Ah, the 70s – a decade of bold fashion, disco music, and most importantly, groovy sweets!
As a child growing up in the 90s, I may not have experienced the 70s firsthand, but the stories my parents and grandparents shared about their favorite candies from that era have always fascinated me. From the fruity and tangy to the rich and creamy, the 70s had it all when it came to satisfying your sweet tooth.
I remember sitting with my mom, listening to her reminisce about the joy of unwrapping a Charleston Chew after a long day at school or the excitement of discovering a pack of Pop Rocks in her lunchbox. Her eyes would light up as she described the unique textures and flavors of each candy, making me wish I could travel back in time to experience them for myself.
As I grew older, my curiosity about the iconic candies of the 70s only intensified. I found myself scouring retro candy shops and online stores, eager to get my hands on the sweets that had left such a lasting impression on my family. Each time I tried a new candy from that era, I felt a connection to the past and a greater appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
In this article, we’ll take a mouth-watering journey back to the 70s and explore some of the grooviest sweets that defined a generation. From the fruity explosion of Starburst to the creamy indulgence of Rolo’s, we’ll dive into the history and nostalgia behind these beloved treats.
Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks, the explosively fun candy, burst onto the scene in 1975 and quickly became a sensation among kids and adults alike. The unique popping and crackling sensation created in the mouth when consuming these candies made them an instant hit. The experience of eating Pop Rocks was unlike anything else available at the time, making them a standout in the world of 70s sweets.
The creation of Pop Rocks is credited to a food chemist named William Mitchell, who worked for General Foods. The unique texture and popping sensation are caused by pressurized carbon dioxide gas that is released when the candy dissolves in your mouth. This innovative process led to a candy that not only tantalized taste buds but also provided an interactive and exciting eating experience.
Pop Rocks come in a variety of flavors, including cherry, strawberry, and watermelon. The candies themselves are small, irregular pieces that are sweet and slightly tangy. The real magic happens when they come in contact with moisture in your mouth, triggering the popping sensation that makes them so unique. The experience of eating Pop Rocks is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and a hint of thrill from the crackling texture. It’s no wonder they’ve remained a favorite for generations of candy lovers!
Ring Pop
Introduced in 1979, Ring Pops quickly became a favorite among kids who loved the idea of wearing their candy as a fashion statement. These bright, colorful lollipops in the shape of oversized rings allowed children to enjoy a sweet treat while also showing off their playful style. I remember my older cousins always having a Ring Pop on their fingers when I would go over a visit, and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to have one of my own.
Ring Pops came in a variety of flavors, each with its own vibrant color. From the classic cherry red to the bright blue raspberry and the bold green apple, these candies were as visually appealing as they were delicious. The hardened candy exterior would slowly dissolve as you enjoyed the sweet, fruity flavors, making them a long-lasting treat perfect for savoring.
Not only were Ring Pops a tasty candy, but they also served as a fun accessory. Kids would often collect different colors and flavors, trading with friends to complete their “jewelry” collection. I remember attending birthday parties where Ring Pops were given out as favors, and everyone would compare their new edible accessories with excitement.
Reese’s Pieces
Introduced in 1978, these colorful little morsels of peanut butter goodness quickly became a staple in candy bowls and movie theaters across America. Orange, yellow, and brown – the colors of the 70s never looked so sweet!
My mom, a true 70s kid at heart, always gets a twinkle in her eye when she reminisces about the first time she tried Reese’s Pieces. She tells me how she and her best friend would pool their allowance money to buy a pack, carefully dividing the candies between them and savoring each delightful crunch. For her, the taste of Reese’s Pieces is inextricably linked to the carefree days of her youth, when life was all about friends, fun, and the pursuit of the perfect candy.
Reese’s Pieces embody the spirit of the 70s in every way. The decade was all about bold colors, daring flavors, and the joy of indulgence – and these little candy gems fit the bill perfectly. The satisfying crunch of the candy shell giving way to the smooth, creamy peanut butter center is like a mini disco party in your mouth.
