Do you remember Tazos?

Hello aerochrome reader Hoping everything goes well to you! Be welcomed to another post of throwbacks, this time bringing you the unmatched Tazos! That's right, you probably were curious to find those round plain circles in bags of chips, Chipicaos or Cheetos. Let's quickly remember them

What are "Tazos"?

Tazos, which have been around since the 1990s heavily inspired by POGs (the famous milk caps) in the United States that later influenced Japan, are round discs that were often found in bags of snacks. They became popular as childhood collectibles and could be used to play various games. Its name is presumably originated from the mexican term "taconazos", meaning "to kick with the heel" refering to a popular school game in the country.

Appearance and fame

After a while Tazos began appearing in other shapes and often featured graphics of popular cartoon characters, movie themes, or sports teams, some even containing side cuts so other pieces would fit into them, allowing the player to stack and use them to play games by flipping or knocking them over with a heavier "slammer" Tazo.

Collecting Tazos became a craze in many countries, a total of 59, leading to various series and special editions. Though initially distributed mainly in snack bags, they sometimes came in cereal boxes, ice creams or other promotional items.

A business in disguise

The fascination with Tazos didn't just end with their collection; they also sparked a social phenomenon where kids traded them, an effort to complete entire sets and boasting about rare finds. Schoolyards turned into bustling marketplaces, with children negotiating swaps, showing off their prized pieces, and engaging in spirited competitions. This activity not only boosted friendships but also taught early lessons in negotiation and strategy, making Tazos more than just toys—they became cultural icons that encapsulated the playful spirit and resourcefulness of childhood times.

In today's world, Tazos don't seem to hold a big value anymore, except for some complete sets including rare findings, which can go up to $900 a set. So, if you're looking to make money with some, you still have to dig deeper into serious collectors and negociate various offers, otherwise, they'll only make you $5 a set, as their fame fell off abruptly.