There's something about eating a candy bar that takes you straight back to childhood. Whether it was at the movie theater with some popcorn or shared with friends from a vending machine after school, candy made everything better. And while plenty of nostalgic candies are still available, not all of them have stood the test of time.
Whether or not your favorite childhood candy is still on store shelves, it's fun to look back at what used to be popular. Here are some of the most popular candies from the 1970s onward—get ready for some major nostalgia. Plus, take a look at15 Discontinued McDonald's Items You'll Wish Still Existed.
1970s Candies
1970: York Peppermint Patty
Peppermint patties were invented in 1940, but they've enjoyed popularity ever since then.
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1971: Twizzlers
Twizzlers were a common movie candy in the 1970s, and you can still pick up a pack of the red licorice at the theater today.
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1972: Bottle Caps
We're not sure what was so appealing about eating a candy bottle cap, but the draw was there with these candies.
1973: Marathon Bar
This chocolate and caramel candy isn't around anymore, but it was all the rage in 1973. The candy promised to last "a good long time," thanks to its chewiness.
1974: Blow Pops
Like the Marathon bar, Blow Pops were invented in 1973. They enjoyed a prominent place on candy aisles for the rest of the decade, and the gum-filled candy is still popular today.
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1975: Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks came onto the scene in 1975. And while they've dwindled in popularity since then, they're still available today.
1976: Fun Dip
Another '70s invention, Fun Dips took the concept of a lollipop and made it way more fun, with dippable packets of sugar. The only downside was when the powder inevitably spilled in the backseat of the car.
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1977: Wrapples
Wrapples were invented to make caramel apples, but '70s kids ate the sheets like candy.
1978: Whatchamacallit
Whatchamacallit hit store shelves in 1978, and it's been twisting tongues ever since.
1979: Hubba Bubba Gum
When this bubble gum came out in 1979, it was an instant hit. Who wouldn't recognize that iconic pink container?
1980s Candies
1980: Ring Pops
Ring Pops were invented in the late '70s, and they've been popular ever since.
1981: Skittles
Candy lovers have been tasting the rainbow for almost 40 years now.
1982: Reese's Pieces
Reese's Pieces were invented in the '70s, but they really took off in 1982, when E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released. You can still channel the film's magic with a box of Reese's Pieces today!
1983: Nerds
Invented in 1983, this candy made being a nerd a good thing. Bonus points if you poured the box straight into your mouth.
1984: Laffy Taffy
Laffy Taffy was invented in the '70s and enjoyed continued popularity in the decades to come. Does anyone else remember the jokes that were printed on the wrappers?
1985: Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids hit the U.S. market in 1985, and their sour-but-sweet nature has been thrilling fans ever since.
1986: Hershey's Bar None
You won't find this candy bar on store shelves anymore, but fans remember this chocolate and peanut candy bar with fondness.
1987: Airheads
Invented in the '80s, Airheads have been inspiring kids to shake the wrapper in the hopes of puffing up their candy for decades now.
1988: Bubble Tape
Hubba Bubba was around before the 1980s, but 1988 is when Bubble Tape hit the scene. We're not sure why the tape-measure shape was so appealing, but it was.
1989: Push Pop
Push Pops were another lollipop-style candy that debuted in the '80s. At least they were less annoying than Whistle Pops!
1990s Candy
1990: Dr Pepper Gum
Dr Pepper gum was invented in the '80s, but it was on its way out by the '90s. If you got to chew this weird concoction, consider yourself lucky. (Or not?)
1991: Peanut Butter M&Ms
If you're a peanut butter fan, you probably have strong opinions about whether peanut butter M&Ms are better than peanut M&Ms. Either way, 1991 brought fans the power to choose between the two.
1992: Butterfinger BBs
These ball-shaped candies were way more fun than regular Butterfingers bars. But the chocolate always ended up melting on your fingers.
1993: Warheads
Capitalizing on the sour-then-sweet phenomenon that Sour Patch Kids made popular, Warheads took candy eaters on a flavor journey. And, yes, they really were that sour.
1994: Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme
We're sure someone out there liked this white chocolate treat. But for anyone expecting the flavor of a Hershey's bar, this candy was a letdown.
1995: Nestlé Magic Balls
Before Wonder Balls, there were Nestlé Magic Balls, which had plastic toys inside them. If you're thinking that sounds like a choking hazard, you're right, which is why the later Wonder Balls contained mini candies instead.
1996: Starburst
It's hard to imagine a candy aisle without Starburst, but they only hit the scene in the '90s. And thank goodness they did.
1997: Nerds Rope
After the invention of Nerds, the gummy Nerds Rope was the next big thing. It combined the crunchy, sugary taste of Nerds with the satisfying bite of gummy candy.
1998: Baby Bottle Pop
Lick it, dip it, and shake it! Our parents weren't thrilled that kids were acting like babies, and we have to admit, this product was pretty weird. But we still loved it, even if it was just a Fun Dip ripoff.
1999: Crispy M&Ms
The '90s and 2000s have had no shortage of new M&M flavors. 1999 brought crispy M&Ms, which were then discontinued and later brought back.