Laffy Taffy
Step aside, boring candy wrappers!
In the 70s, Laffy Taffy burst onto the scene with its unique blend of fruity flavors, chewy texture, and a secret weapon: jokes on every wrapper! These brightly colored, individually wrapped candies quickly became a hit with kids and adults alike, offering not only a tasty treat but also a dose of laughter with every piece.
The beauty of Laffy Taffy lies in its simplicity. The long, rectangular pieces come in a variety of classic fruity flavors like strawberry, grape, and banana, each with its own distinctive color. The taffy is soft and pliable, allowing you to stretch it, twist it, and play with it before finally indulging in the sweet, chewy goodness. And let’s not forget the jokes – those delightfully corny, family-friendly quips that never fail to put a smile on your face. Laffy Taffy is proof that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the greatest joy, making it a true icon of the 70s candy scene.
Starburst
When it comes to fruit-flavored candy, few can rival the iconic status of Starburst. Introduced in the US in the 60s and taking off in the 70s, these small, square-shaped chews pack a powerful punch of fruity goodness that has been delighting candy lovers for decades. With their vibrant colors and intense flavors, Starburst quickly became a go-to treat for those seeking a sweet and tangy pick-me-up.
What sets Starburst apart from other fruity candies is the intensity of their flavors. Each chewy square is like a concentrated burst of fruit that explodes in your mouth. The original flavors – strawberry, lemon, orange, and lime – are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them irresistible to candy connoisseurs of all ages. And let’s not forget the satisfying chew – not too soft, not too tough, but just right for sinking your teeth into and savoring every last bit of fruity deliciousness.
In my opinion, Starburst is the ultimate pocket candy. The individually wrapped squares are perfect for sharing (or hoarding, no judgment here!) and the compact size makes them easy to carry wherever you go. Whether you’re at the movies, on a road trip, or just lounging at home, Starburst is always a welcome treat.
Twix
Twix, the candy bar that combines the holy trinity of confectionery perfection – chocolate, caramel, and cookie – has been satisfying sweet tooths since its introduction in the 70s. This ingenious creation features a crisp, buttery shortbread cookie layered with smooth caramel and enrobed in rich milk chocolate, making it a textural and flavor experience unlike any other.
As a child, I always looked forward to visiting my grandparents’ house, knowing that my grandma kept a stash of Twix in her candy drawer. She’d tell me stories of how Twix was one of her favorite treats in the 70s, and how she loved the satisfying snap of the cookie and the way the caramel would melt in her mouth.
What I love most about Twix is how it manages to be both indulgent and light at the same time. The shortbread cookie provides a delicate crunch that perfectly complements the chewy caramel and the smooth chocolate coating. It’s a candy bar that you can savor slowly, enjoying each layer of flavor and texture as it unfolds in your mouth. And with two bars in each package, Twix is perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t tell!).
Rolo
Rolo – the candy that proves sometimes the best things in life come in small packages! These bite-sized treats, with their perfect blend of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, have been a staple in candy jars and movie theater concession stands since their introduction in 1937. But it was during the 70s that Rolo really hit its stride, becoming a go-to indulgence for candy lovers everywhere.
What is it about Rolo that makes it so irresistible? Is it the way the smooth, creamy caramel oozes out as you bite into the chocolate shell? Or perhaps it’s the satisfying mix of textures – the slight resistance of the chocolate giving way to the soft, chewy caramel center? Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: once you start popping these little delights into your mouth, it’s nearly impossible to stop!
Rolo’s popularity in the 70s is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-crafted candy. In an era of bold experimentation and wild flavor combinations, Rolo remained a classic, comforting choice. It’s the kind of candy that evokes memories of childhood, of simpler times when the greatest joy could be found in a single, perfect morsel of chocolate and caramel.
