The 70s were an unforgettable time for snacking. Every trip to the store or after-school treat brought a rush of excitement, with flavors that made our taste buds dance. Some of these goodies may be hard to find today, but they live on in our memories, as vivid as ever. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the snacks that defined the decade—ones you can practically taste right now!
1. Marathon Bar
If you had a sweet tooth in the 70s, the Marathon Bar was the ultimate indulgence. This caramel-covered chocolate bar stretched a full eight inches—long enough to savor every bite! Twisted in its iconic shape and wrapped in a bright red package, it felt like it lasted forever, just like the name promised. Even today, the memory of that rich, chewy caramel sticks with you.
2. Space Food Sticks
Back in the day, anything space-related was the ultimate in cool, and Space Food Sticks were no exception. These chewy, protein-packed sticks made you feel like an astronaut on a mission. Chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel flavors were the go-to choices, and each bite was a trip into the future. They weren’t just snacks; they were part of our cosmic daydreams.
3. Wacky Packages
Wacky Packages weren’t food themselves, but they sure made snack time fun! These sticker sets featured parodies of popular brands and products, with hilarious, slightly twisted versions of your favorite food labels. We’d crack open a pack and swap them with friends during lunch. The stickers were more collectible than edible, but they made snacks like “Crust Toothpaste” and “Bustedfinger Candy” live on forever in our imaginations.
4. Bugles
Bugles were the snack you could play with before eating! Shaped like little horns, they made perfect finger hats, and you’d always end up putting them on the tips of your fingers before munching away. The crunchy, salty goodness was irresistible, whether you went for the original flavor or dipped them in something like ranch dressing. The fun factor was half the appeal!
5. Fruit Stripe Gum
The zebra on the package, the colorful gum sticks, and the bold fruity stripes made Fruit Stripe Gum a true 70s classic. The only downside? The flavor lasted about as long as the average commercial break. But that didn’t stop us from popping another piece and enjoying those first few seconds of pure, sugary joy. And don’t forget the tattoos that came with it!
6. Danish Go-Rounds
Before Pop-Tarts took over, there were Danish Go-Rounds. These flaky, fruit-filled pastries were breakfast treats you could take on the go or enjoy straight out of the toaster. The sugary glaze and warm filling made them feel like a bakery treat at home. Strawberry, apple, or cinnamon—you couldn’t go wrong. They were a quick hit of morning nostalgia.
7. Twinkies
The golden sponge cake, the creamy filling… Twinkies were more than a snack; they were a cultural phenomenon. Everyone remembers peeling open that plastic wrapper and biting into the soft, spongy cake. They were perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or just a sugary pick-me-up. And even though they’ve made comebacks, nothing beats the original 70s nostalgia that surrounds this iconic treat.
8. Hostess Fruit Pies
Hostess Fruit Pies were the grab-and-go snack that always felt like a special treat. Packed with gooey fruit filling and wrapped in a sugary crust, they were the perfect blend of sweetness and satisfaction. Whether you went for apple, cherry, or lemon, these pies were a 70s snack staple that brought comfort with every bite.
9. Tang
We all wanted to drink what astronauts did, and Tang delivered. This powdered orange drink promised to be the choice of space travelers and gave us a tangy, citrusy burst that felt futuristic. You’d mix it with water and feel like you were sipping something straight from NASA. Sure, it was a little sugary, but we didn’t care—we were drinking the future!
10. Pizza Spins
Pizza-flavored snacks? Sign us up! Pizza Spins were these crunchy little wheels that packed all the flavors of a slice of pizza into bite-sized form. Whether it was the cheesy, tomato-y, or oregano seasoning, each bite was like having a mini pizza party. They disappeared way too soon, but the flavor is something you can practically taste just thinking about it.
11. Choco’Lite Bar
There was something about the Choco’Lite bar that felt a little more special than your average chocolate bar. The puffed, aerated chocolate was light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The bubbly texture made each bite unique, and for those of us who remember it, no chocolate bar has quite compared since.
12. Funny Face Drink Mix
Move over Kool-Aid, Funny Face Drink Mix had personality! With goofy characters like Goofy Grape and Choo Choo Cherry, each packet was a burst of sugary flavor you’d stir into a pitcher of water. The packaging and names made it as much fun to make as it was to drink, and it quickly became a favorite for kids everywhere.
13. Whip ‘n Chill
Whip ‘n Chill was the DIY dessert that made you feel like a chef. It was a mousse-like instant dessert that you’d whip up at home, and it came in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The light, fluffy texture and sweet taste were a big hit for kids and parents alike. It felt like a treat you’d get at a fancy restaurant, right at home in your kitchen.
14. Freakies Cereal
Freakies cereal wasn’t just about the sweet, crunchy taste—it was all about the characters. Each box introduced you to the wild and wacky world of the Freakies, a gang of colorful creatures who lived in the Freakies tree. The cereal itself was pretty standard, but the storyline and the cool collectible magnets that came inside kept kids coming back for more.
Just thinking about these 70s snacks brings back all the flavors, textures, and fun of childhood. They weren’t just food—they were part of the fabric of our everyday lives, a little piece of happiness in a world that seemed a bit simpler back then. Wouldn’t it be great to grab a Marathon Bar or sip some Tang just one more time? Ah, the sweet memories.
