12 Memorable Candies from the ’70s That Were All the Rage

Ah, the 1970s: a time of bell-bottoms, disco music, and some truly iconic candies. Each sweet treat from this vibrant decade brought its own flavor of joy, giving a whole new meaning to childhood indulgence. Let’s dive into a colorful array of candies which not only defined a generation but also left an enduring influence on candy lovers.

Bottle Caps

Bottle Caps were another playful innovation, mimicking the soda pop tops in both shape and flavor. With options mimicking root beer, cola, and other sodas, these small treats offered the fun of enjoying your favorite drinks in a tiny, tangy form. Bottle Caps were more than just candy; they were an experience, allowing kids to pretend they were popping open a miniature soda.

Bazooka Bubble Gum

Bazooka Bubble Gum was not just a gum; it was a cultural icon. First introduced in the mid-20th century, this gum became famous for its comic strips featuring Bazooka Joe. These comics were a fundamental part of childhood for many, making gum-chewing an engaging entertainment. Over the decades, Bazooka Bubble Gum transitioned, swapping comics for brain teasers in 2012, yet it never lost its nostalgic appeal. People fondly remember its sweet taste and the simple joy of bubble blowing, often reminiscing about collecting comics and challenging friends to trivia.

Necco Wafers

As one of the oldest candy brands in the United States, Necco Wafers have a storied history that dates back to 1847. These simple, chalky discs have weathered the passage of time with their characteristic flavors, ranging from wintergreen and chocolate to clove and cinnamon. Although the Necco Wafer may not have the flashiness of modern confections, its legacy endures, cherished by those who appreciate the candy’s uncomplicated sweetness and its embodiment of nostalgia.

Candy Buttons

Candy Buttons are those tiny dots of sugar attached to strips of paper, enticing kids with their bright colors and simple sweetness. Eating them was almost a ritual; peeling each candy off the paper was a meticulous yet satisfying process. Though not grand or elaborate, their straightforward appeal and the tactile experience they offered made them a fondly remembered treat. Even now, finding a strip of these nostalgic candies brings a smile to those who grew up in the ’70s.

Candy Cigarettes

Candy Cigarettes are among the more controversial sweet treats of the 1970s. Designed to mimic real cigarettes, this candy raised eyebrows but also became a beloved novelty among kids who felt a bit more grown-up while “smoking” them. The candy sticks, often puffing powdered sugar smoke, offered a unique way to emulate adults without the harms of actual smoking. Over time, societal changes prompted modifications to these candies, reducing their resemblance to cigarettes, reflecting growing health consciousness.

Zagnut Bars

Zagnut Bars are a delightful throwback with a crunchy peanut butter center and a toasted coconut coating. Launching in the 1930s, they hold a special place among vintage candy bars. What makes Zagnut Bars particularly interesting is their resistance to melting, thanks to the absence of chocolate, which makes them a perfect summer treat. Despite the inundation of new candy varieties over the decades, Zagnut Bars have maintained their fan base, offering a distinct and satisfying taste that spans generations.

Razzles

Razzles offered an exciting two-in-one experience: first a candy, then a gum. Initially introduced in the 1960s, their popularity soared through the ’70s and beyond, partly due to frequent mentions in popular culture. Razzles are particularly memorable for their magical transformation in your mouth—starting off as a crunchy, fruity candy and then morphing into a chewy gum. This change not only added fun but also prolonged the flavor enjoyment, making Razzles a fascinating treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Big League Chew

Initially hitting the market at the start of the 1980s, Big League Chew was quickly embraced by children of the ’70s who carried their fondness for it into the next decade. This shredded gum, packaged to mimic chewing tobacco, became a ballpark staple. The unique, playful packaging and the variety of flavors like grape, sour apple, and watermelon made it a standout choice among kids. It simulated the experience of being like the baseball great soul styled after, yet it was all in good fun and flavorful chew.

Wax Lips

Wax Lips are playful and a distinctly unusual candy product from the past. Created in the early 20th century, these oversized red wax lips offered more than just a nibble; they were a statement piece, a costume accessory, and a confection rolled into one. The enjoyment derived from Wax Lips was twofold: kids delighted in wearing them to adopt a comical appearance, and afterward, they enjoyed chewing on the mildly sweet wax. Despite being a less conventional treat by today’s standards, Wax Lips retain a sweet spot in the memories of those who grew up with them.

Zotz

Zotz captured the hearts of the adventurous candy lover with its surprising fizz. At first glance, they appeared to be regular hard candy, but once you reached the center, a burst of sour, fizzy powder exploded in your mouth. This sudden shock of sensation was both thrilling and delightful, setting Zotz apart from more predictable candies. The element of surprise in each piece kept candy lovers coming back for that unpredictable jolt of excitement.

Wacky Packs

The Wacky Packs of the 1970s combined candy with collectibles, providing not only a tasty treat but also a source of entertainment. Each pack included a sticker with a parody of consumer products that brought humor and a little bit of mischief to children’s candy experiences. Collecting and trading these stickers became as much a part of the fun as enjoying the gum itself. Today, they are considered collector items, reflecting the playful spirit of the era.

Choco-Lite

The Choco-Lite bar was a unique offering from Nestlé during the 1970s and early ’80s. Its claim to fame was the airy, almost honeycomb-like texture that created an illusion of eating a lighter chocolate bar. Those who remember it often cite the puffy texture that melted pleasantly in the mouth as a defining characteristic. While no longer on the market, the Choco-Lite bar’s intriguing texture makes it a memorable icon among retro chocolate treats.