Charleston Chew
Charleston Chew, named after the iconic 1920s dance craze, has been a beloved candy since its introduction in 1922. But it was during the 70s that this nostalgic treat really found its groove. Its unique texture and old-fashioned charm made it stand out in a sea of harder, crunchier candies, offering a delightfully different experience for those seeking something a little softer and more indulgent.
One of the best things about Charleston Chew is its versatility. While it’s perfectly delicious at room temperature, many candy connoisseurs swear by the “frozen Charleston Chew” method. Simply pop the bar in the freezer for a bit, and voila! You’ve got a cool, refreshing treat that shatters satisfyingly with each bite, revealing the still-chewy nougat within. It’s like two candies in one! Whether you prefer your Charleston Chew frozen or at room temp, there’s no denying the nostalgic charm and irresistible texture that have made this candy a favorite for generations.
Candy Cigarettes
In the 1970s, candy cigarettes were a popular novelty candy that could be found in corner stores and candy shops across the country. These small white sticks with red tips closely resembled real cigarettes, making them an appealing treat for children who wanted to feel like grown-ups. The act of “smoking” these sugary imitations was seen as a harmless bit of fun, a way for kids to play at being adults without the perceived risks associated with actual smoking.
However, even during the 70s, concerns began to arise about the potential impact of candy cigarettes on children’s attitudes towards smoking. Some argued that these candy imitations served to normalize and glamorize smoking, potentially encouraging children to take up the habit later in life. Despite these concerns, candy cigarettes remained a popular treat throughout the decade, with many children enjoying the sweet, chalky taste and the thrill of pretending to be grown-up smokers.
Looking back on the 70s, it’s clear that candy cigarettes were a product of their time – a reflection of the era’s more relaxed attitudes towards smoking and the lack of widespread awareness about the serious health risks associated with cigarette use.
Bubble Yum
In 1973, a new player entered the chewing gum game, and it quickly became a sensation among gum enthusiasts and kids alike. Bubble Yum, with its soft, chewy texture and long-lasting flavor, revolutionized the gum industry and became a staple in candy stores and supermarket checkout lines throughout the 70s.
What set Bubble Yum apart from other chewing gums of the era was its unique softness. Unlike the harder, more traditional gums, Bubble Yum was incredibly pliable and easy to chew, making it a favorite among children and adults who preferred a gentler chewing experience. The gum’s soft texture also made it easier to blow those impressive bubbles that were a hallmark of the 70s youth culture.
Bubble Yum came in a variety of flavors, each more delicious than the last. From the classic Original flavor to the fruity Strawberry and Grape varieties, there was a Bubble Yum for every taste preference. The gum’s long-lasting flavor was another major selling point, ensuring that you could enjoy the sweet taste of Bubble Yum for hours on end.
For many children of the 70s, Bubble Yum holds a special place in their hearts. The gum was more than just a treat – it was a cultural icon, a symbol of the carefree, fun-loving spirit of the decade. Chewing Bubble Yum while hanging out with friends, riding bikes, or watching Saturday morning cartoons became a cherished part of the 70s childhood experience.
Curly Wurly
When Curly Wurly made its debut in the UK in 1970 and soon after in the US, it quickly became a favorite among candy lovers who were drawn to its unique shape and irresistible combination of chocolate and caramel. This distinctive candy bar featured a long, thin rope of chewy caramel covered in milk chocolate, twisted into a mesmerizing spiral that made it as fun to play with as it was to eat.
The Curly Wurly’s playful design and satisfying texture made it stand out on candy store shelves, enticing children and adults alike to give it a try. Biting into a Curly Wurly was an experience unlike any other – the chewy caramel would stretch and pull, creating a delightful interplay with the creamy milk chocolate coating. It was a candy that encouraged you to take your time, savoring each chewy, chocolatey bite.
Hubba Bubba
In 1979, a new bubble gum burst onto the scene, promising bigger, better bubbles and a range of exciting flavors. Hubba Bubba quickly became a sensation among gum chewers, who were drawn to its soft, pliable texture and long-lasting flavor. With its memorable name and eye-catching packaging, Hubba Bubba stood out on candy store shelves and became a must-have for kids and teens alike.
