15 ’80s Candy Store Treats That Are No Longer Sold
This article highlights 15 candy store favorites from the 1980s that are no longer available today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These candies were popular during the 1980s but eventually disappeared from shelves. Some were discontinued due to changing trends, company buyouts, or lack of sales. Each one left behind fun memories for kids who grew up in that era. This list brings back the sweet treats you probably forgot existed.
1. Pop Rocks
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
These crackling candies created a fizzy explosion in your mouth that felt like a tiny science experiment. They were exciting, unpredictable, and made snack time unforgettable. Although Pop Rocks made a comeback, some original versions and flavors from the ’80s are long gone.
2. Nerds (Original Versions)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Nerds were tiny, crunchy, and packed with sourness in every pour. While the brand still exists, many of the classic boxes and bold flavor combinations from the ’80s disappeared. The larger boxes and twin compartments were part of the fun and are missed today.
3. Airheads (Original Bulk Packs)
Steven Depolo on Wikimedia Commons
Airheads were chewy, colorful, and full of artificial fruit flavor in the best way possible. Although still sold today, several original flavors and packaging styles were phased out over time. The big multi-packs from the candy stores of the ’80s are now a thing of the past.
4. Big League Chew (Original Flavors)
Geoff on Wikimedia Commons
Shredded bubble gum in a pouch made every kid feel like a baseball star. The original flavors, like wild pitch watermelon and grape, were once staples in the gum aisle. Many of those early versions no longer exist, making the original experience hard to replicate.
5. Wonka Bar
Urko Dorronsoro from Donostia on Wikimedia Commons
The Wonka Bar was a chocolate treat inspired by the famous book and movie, giving kids hope for a golden ticket. Its rich wrapper and quirky branding made it feel special. It quietly disappeared from U.S. shelves by the 2010s after years of inconsistent availability.
6. Mr. Bones Puzzle Candy
Alimurat Üral on Pexels
Mr. Bones came in a tiny plastic coffin filled with bone-shaped candies you could assemble into a skeleton. The candy was chalky, but the toy-like packaging made it fun and collectible. It disappeared in the ’90s, leaving fans with spooky memories of Halloween shelves.
7. Summit Bar
S8321414 on Wikimedia Commons
This candy bar was layered with wafers, peanuts, and chocolate that offered a crunchy bite with every chew. It was promoted as a high-energy snack and had a brief popularity spike. Despite a relaunch in the early ’80s, it was discontinued again shortly after.
8. Choco’Lite
Eka Samkharadze on Wikimedia Commons
Choco’Lite was a bubbly chocolate bar with an airy texture that melted quickly on the tongue. It was Nestlé’s answer to lighter candy options before the trend really took off. The bar slowly disappeared by the late ’80s without much fanfare.
9. PowerHouse Bar
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
This hefty bar combined peanuts, caramel, and fudge for a satisfying and dense treat. It was considered one of the early versions of a high-calorie “energy” candy. Once the brand changed hands, the bar was quietly taken off the market.
10. Milkshake Bar
Channel 5’s Milkshake! on Wikimedia Commons
The Milkshake Bar had a malted nougat center that was especially good when frozen. Its packaging encouraged kids to chill it for a better experience. After a company merger in the late ’80s, the bar was no longer produced.
11. Dina-Sour Eggs
Cup of Couple on Pexels
Dina-Sour Eggs were giant, egg-shaped jawbreakers with a tangy outer shell. The dinosaur theme made them extra exciting for kids during the dinosaur craze. They faded out in the early ’90s and are almost impossible to find today.
12. Sky Bar
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Sky Bar was divided into four compartments, each filled with a different flavor like caramel, vanilla, peanut, and fudge. This made it one of the most unique candy bars of its time. After multiple attempts to bring it back, it was eventually discontinued again.
13. Candy Raisins
Awkwafaba on Wikimedia Commons
Despite the name, Candy Raisins were chewy jujube-style candies that had a perfumed flavor unlike anything else. They were especially loved in the Midwest and had a loyal fan base. Even after a temporary revival, they were pulled from production again.
14. Punky’s
Photo: Andreas Praefcke on Wikimedia Commons
Punky’s were sour candies with a rough sugar coating and bold, youthful packaging. The branding appealed to the rebellious side of ’80s kids who loved trying something different. Sales dropped quickly, and it was pulled before the ’90s even got started.
15. Candy Cigarettes and Bubble Gum Cigarettes
Craig Pennington on Wikimedia Commons
These candy sticks looked like real cigarettes and were often given playful powder that mimicked smoke. Many parents eventually pushed back against the product’s message. While similar products exist now in novelty form, the original packaging styles are no longer allowed.