12 Retro Candy Bars That ’80s Kids Will Remember
via SurpriseFunTV / YouTube
The 1980s were a time of neon colors, flashy fashion, and unforgettable candy. If you have fond memories of leg warmers, cassette tapes, and arcade games, you’ll likely remember the candy that was just as colorful and exciting. From the tangy crunch of Nerds to the creamy smoothness of Cow Tales, these treats defined a generation. Here are twelve classic candy bars that ’80s kids will surely recall with a smile.
1. Push Pop
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Push Pops were a game-changer in the candy world. These lollipops came in a clever container that let you push up the candy, keeping your hands clean. You could enjoy a sweet treat and save some for later without the mess. In the 1980s, Push Pops were incredibly popular because they were portable and fit perfectly in a pocket. The original flavors were cherry and grape, but over time, more flavors were added. Today, Push Pops come in a variety of tastes, and the “Triple Power Pop” offers three flavors in one lollipop. Nothing was quite like holding a Push Pop while busting out your best dance moves.
2. Nerds Candy
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Nerds were tiny, crunchy, and full of tangy flavor. These little candies first appeared in 1971 but became widely popular in the 1980s. Packaged in a dual-chamber box, Nerds originally came in flavors like strawberry and grape or cherry and orange. Their unique shape and burst of flavor made them a hit among kids. Over the years, Nerds expanded to include chewy options like Nerds Gummy Clusters and Nerds Ropes. Opening a box of Nerds and shaking it around was a highlight of being a kid in the ’80s.
3. Cow Tales
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Cow Tales, introduced in 1984, are long, chewy candies with a creamy center covered in caramel. Made by Goetze’s Candy Company, the same company behind Bulls Eye Caramels, Cow Tales have remained a favorite. They come in classic flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, with newer versions like Oreo and brownie. The smooth texture and rich flavors made Cow Tales a treat you could enjoy for a long time. Their creamy filling and caramel coating made them a standout candy in the 1980s.
4. Runts Candy
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Runts Candy made its debut in 1984 with its colorful, fruit-shaped pieces. Each candy was shaped like a banana, orange, strawberry, grape, green apple, or a red heart. The bright orange box was a familiar sight in candy aisles. Kids would often sort their Runts into different fruit groups or savor one piece at a time. Runts have stayed true to their original form, and the fruity shapes and flavors continue to bring a taste of the ’80s to life.
5. Airheads Candy
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Airheads Candy, launched in 1985, is known for its stretchy, chewy texture and vibrant flavors. The name “Airheads” was inspired by a moment of creativity from Steve Brunner, who wanted a name that was fun and memorable. Originally available in red flavor, Airheads now come in over 16 different flavors. Each bite of Airheads offers a chewy, fruity experience that has made it a favorite for decades. It’s a candy that continues to be as enjoyable today as it was back in the ’80s.
6. Sour Power Straws
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Sour Power Straws hit the candy scene in 1985 and quickly became known for their sour, tangy flavor. Shaped like licorice straws and coated with sugary crystals, these candies were a hit among fans of sour treats. Originally available in a few flavors, Sour Power Straws now come in over eleven varieties. They were also fun to use as makeshift microphones while singing along to your favorite ’80s hits. The tangy taste and playful design made them a memorable part of the candy landscape.
7. Big League Chew
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Big League Chew, introduced in 1980, was a hit with baseball fans and candy lovers alike. Created by pitcher Rob Nelson, the gum was designed as a tobacco alternative and came in a shredded form. Packaged in a pouch, Big League Chew offered a unique way to enjoy gum, with a texture that was different from traditional sticks. Each pouch contained a substantial amount of gum, and its sweet flavor was a favorite among kids. Big League Chew remains a fun and nostalgic treat that continues to be enjoyed today.
8. Hubba Bubba
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Hubba Bubba made its debut in 1988 with a unique bubble gum dispenser that held over six feet of gum. The original flavor was classic pink, but over the years, Hubba Bubba expanded to include many different flavors. The dispenser was a hit because it was both practical and fun, making it feel like you had an endless supply of gum. Hubba Bubba was a favorite among kids, who enjoyed sharing the gum and blowing big bubbles with their friends.
9. Skor Bar
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The Skor Bar, introduced in 1981, was a chocolate bar that quickly gained popularity. Made in Canada, it featured a crunchy butter toffee center coated with rich milk chocolate. The combination of the toffee’s crunch and the smooth chocolate made for a satisfying treat. Skor was created to compete with the Heath Bar and has remained a favorite for its unique texture and flavor. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery toffee and milk chocolate, making it a beloved candy bar.
10. Lotsa Fizz Candy
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Lotsa Fizz Candy, known for its fizzy and sour center, was a standout candy in the 1980s. The hard candy coating surrounded a fizzy center that erupted with flavor. This Canadian candy was exciting to eat because of its explosive quality. Lotsa Fizz was available in various flavors like orange, blue raspberry, grape, cherry, and green apple. The candy’s fizzy and tangy taste made it a fun treat for kids on the go, adding a bit of excitement to their candy experience.
11. Wacky Wafers
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Wacky Wafers were a fun, pastel-colored candy that made a big impression in the 1980s. Produced initially by Wonka and later by Leaf Brands, these coin-shaped wafers were available in flavors like banana, green apple, watermelon, orange, and strawberry. The sweet scent and crunchy texture made them a favorite among kids. The wafers crumbled delightfully in your mouth, offering a burst of flavor with each bite. Wacky Wafers were a memorable part of the ’80s candy lineup.
12. Skittles
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Skittles, originally known as “Opal Fruits” in England, arrived in North America in the early 1980s. The candy was renamed Skittles and quickly became popular for its colorful, fruity flavors. The original Skittles flavors included grape, lemon, strawberry, and green apple. Today, Skittles offer a wide variety of flavors and forms, including sour and gummy versions. The chewy candies provide a burst of fruity flavor with every piece, making them a classic treat that continues to be enjoyed.