One of the key selling points of Hubba Bubba was its ability to produce impressively large bubbles. The gum’s soft, stretchy texture made it easy to blow bubbles of epic proportions, providing hours of entertainment for youngsters looking to perfect their bubble-blowing technique. Hubba Bubba’s bubbles were the stuff of legend, often leading to friendly competitions among friends to see who could blow the biggest, most impressive bubble.
For the children of the 70s, Hubba Bubba represents a nostalgic reminder of a time when the simple act of chewing gum could bring immense joy and entertainment. The gum’s iconic status as the bubble gum that blew the competition away has endured, cementing its place in the annals of candy history.
Bottle Caps
Bottle Caps came in a variety of classic soda flavors, each one as delicious as the last. From the sharp, crisp taste of Cola to the creamy, vanilla-tinged sweetness of Root Beer and the bright, citrusy zing of Orange, these candies perfectly captured the essence of your favorite soda pop. Popping a handful of Bottle Caps into your mouth was like taking a sip of your favorite fizzy drink, without the need for a bottle opener or a straw.
Today, Bottle Caps remain a beloved treat, a nostalgic reminder of a time when life was a little bit simpler and the world was a little bit sweeter. The distinctive shape and flavor of these candies have made them an enduring favorite, cherished by generations of candy lovers who still crave that satisfying fizz and pop of soda-flavored goodness.
Marathon Bar
The Marathon Bar, a braided caramel covered in milk chocolate, was a unique and beloved candy bar that made its mark in the 1970s. Its most distinguishing feature was its impressive length – at about 8 inches long, it was one of the largest candy bars available at the time. The Marathon Bar’s size and distinctive braided shape made it a novelty among candy enthusiasts, who were drawn to its satisfying blend of chewy caramel and creamy milk chocolate.
Marathon Bars were marketed with the memorable tagline “Lasts a good long time!”, a nod to the candy bar’s impressive length and the fact that it could be savored slowly, one delicious bite at a time. For many, the experience of eating a Marathon Bar was a race against time, as the challenge of finishing the entire bar before the caramel and chocolate melted became a fun and engaging part of the experience.
Sadly, the Marathon Bar was eventually discontinued, much to the disappointment of its devoted fans. However, the memory of this unique and beloved candy bar lives on in the hearts and minds of those who grew up in the 1970s, a nostalgic reminder of a time when bigger was often better, and when a candy bar could take you on a deliciously sweet marathon of flavor.
Learn More About Marathon Bars
Sugar Daddy
The Sugar Daddy – a name that evokes memories of long-lasting sweetness and the joy of savoring a treat for hours on end. This classic caramel lollipop has been around since 1925, but it truly hit its stride in the 1970s, becoming a go-to treat for kids and adults alike who craved a rich, chewy pop of caramel goodness.
I remember my grandpa always keeping a stash of Sugar Daddy pops in his pocket, ready to share with me and my siblings whenever we visited. He’d tell us stories of how he’d buy them for just a penny back in his day, and how he’d make them last for hours by taking small, savoring licks. Those Sugar Daddy moments with my grandpa are some of my fondest childhood memories, and I can still taste the creamy, buttery caramel whenever I think back on those times.
What I love most about Sugar Daddy pops is how they force you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Unlike many other candies that are gone in a flash, a Sugar Daddy pop demands to be savored, encouraging you to take your time and let the rich, caramel flavor unfold slowly on your tongue. It’s a candy that reminds us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and to cherish the moments of sweetness that bring us joy.
Pixy Stix
If you grew up in the 1970s, chances are you remember the thrill of tearing open a brightly colored Pixy Stix straw and pouring the sweet, powdery contents straight onto your tongue. These simple yet iconic candies were essentially just flavored sugar in a straw, but they held a special place in the hearts of kids everywhere who craved a quick and intense sugar rush.
