20 Childhood Treats From the 1970s You Forgot About

For many, the 1970s represent a golden age of experimental snacking and neon colored sugar rushes. It was a decade where pantry staples were often as vibrant as the Saturday morning cartoons children watched while eating them. While some of these classics have stood the test of time, others have faded into the foggy memories of wood paneled living rooms and neighborhood corner stores. This listicle revisits 20 of the most iconic, quirky, and sugary treats that fueled ’70s kids. From space age powders to chocolatey delights that melted in a child’s hand, these are the unwrapped flavors that spark instant nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the age of groove.

1. Pop Rocks

Nothing captured the spirit of the ’70s quite like a tiny packet of Pop Rocks. Kids would tear it open, pour the crystals onto their tongues, and wait for the crackling surprise to begin. That fizzy popping felt wild the first time, like fireworks going off inside your mouth, and everyone on the block had to try it at least once. The candy became even more famous because of a rumor involving Mikey and a soda. The story spread fast on playgrounds, even though it was never true. Still, that little scare only made the experience more exciting. Cherry or grape, it always delivered that unforgettable snap and sizzle.

2. Fun Dip

For many kids in the ’70s, Fun Dip was more than just candy. It was a full after-school ritual. Back when it carried the name Lik-M-Aid, children would open the packet with excitement, already knowing exactly what to do. They would lick the white candy stick, dip it deep into the bright blue or red powder, and repeat the process again and again. Tongues turned bold colors, fingers grew sticky, and laughter usually followed. The mess was part of the fun. There was something bold about eating straight flavored sugar from a pouch. By the time the powder was gone, the stick had softened into a sweet final bite. It was colorful, playful, and perfectly suited to a ’70s afternoon.

3. Tang

Although Tang was created in the 1950s, it truly found its spotlight in the ’70s. Its link to NASA made it instantly cool. Children loved the idea of sipping the same bright orange drink that astronauts brought into space. The powder was stirred into water and poured into a glass pitcher that often stayed ready in the fridge. It did not taste exactly like real oranges, but that did not matter. The flavor was bold, sweet, and unforgettable in its own way. Whether families were gathered around the television for a launch or kids were coming home after a long bike ride, a cold glass of Tang felt special. It carried the excitement of space travel and the promise of a future that seemed big, bold, and glowing orange.

4. Choco’Lite Bar

In the ’70s, Choco-Lite was a chocolate bar like no other. Filled with tiny air bubbles, it offered a light, crisp texture that melted instantly on the tongue. Kids loved the novelty of snapping off a piece and hearing the faint crunch of the bubbles. Compared to heavier, denser bars like Snickers, it felt almost sophisticated, a little grown-up, yet playful enough for children to enjoy. The “aerated” sensation made it feel special every time. Though Choco-Lite eventually vanished from store shelves, it left a lasting impression. Fans still wander candy aisles searching for a modern equivalent, but nothing quite captures the unique, airy chocolate magic that defined ’70s snacking.

5. Nature Valley Granola Bars

Nature Valley Granola Bars were a whole new kind of snack. Kids loved them for their simplicity and crunch, even if biting too hard sometimes chipped a tooth. These were not the chocolate-filled or chewy bars of today but solid planks of oats and honey that made a satisfying, noisy crunch with every bite. Crumbs were inevitable, leaving a little trail wherever a child went, but that was part of the fun. Some even crumbled them into a bowl of yogurt for a quick breakfast treat. For ’70s kids, these bars were more than healthy; they were a crunchy, wholesome snack that felt like a tiny reward after a busy day of play.

6. Jiffy Pop

No ’70s movie night felt complete without Jiffy Pop. It was more than popcorn; it was a mini magic show on the stovetop. Kids watched in awe as the silver foil slowly puffed up into a shiny dome, each pop building the suspense. Everyone had to shake the pan constantly to keep it from burning, creating a steady “scritch-scratch” rhythm on the burner. When the foil finally opened, the buttery, salty aroma filled the room. Families gathered around, sharing in the excitement of watching the popcorn expand before sitting down for a night of television. It was messy, loud, and unforgettable, the perfect snack for the era.

