Think back to the 1970s, and you’ll likely remember the brightly colored, wildly flavored candy offerings. These sweet treats brought immense joy to countless kids (and adults).
Let’s take a look at 15 iconic candies from the 1970s that will leave you salivating.
Jolly Rancher
These deliciously fruity, hard candies became firmly established in the 1970s. As a kid’s Halloween favorite, it didn’t take long for these small treats to become a must-have in every kid’s pocket. Jolly Ranchers were available in fantastically mouth-watering flavors like watermelon, apple, and cherry. Kids regularly stocked up on Jolly Ranchers from the candy store.
Reese’s Pieces
Reese’s Pieces came to our attention in the 1970s, though it wasn’t until they featured in the famous Spielberg movie E.T. that they hit global heights. These candy-coated treats were packed with peanut butter, offering happy parents a mess-free way for their kids to enjoy the classic Reese’s taste. With deliciously crunchy shells in bright orange, yellow, and brown, they were highly popular with peanut butter lovers.
Charleston Chew
Named after the Charleston dance craze of the 1920s, Charleston Chews became a highly popular treat in the 1970s. A deliciously subtle vanilla flavor combined with a chewy nougat center coated in rich chocolate simply melted in our mouths. The fun element was enjoying these treats at room temperature or frozen in the summer months.
U-No Split
Who can forget U-No bars; smooth, creamy chocolate sensations that had a hint of ‘special’ about them? With their truffle-like texture and tasty almond flavor, they seemed slightly more sophisticated than your average candy bar. These rich, indulgent candy bars were in a league of their own when it came to snacking.
Fun Dip
You may remember them as Lik-M-Aid before they were renamed Fun Dip, but they brought a new level of fun to candy in the 70s. Delightfully sticky and messy, kids loved dipping the chalky, edible sticks into a brightly colored powder. Available in flavors like grape and cherry, their sweet, bitter taste gave them an extra kick.
Wack-O-Wax Lips
Wack-O-Wax Lips were so much more than just candy; they were a gimmick and a treat all in one. These sweet, waxy treats let kids goof around with oversized red lips before finally indulging in the sweet candy. In the 1970s, they were a party favorite and always guaranteed to get a laugh.
S’mores
S’mores were in a league of their own when it came to the sweet stakes. Largely associated with family camping trips in the 70s, these gooey bars filled with marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crunchy crackers were a staple in every picnic basket. Numerous candy companies tried to replicate the flavor but didn’t quite hit the mark.
Twizzlers Rainbow
Twizzlers, with their chewy texture and fruity flavors, excited hardcore candy fans for decades. They popped up in the 1970s in their bold, bright colors and came in flavors such as blue raspberry, grape, and lemonade. These brightly colored licorice sticks were popular at movie theaters and a must-have for every road trip.
Snickers
Stacked with peanuts, caramel, and nougat coated in creamy milk chocolate, Snickers bars were the ultimate snack to satisfy sweet cravings. By the 1970s, they’d become firmly established as one of the most popular sweet treats for kids and adults alike. That perfect combination of sweet and salty made Snickers a go-to for every treat-filled occasion.
Zotz
For a candy that packed a punch, Zotz was the must-have. These hard candies looked innocent on the outside but contained a fizzy, sour powder that prompted many a gurning expression. As the tangy fizz surprised your taste buds, popping a Zotz was an experience of its own. In the 1970s, these candies were popular with thrill-seeking kids.
Bottle Caps
Shaped like tiny soda bottle caps, Bottle Caps were the perfect sugar overload that captured the essence of our favorite fizzy soft drinks. With flavors like cola, root beer, and orange soda, Bottle Caps were a nostalgic nod to soda fountains and created a joyful mouth-watering fizz. A kid’s favorite in the 1970s.
Baby Ruth Candy Bar
Baby Ruth bars were a no-mess treat with peanuts, caramel, and nougat, all wrapped in delicious chocolate. They became popular due to their namesake, which was linked to American baseball legend Babe Ruth. By the 1970s, Baby Ruth had become a household name. Though sometimes likened to the Snickers bar, die-hard candy lovers could always spot the difference.
Razzles Candy by Tootsie Roll
Razzles were a combination of both candy and gum, giving them an edge over similar sweet treats. The first bite promised a sweet and tangy candy, but after a few more, they’d magically transform into chewable gum. This treat was a novelty in the 1970s and quickly became a playground favorite thanks to its all-in-one sweet/candy offering.
Necco Wafers
Necco Wafers were a love-hate amongst candy lovers, but those who loved them were loyal fans. Rolled into thin discs, they were available in a variety of flavors, from chocolate to wintergreen. Necco Wafers combined a sweet flavor with a chalky texture, making them a unique treat in the 1970s.
Laffy Taffy
Available in flavors such as banana, cherry, and grape, Laffy Taffy was the perfect chewy treat for kids who wanted something long-lasting (and for parents who wanted some peace!). Adding to its charm, each wrapper featured a painfully corny joke that guaranteed an eye roll.
