15 Forgotten ’80s Candy Machines You Don’t See Anymore
If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably dropped more than a few quarters into candy machines on your way out of a store or while hanging out at the arcade. Many of these machines were as much about the experience as they were about the candy inside.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
The 1980s were a golden age for candy machines, offering kids a colorful and interactive way to get their sugar fix. These machines were once found in grocery stores, arcades, and malls across the country. Over time, changing technology, health trends, and retail environments pushed them out of the spotlight. While some still live on in memory, many have vanished entirely from the modern landscape.
1. Spiral Gumball Machines
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These tall, transparent machines featured a winding spiral ramp that gumballs would roll down after being released. The visual spectacle made it more exciting than a regular gumball drop. Kids would beg for quarters just to watch the candy spin to the bottom. The machines were often placed near store exits to draw attention. Today, spiral gumball machines have become rare and are mostly seen in collector spaces.
2. Candy Cigarette Vending Machines
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Back when candy cigarettes were still common, machines dedicated to them were installed in local convenience stores. They mimicked real cigarette machines in both style and function. Kids loved the novelty, unaware of the controversial message it sent. As awareness around smoking grew, these machines were phased out. Now they are considered relics of a different cultural mindset.
3. Bubble Gum Slot Machines
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Shaped like mini slot machines, these dispensers added an element of gambling to candy time. You’d pull the lever and hope for a matching combo, even though candy came out either way. The excitement of the gamble made it more appealing than a simple twist knob. These machines were especially popular at diners and casual restaurants. They’ve all but disappeared due to concerns about promoting gambling to children.
4. Skittle-Only Dispensers
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Dedicated machines for Skittles were a rare but memorable treat in the ’80s. You’d get a colorful handful with each coin drop. Unlike mixed-candy dispensers, this machine offered a consistent sugar experience. They were often placed near toy aisles to attract younger audiences. Today, Skittle dispensers are seldom seen outside of specialty candy shops.
5. Lollipop Carousel Machines
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These slow-turning machines displayed a rotating wheel of various lollipops. A coin would trigger the machine to stop at one and dispense it through a chute. The unpredictability made each turn more exciting. Kids would watch the rotation intently, hoping it would land on their favorite flavor. These machines have mostly vanished due to modern licensing changes and bulk packaging.
6. Chiclet-Only Dispensers
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Chiclets gum had its own dedicated machines, usually in a tall column design. A quarter would release a few pieces of the colorful, crunchy gum. The vibrant look of the gum made it appealing even before eating. These machines were especially popular at laundromats and post offices. They’re rarely seen today as Chiclets themselves have faded in popularity.
7. Mini Jawbreaker Dispensers
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Mini jawbreakers were a staple candy in the ’80s, and their machines often dispensed a handful at a time. The small, round candies clattered noisily into metal trays. Their long-lasting flavor and hardness made them a favorite among kids. Machines dispensing jawbreakers were often placed in movie theater lobbies. Now, they’re rarely found due to choking concerns and declining demand.
8. Sticker-and-Candy Combo Machines
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Some machines cleverly combined stickers and candy in one turn. A coin would drop a plastic capsule with both a sugary treat and a collectible sticker inside. These dual-purpose machines offered more value for a single coin. They were often placed near arcade entrances to catch foot traffic. Now, capsule machines focus more on toys or novelty items instead.
9. M&M Dispensers with Levers
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M&M dispensers featured a mechanical lever instead of the usual knob. Pulling the lever released a set portion of candy into a small tray. The unique mechanism made it feel more interactive. Malls and department stores often featured these bright red or yellow machines. They’ve largely disappeared as brands shifted to packaged retail formats.
10. Nerds Candy Machines
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Popularized during the mid-’80s, Nerds had their own tiny vending units. A coin would give you a compartment’s worth of the tiny, tangy candies. Kids loved the clinking sound the candy made as it hit the tray. These machines were often part of larger vending walls at convenience stores. Nerds are still sold today, but their vending machines have been retired.
11. Plastic Toy-and-Candy Mix Machines
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These machines dispensed both a sugary snack and a tiny plastic toy, often sealed in a plastic bubble. The thrill of getting something unexpected added to the appeal. They were positioned near checkout lines in grocery stores and gas stations. Kids would often trade toys with each other after collecting a few. These hybrid machines are now uncommon due to safety regulations and choking hazard concerns.
12. Super Sour Candy Machines
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Super sour candy machines were often themed with wild graphics and exaggerated warnings. They would dispense puckering candies like sour balls or tart powder-filled packets. Kids who liked intense flavor challenges flocked to them. They were frequently seen near skating rinks and amusement centers. Today, such machines are as rare as extremely sour candies, which are mostly sold in packaged form.
13. Candy-Coated Sunflower Seed Dispensers
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These niche machines catered to a more adventurous palate with sugar-coated sunflower seeds. While not as popular as gumballs or lollipops, they had a loyal following. You’d get a salty-sweet mix that stood out from typical vending machine fare. These machines were found in rural grocery stores and local fairs. Now, they are practically unheard of in commercial spaces.
14. Rock Candy Stick Dispensers
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Machines dedicated to rock candy on a stick were slow to operate but visually appealing. The crystalline candy caught the light and added visual drama. Each stick would drop carefully into a narrow slot after payment. Kids loved the novelty of watching sugar in its rawest form. These machines fell out of favor as rock candy became a specialty item.
15. Chocolate-Covered Raisin Dispensers
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Once common in theaters and snack bars, these machines offered chocolate-covered raisins in precise portions. The combination of fruit and chocolate made them seem slightly healthier. They dispensed quietly and cleanly compared to louder machines. The smooth finish of the candy made it less messy than options like gumballs. Today, most chocolate-covered snacks are found only in packaged boxes or bags.