test of time. Spotted at the Police Station.
The Drinks:
EP03 14:28
Always Coca-Cola
An 80’s Coke commercial triggers Eleven’s flashback. You crush that can with your mind girl.
EP01 9:40
Schlitz Beer
The Beer of Stranger Things, and “The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous." Spotted all over the show.
EP01 2:54
Tab
Only the second sugar free beverage on the market, Tab was marketed to consumers to "keep tabs" on their weight. Spotted in the Wheeler basement.
Ep03 21:01
Freeland Dairy Orange Drink
An artificially colored "Orange Drink" from Freehand, PA. Spotted in the school cafeteria.
The Games:
Ep01 2:54
Dungeons & Dragons
Probably the single most important product placement in the show,
Ep02 0:26
Upwords
We spotted 5 iconic 80’s board games in the Wheeler’s Basement
Dungeon! Fantasy Boardgame
We spotted 5 iconic 80’s board games in the Wheeler’s Basement
Family Feud Board Game
We spotted 5 iconic 80’s board games in the Wheeler’s Basement
Score Four
We spotted 5 iconic 80’s board games in the Wheeler’s Basement
The Gear:
Ep01 14:09
Trapper Keeper Designer Series
Lets bring these back yeah? Especially the Designer Series, oh la la. This is the exact same one Poor Barb carried around. Poor Barb.
Ep02 18:43
Tide
When Joyce stops at the general store, you can see shelves lined with Tide.
Ep01 5:00
Pullman Penetrating Graphite Oil
Spotted in the garage, because what's a garage without a random can of oil?
Ep3 16:30
Santa-Trim Christmas Lights
Ever wondered what brand of Christmas Lights Joyce’s buys? Probably not, but now you do.
Ep6 31:33
Walgreens Lito Lighter Fluid
Nancy and Jonathan buy this at the surplus store. Definitely not Walgreens.