The 1960s were a golden era for candy, filled with treats that brought endless joy to kids everywhere. The variety was dazzling, with sweets that fizzed, popped, stretched, and melted in your mouth. But not every candy from that era has stood the test of time. Many have been forgotten, even though their taste still lingers in the memories of those who enjoyed them. Let’s unwrap 12 forgotten candies from the ’60s that will instantly transport you back to simpler days and make you crave childhood all over again.
1. Astro Pops
Astro Pops were pure science-fiction fun. Shaped like rockets and layered with vibrant flavors, these long-lasting lollipops were as much about the look as the taste. The combination of fruity flavors and a chewy gum base made every lick a journey to outer space.
Though their production stopped in the 2000s, these pops were a staple for kids in the ’60s, sparking imaginations and sweetening countless afternoons. Their unique design and flavor layering made them unforgettable.
2. Marathon Bar
The Marathon Bar was a chocolate lover’s dream. Introduced in the late ’60s, this long, braided caramel bar was covered in rich milk chocolate and came in a bright red wrapper. Its gimmick? A ruler printed on the back to prove it was a full eight inches long! Eating one was a commitment—it stretched and pulled like no other candy, making it a slow, satisfying treat.
Sadly, the Marathon Bar didn’t last past the 1980s, but those who remember it still talk about its unique texture and incredible flavor. Modern caramel bars just don’t compare to the gooey, chewy experience this classic offered.
3. Regal Crown Sour Candy
These individually wrapped sour candies packed a serious punch. Available in flavors like cherry, lemon, and blackcurrant, Regal Crown Sours were as intense as they were addictive. The metal tins they came in added a touch of elegance, making them feel a little more special than your average candy.
Though they disappeared in the 1970s, their reputation for delivering that perfect sour hit lives on. Just thinking about them is enough to make your mouth water—and remind you how much fun it was to challenge your taste buds.
4. Bonomo’s Turkish Taffy
Bonomo’s Turkish Taffy wasn’t just a candy; it was an experience. You didn’t just eat it—you smacked it on the counter to break it into pieces before savoring each chewy bite. Flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and banana made it a versatile favorite for kids with different tastes.
While it faded from store shelves in the ’70s, it’s fondly remembered for its interactive quality and satisfying chewiness. Few candies could compete with the joy of cracking a bar and sharing it with friends.
5. Fizzies
Fizzies weren’t exactly a candy—they were tablets you dropped into water to create a sweet, fizzy drink. Available in flavors like cherry, root beer, and grape, they turned an ordinary glass of water into a bubbly, candy-like treat. Kids loved the novelty of watching them dissolve and couldn’t wait to take their first sip.
Fizzies fizzled out due to changes in sweetener regulations, but their playful nature made them a beloved part of ’60s childhood. They weren’t just a snack—they were an experience that combined science and sweetness.
6. Candy Cigarettes
Candy Cigarettes were a controversial but wildly popular treat. These chalky, sugary sticks were designed to mimic real cigarettes, complete with red-tipped ends to look like they were lit. Kids would strut around pretending to be grown-ups, “smoking” their candy with all the swagger they could muster.
Though they’ve long since vanished from most shelves due to changing attitudes, their flavor and novelty are still fondly remembered. They were a quirky product of their time, offering sweet fun that felt a little rebellious.
7. Wacky Wafers
Wacky Wafers were flat, colorful discs of candy that came in fruit flavors like watermelon, orange, banana, and green apple. Each wafer packed a punch of tangy sweetness, and their unique crunch set them apart from other candies. They were sold in slim, clear packages that showed off their vibrant colors, making them as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds.
Though they were eventually overshadowed by other fruit-flavored candies like Sweetarts, Wacky Wafers held a special charm for kids in the ’60s. Their bold flavors and satisfying texture made them a staple at candy counters and a favorite for trading with friends. Even now, people who remember them long for the days of tearing open a pack and letting that first burst of fruity flavor transport them to sugary bliss.
8. Kits Taffy
Kits Taffy came in small, colorful packages containing four bite-sized squares of taffy. Flavors like banana, vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate made them a simple but satisfying treat. They were the kind of candy you’d find in every corner store, perfect for an after-school snack.
Though they’ve faded into obscurity, Kits Taffy embodied the unpretentious charm of ’60s candy. Each chewy bite was a little piece of nostalgia in the making.
9. Space Food Sticks
Inspired by the Space Race, Space Food Sticks were marketed as astronaut snacks. These chewy, chocolate or peanut butter-flavored sticks were said to be based on food eaten by astronauts, making them irresistibly cool to kids. They came in futuristic packaging that made you feel like you were part of NASA’s latest mission.
While they’ve become a quirky relic of the past, Space Food Sticks captured the imagination of a generation. They weren’t just a snack—they were a link to the excitement of space exploration.
10. Chuckles
Chuckles were chewy, sugar-coated jelly candies that came in a rainbow of flavors like cherry, orange, lemon, lime, and licorice. Their soft texture and sweet-tart balance made them a favorite for kids who liked their candy with a little zing.
Though they can still be found in some specialty stores, Chuckles have largely disappeared from mainstream candy aisles. Their simple, nostalgic charm is a reminder of a time when candy didn’t need gimmicks to be great.
11. Slo Pokes
Slo Pokes were caramel lollipops designed to last. Their rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture made them a challenge to eat quickly, but that was part of the fun. They were perfect for long car rides or lazy summer afternoons, giving you something to savor.
While they’ve faded from memory for many, Slo Pokes were a quintessential ’60s treat, teaching kids that good things come to those who wait.
12. Sugar Mama
Sugar Mama was the lollipop version of the Sugar Daddy, featuring the same rich caramel flavor on a stick but coated in milk chocolate. It was the ultimate indulgence, combining two of kids’ favorite flavors into one sticky, satisfying treat.
Though it disappeared from shelves decades ago, Sugar Mama remains a fond memory for those who loved its unique combination of caramel and chocolate. It was messy, sure, but that was half the fun.
The 1960s were a sweet time to be a kid, with candies that sparked joy and fueled countless memories. Whether you were savoring a Marathon Bar or fizzing up a glass of water with Fizzies, these treats made childhood magical. Revisiting these forgotten gems reminds us of a time when life was simpler, and candy was an adventure.
