All The 80s Food References You May Have Missed In 'Stranger Things' Season 3
New Coke is just the start.
**If you haven't binged season three of Stranger Things yet, proceed with caution, as minor spoilers are to come. But also, season three was FANTASTIC, so what are you waiting for?!!**
Ok, now what we're really here for: Beyond all the mind flayer hunting and budding relationships, season three is essentially an ode to 80s food—inside the Starcourt Mall food court and beyond. Below, all the subtle—and not so subtle, @Coca Cola—nostalgic references, plus a few ways to recreate the magic at home when you inevitably binge the show in full again.
New Coke
The most obvious food-centric plot point: New Coke. There's a full scene dedicated to it early on in the season—does it actually taste good?—and in the final episode, it plays a very important role in proving whether El's powers are still intact. You can buy the Coke, along with Stranger Things-marked cans, on Coca-Cola's website and at select Coca-Cola stores this summer.
Eggos
While not as prominent as in season one or two, there is still a heart-wrenching Eggo reference in the last episode. I can't write about it or I will cry, but, you gotta eat some Eggo's while watching the show. It's basically a law.
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Slurpees
A bit of history for ya: 7-Eleven started selling Slurpees in 1965, so they were still relatively new in this early-80s timeframe. There were also a ton of Marvel and DC Slurpee collabs in the 70s, making them even more popular. So it's no surprise Alexei (</3) is obsessed. When you need some comfort food post-episode eight, get yourself a nice cherry Slurpee and toast to Alexei, Hop, and Bob.
Stolichnaya
...And if you're in need of some booze, spike your Slushee with Stoli. Not only did it get Hop and Joyce out of trouble with the Russians, Hop and Murray enjoyed some while plotting their way into the evil Russian lair.
Hot Dog On A Stick
"You know what I could really go for right now? A Hot Dog On A Stick." So says Robin and Steve in a drug-induced haze. While Waldenbooks may have been peak 80s, this food court staple is still plenty nostalgic.
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Burger King
The Burger King logo can be spotted in some capacity in five out of the eight episodes, Fast Company reports, whether it's the exterior in the food court or a bag hanging from Hopper's mouth. Before the show premiered, BK sold an Upside Down Whopper, too.
Interestingly, Netflix says there was no official product placement in the series, just a lot of research to figure out what would've actually been in a mall in Indiana in 1985.
Scoops Ahoy
There's no way you missed this one, considering Scoops Ahoy—and those iconic sailor outfits—plays a part in every episode. Scooping ice cream is something of a teen's summer rite of passage, no? While Scoops Ahoy is sadly a fictional shop, you can keep the ice cream magic going at Baskin-Robbins this summer where there are Stranger Things-themed flavors, sundaes, and shakes for sale.
Lucky Charms
A blink check-your-phone-and-you-miss-it cameo in season three: a 1980s box of Lucky Charms, which sends Eleven into a flashback. In another nod to the 80s, "Find The Source" by Kylie Dixon and Michael Stein is playing in the background during this scene.
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