Pixy Stix came in a range of fruity flavors, from the classic grape and orange to the more daring green apple and cherry. Each flavor had its own distinct hue, making a handful of Pixy Stix straws a colorful and enticing sight for sugar-loving youngsters. The experience of consuming a Pixy Stix was a ritual in itself – carefully tearing off the top of the straw, tipping your head back, and letting the powdery goodness pour directly into your mouth, feeling the sweet, tangy burst of flavor hit your tongue all at once.
For many kids, Pixy Stix were a staple of Halloween hauls, birthday party goodie bags, and trips to the candy store. They represented the pure, unadulterated joy of sugar in its most basic form – no fancy packaging or elaborate flavors, just a straight shot of sweet energy that could power you through a long day of play. Today, Pixy Stix remain an iconic reminder of the simple pleasures of childhood in the 1970s, a time when a little paper straw filled with flavored sugar could bring a smile to any youngster’s face.
Skittles
In 1979, a new candy burst onto the scene, promising a colorful and flavorful experience unlike any other. Skittles, with their vibrant hues and fruity taste, quickly became a sensation, enticing candy lovers with the memorable slogan “Taste the Rainbow.” This simple yet effective tagline captured the essence of Skittles – a candy that celebrated the joy of variety and the thrill of experiencing a range of fruity flavors in every handful.
My neighbor, who was a young adult in the 70s, fondly remembers the excitement surrounding Skittles when they first hit store shelves. She tells me stories of how she and her friends would pool their spare change to buy a pack, eager to taste each colorful candy and compare their favorites. For her, the bright green lime Skittles always stood out as the best of the bunch, with their tart and tangy flavor that perfectly balanced the sweetness of the other colors.
Caramello
When it comes to chocolate bars, there’s something special about the ones that surprise you with a gooey, creamy filling. Caramello, with its smooth milk chocolate exterior and rich, flowing caramel center, was one such bar that captured the hearts and taste buds of candy lovers in the 1970s. The combination of sweet, velvety chocolate and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth caramel proved to be an irresistible treat that left people craving more.
I have to admit, Caramello bars are a personal favorite of mine. There’s something about the way the caramel oozes out when you take a bite, mixing with the creamy milk chocolate to create a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and comforting. It’s the kind of candy bar that makes you want to savor each bite, letting the gooey caramel linger on your tongue as the smooth chocolate melts away.
Fun Dip
Fun Dip, originally known as Lik-M-Aid, has been around since the 1940s, but it truly hit its stride in the 1970s, becoming a beloved treat among kids who loved the interactive nature of this unique candy. With its colorful pouches of flavored sugar and its edible dipping stick, Fun Dip turned the act of eating candy into a playful and engaging experience that kept youngsters coming back for more.
The beauty of Fun Dip lies in its simplicity – it’s essentially just flavored sugar that you lick off a sugar stick. But there’s something undeniably fun about the process of dipping the stick into the powdery goodness, watching as it changes color and flavor with each dip. As a kid, I loved experimenting with different flavor combinations, creating my own unique blends of grape, cherry, and lime that no one else could replicate.
Fun Dip encouraged creativity and play, making it a candy that was as much about the experience as it was about the taste. Even today, when I see a pack of Fun Dip, I can’t help but smile, remembering the joy and excitement of diving into a pouch of pure sugary fun.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our journey through the sugary landscape of the 1970s, it’s clear that this era was a golden age for candy innovation and enjoyment.
From the explosive fun of Pop Rocks to the creamy indulgence of Caramello, these sweets captivated the taste buds and imaginations of a generation. As we savor these nostalgic flavors, we’re reminded of the joy and simplicity of childhood, a time when the biggest dilemma was choosing between a Charleston Chew and a Ring Pop.
These iconic candies continue to delight, proving that no matter how much time passes, the classics never go out of style. So, here’s to the groovy sweets of the 70s — may they continue to bring smiles and sweet memories to both young and old alike.
