In a nostalgic jolt that has sent social media into a frenzy, a man recently unearthed a perfectly preserved packet of Kurkure—the iconic Indian snack—priced at a mere ₹2. The vintage find, complete with a 3‑month expiry date from a bygone era, has been dubbed a “tiny time capsule” by netizens and serves as a crunchy reminder of how much times have changed.
The Discovery That Broke the Internet
The viral image, first reported by Times Now, showcases the crisp packet in all its retro glory. The price tag—₹2—is immediately jarring to anyone who has bought snacks recently, with modern Kurkure packets costing anywhere between ₹10 and ₹20 today. The packaging design, typography, and the explicit mention of a 3‑month shelf life (a standard from decades past) confirm that this isn’t just old stock, but a genuine relic likely dating back to the late 1990s or early 2000s.
Unlike today’s laminated, glossy packs, this artefact represents a simpler era of Indian snacking. The finder allegedly discovered it tucked away in an old store or family storage, untouched by time and inflation.
Social Media Erupts: Nostalgia vs. Sticker Shock
As the photo circulated across X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, comment sections transformed into virtual reunions for ’90s kids.
- “This belongs in a museum!” – Hundreds declared the packet a cultural artefact worthy of preservation.
- “When ₹2 could buy happiness.” – Users reminisced about rushing to local kirana stores after school with just a coin or two.
- Inflation Reality Check: Many contrasted the ₹2 price with current rates, sparking side debates about purchasing power and how snack prices have skyrocketed over 20 years.
The 3‑month expiry window became a particular point of fascination. Modern processed snacks often boast 6–9 month shelf lives due to advanced preservatives, making the short window a “timestamp” confirming the packet’s age. Food safety experts chimed in to warn that while the price might be tempting, consuming decades-old Kurkure would be a recipe for disaster.
Why This ‘Time Capsule’ Matters
Beyond the humour and nostalgia, the viral Kurkure packet touches on deeper cultural sentiments:
- The Lost Art of Affordable Snacking: The ₹2 price point represents an era before “shrinkflation” and aggressive price hikes became the norm in the FMCG sector.
- Preservation of Memory: For millennials, the packet’s design triggers sensory memories—the sound of the crunch, the taste of the masala, the joy of sharing with siblings.
- Viral Anthropology: In an age of digital ephemera, a physical object from the past—a literal “unboxing” of history—feels refreshingly tangible.
A Friendly Warning
While the internet collectively agreed that finding a ₹2 Kurkure is “peak archaeology,” experts were quick to remind viewers that expiry dates exist for a reason. The 3‑month window expired roughly 240 months ago. Display it, frame it, or auction it to a retro collector—but definitely don’t eat it.
