The 1970s brought us more than just bell bottoms and disco fever—it was a golden era of unforgettable TV commercials that left their jingles stuck in our heads for decades. Back then, with only a few channels to choose from, advertisers had to make every second count. Whether they were funny, heartwarming, or downright catchy, these commercials became an indelible part of pop culture. Here’s a look back at 15 iconic ads that defined the ‘70s and still have us humming along.
1. “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” (1971): The Anthem of Peace and Unity
Even today, those opening notes can transport you back to that hilltop in Italy, where young people from all over the world sang in harmony. “I’d like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company” became an anthem of hope and togetherness during a turbulent time. It wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was a message of unity, one that resonated deeply and made Coca-Cola synonymous with happiness and goodwill. This commercial was so beloved that it was even re-aired in the 1980s due to popular demand!
2. “Meow Mix” Jingle: “Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow”
The Meow Mix commercial was nothing but a simple loop of meows sung to a catchy tune, but somehow, it worked its way into everyone’s heads. Whether you had a cat or not, you couldn’t help but hum along whenever it aired. It was so endearing that the jingle remained unchanged for decades and continues to make appearances even today. That’s the power of a perfect earworm!
3. “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh What a Relief It Is!” (Alka-Seltzer)
It’s amazing that a commercial meant to sell an antacid could be so catchy, but Alka-Seltzer’s “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz” jingle became a part of everyday language. Whenever you dropped those tablets into a glass of water and watched them bubble up, you couldn’t help but sing along. The ad captured the essence of relief so perfectly that just hearing it made you feel better. It’s no wonder it’s still one of the most remembered jingles from the decade.
4. “My Bologna Has a First Name…” (Oscar Mayer)
This Oscar Mayer commercial didn’t just sell bologna—it sold nostalgia. The sight of a little boy singing “My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R” while holding his sandwich became an instant classic. It was the kind of jingle that you sang with your friends at school, and it somehow made bologna seem like a gourmet treat. That catchy spelling lesson stuck with us for years and made Oscar Mayer a household name.
5. “How Many Licks Does It Take?” (Tootsie Pop)
This whimsical commercial featuring a curious boy and an owl asking, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” was a staple of ‘70s TV. The owl’s quick “One, two, three…” before biting into the candy became a punchline that everyone knew. It made Tootsie Pops seem like the most mysterious candy around. Even now, you might find yourself quoting it when faced with the same dilemma.
6. “I Am Stuck on Band-Aid” (Band-Aid)
Back when jingles were the heart of every good ad campaign, Band-Aid’s catchy “I am stuck on Band-Aid, ‘cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me” made everyone a fan of their product. The jingle was performed by a young Barry Manilow, and its charm was undeniable. It stuck with you—just like a good Band-Aid should. It’s a testament to its popularity that it’s still being used in some form to this day.
7. “They’re G-R-R-R-Eat!” (Frosted Flakes)
Tony the Tiger’s booming voice made Frosted Flakes more than just a breakfast cereal—it made it a morning superstar. Every kid knew the phrase, “They’re G-R-R-R-eat!” and probably said it at the breakfast table at least once. It’s a line that’s hard to forget, and Tony’s positive energy made it even more memorable. Even now, you can’t think of Frosted Flakes without hearing Tony’s iconic roar.
8. “It’s the Real Thing” (Coca-Cola)
Coca-Cola had another massive hit with their “It’s the Real Thing” campaign. The commercial featured young people enjoying Coca-Cola in various carefree settings, with the catchy tagline that positioned Coke as the ultimate authentic experience. It wasn’t just a drink—it was a way of life. The imagery and sentiment behind “It’s the Real Thing” cemented Coca-Cola’s place as the refreshing beverage that connected people around the world.
9. “Have It Your Way” (Burger King)
This catchy jingle from Burger King was all about customer satisfaction: “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us.” It made ordering your food feel like an empowering experience, something new and exciting for a fast-food joint at the time. The commercial stressed that at Burger King, you could get your burger exactly the way you liked it, no compromises. The jingle’s upbeat tone and personalized message were a hit, and it helped distinguish Burger King from the competition.
10. “Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking” (Timex)
Timex’s commercials in the ‘70s were all about durability, and their tagline, “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” became a slogan everyone knew. They’d put the watches through all kinds of tests—dunking them in water, dropping them from great heights—just to prove they could withstand anything. The commercials made Timex synonymous with toughness, and the catchphrase is still used today whenever something proves to be unexpectedly durable.
11. “I’m a Pepper” (Dr Pepper)
Dr Pepper’s “I’m a Pepper” campaign was as catchy as they come, turning the brand’s fans into a self-identified tribe. With the cheerful chorus, “I’m a Pepper, you’re a Pepper, wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too?” the commercial made drinking Dr Pepper feel like joining an exclusive club. It was lighthearted, fun, and the jingle stuck with you long after the commercial ended.
12. “Mikey Likes It!” (Life Cereal)
This Life Cereal commercial featuring picky eater Mikey was a hit because it felt so relatable. You’d watch as the older brothers dared Mikey to try the cereal, only for him to actually like it. “He likes it! Hey Mikey!” became a catchphrase you could use for anything someone unexpectedly enjoyed. It was simple, yet so effective—and it’s probably still what you think of whenever someone mentions Life Cereal.
13. “Mmm Mmm Good!” (Campbell’s Soup)
Campbell’s Soup commercials always featured that classic “Mmm Mmm Good!” jingle that made you feel warm and cozy inside. The ads typically showed a steaming bowl of soup being served to a family, with kids grinning ear-to-ear after their first spoonful. It made Campbell’s more than just a quick meal—it was a comforting ritual on a chilly day or whenever you needed a little pick-me-up. That simple, hummable jingle is so deeply ingrained that even now, you can’t help but think “Mmm Mmm Good” every time you reach for a can of soup.
14. “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing” (Alka-Seltzer)
Alka-Seltzer’s clever campaign featured a man groaning, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing,” after overindulging. The phrase caught on instantly, turning into a humorous expression people used anytime they went overboard with food or drink. The relatable scenario and catchy tagline made it a defining ad of the decade.
15. “It’s Shake ‘n Bake, and I Helped!” (Shake ‘n Bake)
This wholesome commercial featuring a little girl boasting, “It’s Shake ‘n Bake, and I helped!” made every kid want to get involved in the kitchen. The ad emphasized the ease of preparing a family meal, and the girl’s earnest declaration was so endearing that it became a line parents and kids alike would quote. Shake ‘n Bake made cooking seem accessible, fun, and something the whole family could share.