7. Bubble Tape

While the famous plastic dispenser became a 1980s staple, the concept of long, rolled bubble gum began its journey in the late 1970s. Children were fascinated by the idea of having six feet of gum at their disposal, allowing them to choose the exact length of their chew. It was the ultimate playground currency, as a child could tear off a small piece for a friend or keep a massive wad for themselves. The gum was famously coated in a heavy layer of flour-like starch to prevent sticking, which gave it a unique initial texture. It represented the decade’s move toward “novelty” packaging, where the container was just as much a toy as the candy was a treat.

8. Wacky Packages Stickers

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While not edible, Wacky Packages were the perfect sidekick to the stiff, pink rectangle of gum in every pack. In the ’70s, kids collected these trading cards featuring silly parodies of everyday products like “Krust” toothpaste or “Weakies” cereal. For many, the gum was almost an afterthought; the real prize was the sticker that could decorate a notebook, lunchbox, or bedroom door. The jokes were irreverent, capturing the playful, mischievous spirit of the decade. Trading and collecting them became a serious hobby, with lunchroom swaps as competitive and thrilling as any market deal. Wacky Packages were more than stickers—they were a small, hilarious window into ’70s childhood fun.

9. Kit Kat

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Although Kit Kat had been around for decades, it truly took off in the ’70s thanks to clever, catchy advertising. The “Snap into a Kit Kat” campaign clicked with kids who loved snacks they could easily share. Each bar had four crisp wafer fingers coated in milk chocolate, perfect for breaking off a piece for a sibling or a friend. Its light, crunchy texture offered a nice change from the heavier, nougat-filled bars that were common at the time. Kit Kats quickly became a must-have for trick-or-treaters, often being the first candy eaten after a long night of running from house to house. It was simple, fun, and instantly recognizable.

10. Combos

Combos officially hit the scene in the late 1970s, introducing a brand new category of snack: the stuffed pretzel. These bite-sized cylinders of salty dough were filled with various “cheese” or “pizza” flavored creams, creating a shelf-stable appetizer that kids found irresistible. They were marketed as a rugged, hearty snack perfect for road trips in the family station wagon or for fueling a long afternoon of playing kickball. The contrast between the crunchy, salt-dusted exterior and the soft, savory interior was a culinary revelation for the time. They quickly became a favorite for parents who wanted a snack that was less messy than loose chips and more filling than candy.

11. PEZ Dispensers

PEZ stood out in bold neon colors that were impossible to miss. Bright pinks, electric greens, and glowing oranges made each dispenser feel loud and fun, even before the candy appeared. Kids would tilt back the plastic head and wait for that small brick of tart candy to pop forward, a simple motion that never lost its charm. The neon shades made them easy to spot inside a messy drawer or packed lunchbox. Even if the candy was plain and sugary, the dispenser felt like a tiny toy you could carry anywhere. Those bright colors turned a basic treat into a statement piece every kid wanted to show off.

12. Klondike Bars

Long before the famous “What would you do for a Klondike Bar?” jingle played everywhere, Klondike Bar was already a prized find in ’70s freezer aisles. Wrapped in shiny silver foil, it felt special from the start. Peeling back that thin, crinkly wrapper was part of the excitement, almost like opening a gift. Unlike other ice cream bars, there was no stick to hold onto. It was a thick square of vanilla ice cream coated in a firm chocolate shell that gave a satisfying crack with the first bite. The chocolate melted fast and often left sticky fingers, but no one complained. The rich taste and cool, creamy center made the mess completely worth it.

13. Jolly Ranchers (Stix Form)

In the ’70s, Jolly Rancher Stix looked very different from the small candies people know today. They were long, flat strips of hard candy packed with bold flavors like Fire Stix blue raspberry, apple, and grape. The taste was strong and lasted a long time, which made them perfect for kids who wanted a treat that would not disappear in minutes. A child could spend an entire afternoon slowly working through one until it turned into a thin, sharp shard of sugar. They were famously sticky. Left on a car seat during a hot day, they could melt and stay there for good. Bright, intense, and a little risky for the teeth, they were a corner store favorite and a trusted companion on long bus rides.

