People Are Desperately Begging For This '80s Snack To Make A Comeback After "Stranger Things" Subtly Dropped It In The Newest Season
"We won't crash if it's like a Bopper!"
🚨 Note: Stranger Things spoilers ahead! 🚨
Part 1 of Stranger Things 5 gave us everything we expect from the series: high-stakes danger, emotional reunions, and tons of '80s nostalgia.
But somehow, the thing we can't stop thinking about isn't Vecna's even scarier appearance or Will's newly-discovered magical powers or even Lucas' undying love for Max...
It's Peanut Butter Boppers.
The discontinued Nature Valley snack is mentioned in pretty much every episode of the new season so far; it's pretty much all Steve talks about (that, and Nancy).
At first, the repeated mentions feel like classic '80s product placement — very Reese’s Pieces in E.T.
But Stranger Things takes it a step further. The peanut butter-filled chocolate bar becomes an essential part of the Demogorgan chase subplot with Dustin, Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan in Steve's beamer.
Steve hypothesizes that a momentary gate to the Upside Down is penetrable, like a Bopper.
Dustin and Jonathan are understandably skeptical, but with encouragement from Nancy, Steve drives straight at the gate.
His hypothesis is proven right — they drive straight into the Upside Down! The Bopper bit pays off with a big win for the team, and a long-discontinued snack officially becomes plot-relevant.
So, what exactly is a Peanut Butter Bopper?
The Nature Valley snack was in production from 1985 to 1989, featuring a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter filling, coated in chocolate and rolled in crunchy cereal, which came in five flavors, including Fudge Chip, the kind Steve is seen eating in the show.
While the Boppers do play a genuine role in the show, their appearance also marks a very smart marketing collaboration with Nature Valley’s parent company, General Mills. And judging by the internet’s reaction, it worked extremely well.
Can we try Boppers for ourselves?
Sort of. Ray Joncas, VP at General Mills, announced they're "excited to bring Boppers back from the 1980s and into fans’ hands one more time." On December 3rd, Nature Valley released a very limited-edition Bopper giveaway of only 250 boxes, "inspired by the world of Hawkins," the fictional town where Stranger Things is set.
The Boppers' release sold out in no time, and fans took to Nature Valley's TikTok to beg for more.
Nature Valley has been encouraging fans who didn't snag a box to make them at home. However, fans are eager for the genuine, nostalgic Bopper straight from the brand.
Until the “bring them back for real” campaign succeeds, Nature Valley has shared the official recipe to make Peanut Butter Boppers at home:
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
Preparation:
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.
You can get the full recipe from Nature Valley's website here.