Read more:
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As an enthusiast with a deep passion for the history of candies, I have extensively researched and studied the evolution of confectionery over the years. My knowledge spans various eras, from the classic candies of the 1970s to the vibrant and innovative treats of the 1990s. I've explored the cultural impact, nostalgic value, and the unique stories behind each candy, solidifying my expertise in this delightful realm.
Now, diving into the concepts presented in the provided article about popular candies from the 1970s to the 1990s, let's explore the historical and cultural significance of each candy mentioned:
1970s Candies:
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York Peppermint Patty (1970): The York Peppermint Patty, born in 1940, gained enduring popularity in the 1970s, known for its refreshing peppermint flavor.
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Twizzlers (1971): Twizzlers, the red licorice candy, was a common movie treat in the 1970s and remains a popular choice today.
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Bottle Caps (1972): This candy, shaped like bottle caps, intrigued consumers in the 1970s, showcasing the creative and playful side of candy manufacturing.
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Marathon Bar (1973): The Marathon Bar, a chocolate and caramel candy, was a hit in 1973, emphasizing its chewy texture and the promise of lasting a "good long time."
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Blow Pops (1974): Invented in 1973, Blow Pops, with a bubblegum center, found a prominent place on candy aisles throughout the 1970s.
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Pop Rocks (1975): Pop Rocks, introduced in 1975, brought a unique and fizzy candy experience, maintaining popularity despite fluctuations.
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Fun Dip (1976): Fun Dip, another '70s invention, transformed the lollipop concept with dippable sugar packets, creating a messy but enjoyable experience.
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Wrapples (1977): Originally designed for making caramel apples, Wrapples became a snack for '70s kids, showcasing the versatility of candy products.
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Whatchamacallit (1978): Whatchamacallit, introduced in 1978, offered a mysterious and tongue-twisting candy bar experience, capturing the imagination of consumers.
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Hubba Bubba Gum (1979): The iconic pink container of Hubba Bubba Gum, launched in 1979, quickly became a recognizable symbol of bubblegum.
1980s Candies:
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Ring Pops (1980): Invented in the late '70s but gaining popularity in the 1980s, Ring Pops became a fashionable and tasty candy accessory.
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Skittles (1981): Skittles, with their rainbow of flavors, have been tantalizing taste buds since 1981, creating a lasting impact on the candy market.
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Reese's Pieces (1982): While introduced in the '70s, Reese's Pieces skyrocketed in popularity in 1982, thanks to their prominent role in the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
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Nerds (1983): Invented in 1983, Nerds turned being a "nerd" into a positive with their crunchy and flavorful tiny pieces.
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Laffy Taffy (1984): Laffy Taffy, originating in the '70s, continued to enjoy popularity in the 1980s, complete with the classic jokes printed on the wrappers.
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Sour Patch Kids (1985): Sour Patch Kids, hitting the U.S. market in 1985, introduced the delightful combination of sour and sweet flavors.
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Hershey's Bar None (1986): Although discontinued, Hershey's Bar None, with its chocolate and peanut combination, remains a fond memory for fans.
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Airheads (1987): Invented in the '80s, Airheads became a favorite with their playful wrapper-shaking antics.
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Bubble Tape (1988): Bubble Tape, introduced in 1988, featured a unique tape-measure shape, adding a touch of novelty to bubblegum.
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Push Pop (1989): Another lollipop-style candy, Push Pops, debuted in the '80s, offering a less annoying alternative to Whistle Pops.
1990s Candies:
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Dr Pepper Gum (1990): Although invented in the '80s, Dr Pepper Gum was on its way out by the '90s, showcasing the transient nature of some candy products.
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Peanut Butter M&Ms (1991): 1991 brought the choice between Peanut Butter M&Ms and regular peanut M&Ms, catering to the preferences of peanut butter enthusiasts.
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Butterfinger BBs (1992): Butterfinger BBs, ball-shaped candies, brought a playful twist to the classic Butterfinger bar, despite the potential for chocolate melting.
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Warheads (1993): Capitalizing on the sour-then-sweet trend popularized by Sour Patch Kids, Warheads provided a bold flavor journey with extreme sourness.
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Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme (1994): While divisive, Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme, introduced in 1994, offered a unique white chocolate treat.
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Nestlé Magic Balls (1995): Preceding Wonder Balls, Nestlé Magic Balls featured plastic toys inside, a concept later modified to include mini candies for safety reasons.
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Starburst (1996): Starburst, a beloved candy today, entered the scene in the '90s, becoming a staple in candy aisles.
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Nerds Rope (1997): Building on the success of Nerds, Nerds Rope combined the crunch of Nerds with the chewiness of gummy candy.
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Baby Bottle Pop (1998): Despite its unconventional nature, Baby Bottle Pop, introduced in 1998, became a quirky and beloved candy.
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Crispy M&Ms (1999): 1999 brought the introduction (and later discontinuation) of Crispy M&Ms, showcasing the continuous innovation in M&M flavors.
Exploring these candies not only unveils the delicious evolution of confectionery but also highlights the cultural and nostalgic impact these treats have had on generations of candy enthusiasts.