14. Sugar Daddies

In the ’70s, Sugar Daddy was known as the ultimate test of patience and strong teeth. This thick block of milk caramel sat on a sturdy paper stick and was never meant to be finished quickly. Kids understood that it was a long-term commitment, something to gnaw on for hours. Some learned a trick and kept it in a pocket for a while to soften it just enough to make each bite easier. The rich, buttery flavor seemed to last all afternoon, making it the star of many sugar-filled days. There were also Sugar Babies for smaller cravings, but nothing felt quite as bold as walking around the neighborhood holding a full-sized Sugar Daddy.

15. Cracker Jack

Although Cracker Jack had been around for years, it stayed wildly popular in the ’70s because of one promise printed on every box: “Surprise Inside.” The sweet mix of molasses-coated popcorn and peanuts was already a favorite at ball games and fairs, but most kids were really after the prize hidden at the bottom. Digging through the sticky kernels felt like a mission. Tiny whistles, plastic rings, character stamps, or small iron-on transfers made every box exciting. The treat tasted good, but the treasure hunt made it unforgettable. For many ’70s kids, Cracker Jack was less about the popcorn and more about the thrill of finding that small reward waiting inside.

16. Orange Julius

No visit to a ’70s mall felt complete without stopping at Orange Julius. The bright orange sign and the steady hum of blenders pulled shoppers in from across the food court. For kids tagging along during long afternoons of shopping, it felt like the best possible reward. The drink itself was frothy and creamy, somewhere between a juice and a milkshake. A mysterious powdered mix gave it that airy texture and a soft vanilla note that made it taste special. It was cold, sweet, and far more exciting than a regular soda. Holding that tall cup while walking through the mall made any child feel a little grown up, even if bell-bottoms were still on the shopping list.

17. Astro Pops

Created by two real rocket scientists, Astro Pops felt like candy straight out of the Space Race. Shaped like a small rocket, each lollipop had bright layers of cherry, passion fruit, and pineapple stacked in a clear, glossy cone. The bold colors and hand-dipped look made them stand out in any corner store display. What made them even more fun was the unusual design. The stick was placed at the top, so kids worked their way down through each flavor like stages of a launching rocket. The candy lasted for hours and was famously sticky, often leaving a shiny trail on fingers and sometimes on chins. For ’70s kids, buying an Astro Pop felt like carrying a tiny, sugary spaceship ready for liftoff.

18. Zotz

Zotz were the bold pick at the candy counter. They looked like ordinary hard candies at first, nothing too exciting. Kids who knew better understood that the real surprise was waiting inside. Once the outer shell melted away, a fizzy, sour powder burst onto the tongue. The sudden rush of “power fizz” caught many by surprise and often led to dramatic faces and wide eyes on the playground. Cherry, apple, and watermelon were popular flavors, but the real thrill came from that bubbling reaction. Handing a Zotz to an unsuspecting friend became a favorite prank. Laughter usually followed as the candy started to crackle and pop, turning a small sweet into a full-blown ’70s moment.

19. Now and Later

Now and Later earned a reputation as the marathon runners of the candy world. Each small, square piece started firm enough to test a child’s patience. After a few minutes of steady chewing, it slowly softened into a smooth, chewy treat that seemed to last forever. The slogan “Eat some now, save some for later” sounded simple, but most kids ignored the second half and finished the whole pack at once. The candy was affordable, often just a few cents for five pieces, which made it perfect for limited allowance money. Bold, slightly tart flavors left a sweetness that lingered long after the last bite, shaping many warm afternoons at the park or pool.

20. Charms Blow Pops

Charms Blow Pops brought a game-changing twist to the lollipop world. At first, kids enjoyed the hard candy shell, but everyone was really racing to reach the soft bubble gum hidden inside. The challenge of crunching through the candy and reaching the chewy center made every Blow Pop a little adventure. They quickly became a must-have in trick-or-treat bags and party favors nationwide. Cherry and sour apple were standout flavors, delivering a sweet punch before giving way to the ultimate reward: bubble blowing. For ’70s kids, Blow Pops combined two joys in one, making snack time fun and unforgettable.

• Tags:
• 1970s nostalgia
• Childhood Snacks
• vintage candy
• retro food
• 70s kids