The 1970s were a golden era for snacks, with companies embracing bright colors, bold flavors, and whimsical packaging to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike. These treats weren’t just about taste—they were an experience, often involving interactive elements or unique gimmicks that made them unforgettable. While many have been lost to time, these snacks left a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to indulge in their delicious fun. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to 14 forgotten snacks from the ’70s that were way too fun.
1. Space Food Sticks
Inspired by the Space Race and the Apollo missions, Space Food Sticks were marketed as “the energy snack of the future.” These chewy, stick-shaped treats came in flavors like peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel, and were designed to mimic the food astronauts ate in space. While they weren’t exactly gourmet, they had a futuristic appeal that made kids feel like they were part of NASA’s adventures.
Space Food Sticks were a staple of school lunchboxes in the ’70s, and their connection to space exploration made them a hit with science-loving kids. Unfortunately, they faded away as the space craze cooled down, but their nostalgic charm endures. They were fun, imaginative, and a perfect example of how the era embraced the excitement of the unknown.
2. Koogle Flavored Peanut Butter
Koogle was no ordinary peanut butter—it came in wild flavors like chocolate, vanilla, banana, and cinnamon. The creamy spread was packaged in a bright, fun jar, complete with a googly-eyed mascot. It turned a simple sandwich into a dessert-like treat, and kids loved mixing and matching the flavors to create unique combinations.
While peanut butter is still a pantry staple, nothing quite matches the playful spirit of Koogle. It was a product that encouraged creativity and fun at lunchtime, and its quirky branding made it stand out on supermarket shelves. Though it disappeared by the end of the decade, it’s fondly remembered as one of the most whimsical snacks of the era.
3. Danish Go-Rounds
A precursor to the modern Pop-Tart, Danish Go-Rounds were toaster pastries with a circular shape and a flaky, swirled crust. They came in fruity flavors like strawberry and apple, with a sugary glaze that melted slightly when heated. Their unique design made them easier to eat on the go, and their fun shape added a playful twist to breakfast or snack time.
While Pop-Tarts ultimately became the more enduring brand, Danish Go-Rounds had a charm all their own. Kids loved their novelty, and parents appreciated their convenience. They were a staple of busy mornings and after-school snacks, and their disappearance left a pastry-shaped hole in the hearts of many ’70s kids.
4. Funny Face Drink Mix
Funny Face drink mix was a Kool-Aid competitor that came in a variety of fruity flavors, each with a goofy cartoon mascot. Names like Goofy Grape, Choo Choo Cherry, and Jolly Olly Orange added to the fun, and kids loved collecting the cups and other merchandise that featured the characters.
What set Funny Face apart was its playful branding and the interactive nature of making the drink yourself. While it eventually faded into obscurity, it remains a nostalgic favorite for its whimsy and ability to turn an ordinary glass of water into a party. It was a simple pleasure, but one that brought big smiles to countless faces.
5. Wacky Packages
Wacky Packages weren’t a snack themselves but a collection of parody stickers that often featured mock-ups of real snack brands. Kids loved the funny takes on products, like “Crust Toothpaste” or “Blunder Bread.” These stickers often came with gum, making them a double treat—something to chew and something to collect.
The humor and creativity of Wacky Packages captured the imagination of kids, making them a phenomenon in the ’70s. While they weren’t directly edible, they became a staple of the snack aisle and lunchboxes. Collecting and trading them added an extra layer of fun to snack time, and their quirky charm hasn’t been forgotten.
6. Fizzies
Fizzies were like Alka-Seltzer for kids, but much tastier! These flavored tablets dissolved in water, creating a fizzy, soda-like drink. Available in fruity flavors like cherry, grape, and root beer, they turned an ordinary glass of water into a bubbling, colorful treat.
Fizzies were a hit because they weren’t just a drink—they were an activity. Watching the tablets dissolve was part of the fun, and kids loved the sensory experience of the bubbles. Though concerns about artificial sweeteners led to their decline, their fun factor and unique appeal made them a staple of ’70s childhood.
7. Marathon Bar
The Marathon Bar was a chocolate-covered caramel candy that seemed to stretch on forever—literally. It was eight inches of braided caramel goodness, wrapped in a bright red package with a ruler printed on the back so you could measure its impressive length.
Kids loved the Marathon Bar not just for its chewy, sweet flavor but also for its novelty. It was a snack that felt larger-than-life, and eating it was a challenge that could last an entire afternoon. Sadly, it disappeared by the 1980s, but its memory still looms large for anyone who grew up in the ’70s.
8. Banana Flip
The Banana Flip was a sponge cake shaped like a giant taco, filled with creamy banana-flavored filling. Its fluffy texture and sweet, tropical taste made it a lunchtime favorite for kids and a nostalgic indulgence for adults.
Though simple, the Banana Flip had a loyal following, and its unique design set it apart from other snack cakes. It’s a treat that feels like it belongs to a bygone era, but its combination of banana and cream is something modern snack lovers would still enjoy.
9. Peanut Butter Boppers
Peanut Butter Boppers were chewy, candy-coated peanut butter snacks rolled in crunchy toppings like granola or chocolate chips. They were marketed as a portable, energy-packed treat, making them popular with kids and adults alike.
Their mix of textures and flavors made them an exciting alternative to plain candy bars. Though they disappeared after the ’80s, their playful design and delicious taste are still remembered fondly by those who enjoyed them during their heyday.
10. Hostess Chocodiles
Chocodiles were essentially chocolate-covered Twinkies, combining two beloved treats into one irresistible snack. They were marketed as “the sweetest comebacks in town,” and their rich, creamy flavor made them an instant hit.
While Twinkies remain a classic, Chocodiles disappeared for decades before making a brief return in recent years. Their mix of nostalgia and indulgence makes them a snack that many ’70s kids wish had stuck around longer.
11. Doo Dads
Doo Dads were a mix of peanuts, pretzels, and other savory snacks, similar to modern trail mix or Chex Mix. Their bright packaging and fun name made them appealing to kids, while their salty flavor satisfied parents looking for a snack with less sugar.
Though simple, Doo Dads had a charm that made them a staple of lunchboxes and road trips. Their disappearance left a gap in the savory snack world, but they remain a fond memory for those who enjoyed their crunchy goodness.
12. Whistles Candy
Whistles Candy was both a treat and a toy. Shaped like small whistles, these candies made a high-pitched sound when blown into, adding an element of fun to snack time. Once the fun wore off, you could enjoy eating the sweet, fruity candy itself.
The dual purpose of Whistles Candy made it a favorite for kids, even if it occasionally annoyed parents. It’s a concept that feels unique to the playful spirit of the ’70s, and it’s the kind of interactive snack that modern kids would still enjoy.
13. Libby’s Fruit Float
Libby’s Fruit Float was a canned dessert that combined fruit chunks with a whipped, gelatin-like topping. Available in flavors like peach, strawberry, and pineapple, it was a light, airy treat that felt both indulgent and refreshing.
Though it had a short lifespan, Fruit Float was a hit for its unique texture and fun presentation. It’s a snack that perfectly captures the experimental, colorful food trends of the ’70s, making it a memorable—if fleeting—favorite.
These snacks remind us of a time when food was as much about fun as it was about flavor. Which of these do you remember enjoying, and which ones do you wish would make a comeback? Let’s celebrate the wild, imaginative spirit of the ’70s snack scene!
