The 70s were a golden era for catchy commercial jingles, the kind that drilled themselves into your brain after just one listen. These little tunes became part of everyday life, sneaking their way into conversations and playground games. Even decades later, some still pop into your head at the most random moments, instantly transporting you back to a time of bell-bottoms, station wagons, and TV dinners. Let’s dive into 15 of those unforgettable jingles that shaped the soundtrack of the 70s.
1. “My Bologna Has a First Name…”
Oscar Mayer’s bologna jingle was a rite of passage for kids in the 70s. The lyrics were so simple yet brilliant, and every kid felt like a star when they sang it in front of the fridge. Admit it: you can still spell “b-o-l-o-g-n-a” without hesitation.
2. “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”
Coca-Cola’s 1971 jingle was more than a commercial—it was a cultural moment. The song, featuring a diverse group of singers on a hillside, became a symbol of hope and unity. You couldn’t escape this earworm, and honestly, who didn’t try to hum it while sipping a soda?
3. “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz”
Alka-Seltzer’s bubbly anthem made dealing with indigestion weirdly cheerful. Those two “plops” and “fizzes” were all it took to stick in your mind forever. It was proof that even stomach relief could sound like fun.
4. “You Deserve a Break Today”
McDonald’s delivered more than Big Macs—they gave us this jingle that felt like an invitation to escape. With its upbeat melody, it made grabbing a burger feel like an event worth celebrating.
5. “Two All-Beef Patties…”
Speaking of McDonald’s, their Big Mac jingle was the ultimate test of memory skills. Reciting the ingredients at lightning speed—”two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese…”—became a badge of honor for kids on the playground.
6. “I Am Stuck on Band-Aid”
If you had a scrape in the 70s, Band-Aid’s jingle probably played in your head while your mom patched you up. With its catchy tune and unforgettable rhyme, it stuck as hard as the Band-Aid itself.
7. “Rice-a-Roni, The San Francisco Treat”
This jingle brought instant visions of cable cars and cozy kitchens. Rice-a-Roni made dinner seem glamorous, and the catchy tune had families singing along while the pot simmered.
8. “Meow Meow Meow Meow”
Even if you didn’t own a cat, you knew this tune from Meow Mix commercials. Simple and repetitive, it somehow became one of the most iconic jingles of the decade, likely because it was impossible to forget.
9. “You’ll Wonder Where the Yellow Went”
Pepsodent toothpaste had a jingle that promised sparkling teeth with a melody that sparkled just as much. This was back when brushing your teeth came with a side of musical flair.
10. “How Many Licks Does It Take?”
Tootsie Pop’s jingle and accompanying cartoon owl had kids everywhere trying to count their licks. While the answer remained a mystery, the catchy tune and voiceover were a permanent fixture in candy lovers’ minds.
11. “A Little Dab’ll Do Ya”
Brylcreem’s promise of perfectly styled hair came with a jingle that was endlessly hummable. It was short, sweet, and instantly memorable—everything a good ad needed to be.
12. “Reach Out and Touch Someone”
AT&T’s jingle wasn’t just about phone calls; it was about emotional connections. The soothing melody made picking up the phone feel like a heartfelt act, especially for long-distance loved ones.
13. “Choo Choo Charlie”
Good & Plenty candy’s Choo Choo Charlie jingle turned a simple candy into a whimsical adventure. The rhythmic tune had kids mimicking train sounds while munching on the pastel-colored treats.
14. “When You Say Bud…”
Budweiser’s anthem wasn’t just for beer lovers—it was part of the cultural fabric. With its call-and-response style, it made every barbecue or ball game feel a little more communal.
15. “It’s the Real Thing”
Coca-Cola makes another appearance because their 70s ad game was unstoppable. “It’s the Real Thing” reminded everyone why they loved soda, backed by a tune that was impossible not to hum.
These jingles weren’t just about selling products—they were little bursts of joy that became part of everyday life. Which ones still pop into your head when you least expect it?
