10 1970s Candies We Didn’t Appreciate Then But Miss Now

The 1970s brought us some of the most iconic candies, many of which have faded away or changed over the years. While we may not have realized how special they were at the time, these sweets now bring back a wave of nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times.

1. Marathon Bar

The Marathon Bar was a unique candy with its elongated, braided caramel covered in chocolate. It was twice as long as most candy bars and took forever to eat, which made it a favorite among kids. Its memorable red packaging and ruler markings made it stand out on store shelves.

Despite its popularity, the Marathon Bar was discontinued in the early 1980s, leaving fans longing for its chewy texture and rich taste. Even today, people still talk about how satisfying it was to slowly enjoy every bite.

2. Wacky Wafers

Wacky Wafers were colorful, fruity discs that had a crunchy texture and came in bold flavors like watermelon, banana, and green apple. The candy was packaged in a long strip, making it easy to share or savor piece by piece. It became a childhood favorite during the 70s.

Though Wacky Wafers disappeared from shelves for a while, they have since been revived in recent years. Fans still cherish the simplicity of these wafers and their classic fruit flavors, which remind them of trips to the candy store.

3. Candy Cigarettes

In the 1970s, candy cigarettes were a common sight, letting kids mimic adults without any harm. They were simple, chalky sticks of candy that came in little boxes designed to look like cigarette packs. Many enjoyed pretending to “smoke” them, even though they were just sugary treats.

While these candies were fun at the time, they have mostly disappeared due to concerns about promoting smoking. Still, the nostalgia for candy cigarettes is strong, as they represented a carefree era when sugary treats were a central part of childhood fun.

4. Zotz

Zotz were candies with a hard, fruity shell that hid a fizzy, sour center. The moment you bit into one, the candy would release a burst of fizz that tickled your tongue, creating a unique eating experience. Zotz came in a variety of flavors, including cherry, lemon, and apple.

While Zotz still exist today, they aren’t as widely available as they once were. Their distinctive mix of sweetness and sourness made them unforgettable, and many who grew up with Zotz still fondly recall the surprise of that fizzy center.

5. Razzles

Razzles were a candy that turned into gum, giving kids the best of both worlds. Starting off as a fruity tablet, Razzles slowly transformed into a chewy piece of gum as you chewed. With bright colors and fun flavors, they were a hit in the 70s, especially with kids who loved candy and gum.

Although Razzles are still around, their heyday was in the 1970s, when their dual nature was a novelty. They’re remembered for their playful nature, offering a fun surprise with every chew.

6. Sugar Daddy

Sugar Daddy were bite-sized caramel candies coated in a shiny layer of sweetness. They had a chewy, almost sticky texture that made them a slow, satisfying treat. Packaged in a small, yellow box, these candies were often enjoyed at movie theaters or shared with friends on a long afternoon.

Although still available, Sugar Daddy were at their peak in the 1970s. Their sticky sweetness and long-lasting chewiness make them a nostalgic candy, reminding many of the simpler joys of childhood.

7. Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip

Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip came with a white candy stick and a pouch of flavored powder. The idea was simple: lick the stick, dip it into the sugary powder, and enjoy the burst of flavor. Popular flavors included cherry and grape, making it a fun, interactive candy experience.

Fun Dip is still sold today, but its popularity in the 70s was unparalleled. For many, the ritual of dipping and licking was more exciting than the candy itself, turning a simple treat into an afternoon of fun.

8. Bottle Caps

Bottle Caps were small, fizzy candies shaped like soda bottle tops, and they mimicked the flavors of popular soft drinks. With tastes like root beer, cola, and grape, they provided a fun twist on candy and soda. Their slightly fizzy texture added to the novelty.

While Bottle Caps have endured over the years, their biggest fan base was in the 70s. They offered a nostalgic connection to soda fountains, combining two favorite indulgences into one quirky candy.

9. Clark Bar

The Clark Bar was a crispy, peanut butter-flavored treat wrapped in a chocolate coating. Its crunchy texture and sweet taste made it a favorite in the 70s, often competing with other peanut butter candies. The candy bar’s simplicity and satisfying crunch were what kept fans coming back for more.

Though it has since been revived, the Clark Bar remains a nostalgic memory for those who enjoyed it during its peak. Its nutty flavor and chocolate coating captured the essence of 70s candy indulgence.

10. Space Dust

A close relative of Pop Rocks, Space Dust was a powdered candy that fizzed and crackled in your mouth. The fine texture and explosive sensation made it both fun and delicious. It was available in fruity flavors, adding a burst of excitement to candy time during the 70s.

Though Space Dust didn’t last long, its connection to the era’s fascination with space and exploration made it stand out. It remains a fun memory for those who loved its playful crackling sensation.