There’s something magical about a good jingle. Those catchy tunes from the ’60s and ’70s had a way of embedding themselves into our brains, often sticking with us long after the products themselves faded away. Whether they played during Saturday morning cartoons or while we set the dinner table, these jingles became part of the soundtrack of our lives. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 14 commercial jingles from the past that you can probably still sing along to today.
1. Oscar Mayer: “My Bologna Has a First Name”
The Oscar Mayer jingle from 1973 is the kind of earworm that never really leaves. With a cute kid sitting by a lake singing, “My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R. My bologna has a second name, it’s M-A-Y-E-R,” the ad charmed its way into our hearts. The melody was simple, the lyrics were fun, and it was impossible not to join in. Even today, if you start the song, chances are someone nearby can finish it.
2. Coca-Cola: “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”
In 1971, Coca-Cola brought us one of the most iconic jingles of all time with “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke.” The ad featured a diverse group of young people singing on a hillside, promoting unity and harmony through a shared soda. The melody was borrowed from The New Seekers’ song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” making it both a commercial and a bona fide hit. The combination of feel-good vibes and a catchy tune ensured this jingle became a cultural phenomenon.
3. Band-Aid: “Stuck on Band-Aid”
The Band-Aid jingle, introduced in 1975, was a bouncy tune that made bandages sound like the most fun product ever. “I am stuck on Band-Aid, ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me!” was more than just a tagline—it was a melody that you couldn’t shake. The upbeat tune, paired with kids showing off their Band-Aid-covered scrapes, made it an instant classic. It was a jingle so effective that even future generations know the words by heart.
4. Meow Mix: “Meow Meow Meow Meow”
Meow Mix took simplicity to a new level with its jingle that consisted entirely of “meow” sung to a cheerful tune. Debuting in the 1970s, the commercial featured a happy cat “singing” along, making it both adorable and memorable. The melody was catchy enough that it got stuck in your head—and possibly your cat’s too. It was proof that you didn’t need complex lyrics to create a lasting jingle—sometimes, all you needed was a catchy “meow.”
5. Slinky: “It’s Slinky, It’s Slinky”
“Slinky, Slinky, for fun it’s a wonderful toy!” was a jingle that rolled its way into pop culture starting in the early 1960s. The bouncy tune, paired with the image of the classic metal spring toy tumbling down stairs, made the commercial unforgettable. The song highlighted how Slinky could “walk” on its own, which seemed almost magical at the time. It was a perfect match of melody and product, creating a memory that lasts to this day.
6. Alka-Seltzer: “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz”
Introduced in the early 1960s, Alka-Seltzer’s jingle “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is” made upset stomach relief sound almost fun. The catchy melody combined with the iconic sound of effervescent bubbles created an ad that was as memorable as it was effective. The visuals of the tablets fizzing in a glass became as iconic as the tune itself. Even if you’ve never needed an antacid, you probably know this jingle by heart.
7. Rice-A-Roni: “The San Francisco Treat”
“Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco treat!” debuted in the 1960s and became an instant classic. The jingle had a jaunty, almost show-tune feel, with lyrics that sang the praises of the quick and easy side dish. The association with San Francisco’s iconic cable cars only added to its charm. It was a simple melody that could turn any kitchen into a cozy commercial break.
8. Nestlé: “N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestlé Makes the Very Best”
The Nestlé jingle, with its playful “N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestlé makes the very best…chocolate!” was an absolute earworm. The original version, featuring the puppet Farfel the Dog, debuted in the 1950s but remained popular well into the 1970s. The cheerful delivery of the tune, capped off by Farfel’s signature “chocolate” line, made it unforgettable. It’s a tune that could still make you crave a sweet treat all these decades later.
9. Big Red: “Kiss a Little Longer”
Big Red gum’s jingle, “So kiss a little longer, hold tight a little longer,” was all about fresh breath and lasting flavor. The song’s romantic undertones and catchy tune turned a chewing gum ad into a mini love story. The 1970s commercial often showed couples extending their embraces, thanks to the magical power of Big Red. It struck a perfect balance between humor and sweetness, making it hard to forget.
10. Toys “R” Us: “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”
In the late 1970s, Toys “R” Us unveiled a jingle that captured the hearts of kids everywhere: “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid!” The melody was bright and upbeat, perfectly capturing the joy of wandering the toy store aisles. It was more than just a commercial—it was an anthem for childhood. The jingle’s nostalgic pull is so strong that even now, hearing it can bring back memories of wishing every day was a toy-shopping adventure.
11. McDonald’s: “You Deserve a Break Today”
Before “I’m Lovin’ It,” McDonald’s had “You deserve a break today,” a jingle from the early 1970s that felt like a warm invitation. The song encouraged busy families to take a break and enjoy a meal at the Golden Arches. The upbeat tune and catchy lyrics made it feel like a friendly nudge from a neighbor. It wasn’t just about food—it was about taking a moment to relax and treat yourself.
12. Fanta: “Wanna Fanta?”
Though most famous in the 2000s, Fanta had catchy jingles dating back to the 1970s. The original jingles celebrated the brand’s colorful, fruity sodas with upbeat, tropical music. The tunes were light and fun, perfectly matching the fizzy, fruity flavors of the drink. Whether or not you were a fan of Fanta, the jingle made you want to “Wanta Fanta.”
These jingles may have been created to sell products, but they did more than just boost sales—they became woven into the fabric of our childhoods. Their melodies still pop into our heads unexpectedly, bringing back memories of simpler times and family TV nights.
