14 Commercial Jingles You’ll Never Forget
These catchy jingles from TV's golden era still live rent-free in your head, decades later.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Long before ad blockers and streaming services, commercial jingles were the soundtrack of daily life. Whether they played during Saturday morning cartoons or prime-time sitcoms, these tunes embedded themselves in our brains. Here are 14 unforgettable jingles that instantly take you back.
1. “I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid”
Wikimedia Commons
This tune made growing up sound optional. With its joyful melody and playful lyrics, kids everywhere proudly sang it in toy aisles.
2. “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up…” (Folgers)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Few jingles delivered warmth like Folgers did with its morning anthem. Just hearing it conjured up the aroma of fresh coffee.
3. “Gimme a Break, Gimme a Break” (Kit Kat)
Justin on Unsplash
This snappy jingle turned candy breaks into a national craving. Its repetitive rhythm was so catchy that you hummed it unconsciously.
4. “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There”
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
This jingle gave comfort and a sense of security. The sing-song phrase became synonymous with reliability. You didn’t just hear it; you believed it.
5. “Plop Plop, Fizz Fizz” (Alka-Seltzer)
Mysterymanblue on Wikimedia Commons
With its bubbling sound effects and playful lyrics, this one made indigestion oddly fun. It stuck because of its rhythm and sound, not just the message.
6. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” (Toys ‘R’ Us)
AleWi on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, it had two iconic jingles, and both stuck with us. This one echoed every kid’s fantasy to avoid adulthood.
7. “Have It Your Way” (Burger King)
Trop86 on Wikimedia Commons
This jingle gave fast food a rebellious edge. It promised personalization long before custom orders were trendy.
8. “My Bologna Has a First Name” (Oscar Mayer)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Few jingles were as adorably educational as this spelling song. Kids across America learned how to spell “Oscar Mayer” before their own last names.
9. “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun” (Doublemint Gum)
Hephaestos on Wikimedia Commons
This cool, breezy tune promised a twin-sized experience in every stick. It was lighthearted and flirtatious, making gum more exciting than you’d think possible.
10. “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” (Rice Krispies)
Lisa from Pexels on Pexels
It was not just a slogan but a sound-based brand identity. The trio of noises—and their cartoon mascots—made breakfast musical.
11. “Nationwide Is on Your Side”
Trailers of the East Coast on Wikimedia Commons
Another insurance jingle that blended warmth with trust. Its gentle tune offered peace of mind in a single line.
12. “I’m Lovin’ It” (McDonald’s)
Fakhrir Amrullah on Unsplash
Simple, modern, and globally recognizable, this one stuck through the 2000s and beyond. Its rhythm, paired with that iconic “ba da ba ba ba,” made it an instant earworm.
13. “You Deserve a Break Today” (McDonald’s)
Marques Thomas on Unsplash
Before “I’m Lovin’ It,” this was McDonald’s jingle of choice. It emphasized self-care before it was a trend. It was comfort food and emotional support wrapped in a melody.
14. “Meow Meow Meow Meow” (Meow Mix)
Louis Oliveira on Flickr
Who knew a cat food ad could go viral before the internet? Using a single word, this jingle drove itself into your memory and refused to leave.