The 1970s were a golden age for bold and creative advertising, with ads that seemed larger than life and promises that sometimes stretched the truth. Back then, regulations weren’t as strict, and companies often relied on catchy jingles, colorful imagery, and exaggerated claims to sell their products. While these ads were a lot of fun, some were downright misleading, skirting the edges of reality in ways that wouldn’t fly today. Let’s take a look at 15 memorable ads from the ’70s that, if aired today, would have lawyers lining up to file lawsuits.
1. Smokes That Were “Good for Your Throat”
In the 1970s, Smokes brands like Virginia Slims targeted women with slogans such as “You’ve come a long way, baby,” implying empowerment through smoking.
Source: CNN
2. Sugary Cereals Marketed as “Part of a Balanced Breakfast”
Those Saturday morning ads made sugary cereals look like health food by pairing them with orange juice, toast, and eggs in commercials. The implication was clear: the cereal itself was nutritious. In reality, it was more sugar than substance, a marketing strategy that would be considered misleading under today’s nutritional advertising standards.
3. “Light” Beer Promises Weight Loss
Brands like Miller Lite marketed their beers as a lower-calorie option, subtly implying that drinking them could help you slim down. While technically lower in calories than regular beer, it wasn’t exactly a health drink, and modern regulations would call out such insinuations as deceptive.
4. Appliances Promising Unrealistic Convenience
Household appliances often promised to revolutionize daily chores, but many were either unreliable or only marginally better than previous models. Advertising glossed over their limitations to push sales. (Consumer Reports)
5. Weight Loss Products with Unrealistic Claims
The ’70s saw a surge in diet pills and powders that promised effortless weight loss with little to no effort. Some ads even claimed you could lose pounds while eating whatever you wanted! Such outrageous claims would trigger lawsuits and hefty penalties for false advertising today.
6. Cleaning Products with Exaggerated Effectiveness
Some cleaning products claimed to effortlessly kill “99.9% of germs” or eliminate the toughest stains, even though independent tests frequently showed these claims were overblown. (EPA)
7. Shampoo That “Cures” Hair Problems
Haircare ads in the ’70s often claimed their shampoos and conditioners could “repair” damaged hair or prevent split ends. The truth? Hair is dead tissue, and no product can truly heal it. Such claims would be flagged as misleading today.
8. Skin Creams Promising Instant Results
Cosmetic products offered “miraculous” anti-aging or acne-clearing benefits that were rarely supported by dermatological science. These promises created unrealistic beauty standards.
9. Tobacco as a “Relaxation Aid”
Some cigarette and cigar ads in the ’70s marketed their products as stress-relievers, showing happy people unwinding with a smoke. This messaging ignored the addictive nature of nicotine and the health risks involved. Modern advertising laws would crack down hard on such claims.
10. Cars That Were “Built to Last”
Automobile ads often claimed their vehicles were durable and low-maintenance, but many cars from the ’70s were notorious for rust, poor gas mileage, and frequent repairs. Lemon laws and stricter regulations would hold manufacturers accountable for such promises today.
11. “Miracle” Cleaning Products
From sprays to powders, cleaning products in the ’70s often claimed to remove any stain, kill all germs, or restore surfaces to like-new condition. While some worked well, others exaggerated their effectiveness, setting expectations that would invite lawsuits now.
12. Fast Food That Looked Perfect
Burger and pizza ads showed impossibly perfect, oversized food items that rarely matched the soggy, lukewarm meals customers received. These glamour shots would now face scrutiny for not accurately representing the product.
13. Skin Creams That “Erase Wrinkles”
Cosmetics ads from the ’70s often promised miraculous results, like erasing wrinkles or reversing aging. In reality, these creams provided only temporary hydration at best. Modern standards would require more evidence to back such bold claims.
15. “All-Natural” Products That Weren’t
Long before organic labeling was strictly regulated, brands used terms like “all-natural” loosely, even for products loaded with synthetic ingredients. Today’s laws would demand proof to back up such claims, and lawsuits would follow if they fell short.
The ’70s may have been a more carefree time, but it’s clear that some ads pushed boundaries in ways that wouldn’t hold up today. While these commercials evoke nostalgia for their creativity and boldness, they also remind us of how much consumer protections have evolved. For better or worse, the era’s advertising tricks left a lasting impression—and maybe a few raised eyebrows along the way.
