1. Hostess Pudding Pie
Remember when Hostess wasn’t just known for Twinkies? Their Pudding Pies were a treat like no other, combining a deliciously sweet custard filling with a buttery, flaky crust. Available in chocolate and vanilla, they were the ultimate after-school snack that everyone would fight over. These pies were the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, and they quickly became a staple in lunchboxes across the country.
What made them so special wasn’t just the flavor but the way they were packaged. You could easily toss one in your bag or keep it in the fridge for a late-night snack, making it both convenient and irresistible. Sadly, these little pies disappeared from store shelves in the ’80s, leaving many of us wondering what happened to that unforgettable taste.
2. Planters Cheese Balls
Before cheesy snacks took over every corner of the snack aisle, Planters Cheese Balls were the go-to for cheesy crunch lovers. These puffed-up spheres of deliciousness were coated in a cheesy seasoning that left your fingers orange, but it was totally worth it. The big can of them would sit proudly on the coffee table at parties or family gatherings, and no one could resist dipping their hand in for more.
They were simple, cheesy, and incredibly addictive. Whether you were munching on them during a Saturday afternoon TV binge or enjoying them at a picnic, they were the kind of snack that made you feel like you were indulging in something special. Though they’ve made a brief comeback, they’re just not the same as the ones we remember from the ’70s.
3. Sugar Daddies
Sugar Daddies were one of those candies that practically dared you to finish it in one sitting, even though it could take hours to suck down. This old-fashioned caramel lollipop was known for its rich, chewy texture and sticky sweetness. With a wooden stick and a thick caramel coating, you knew you were in for a sugar rush the moment you took a bite.
The sheer effort it took to eat one of these made it feel like an event. Kids would savor every moment, and it was a candy you could always rely on to satisfy your sweet tooth. While Sugar Daddies are still around today, they’ve never quite recaptured the magic of those childhood days when they seemed like the ultimate indulgence.
4. Frito-Lay Bean Dip
Before chips and dip were a typical snack combo, Frito-Lay Bean Dip made it seem like everyone’s taste buds had just discovered something magical. Sold in those familiar cans, it was the kind of snack you could bring out at any gathering and instantly become the hit of the party. The smooth, zesty flavor of the bean dip paired perfectly with Fritos or any kind of crunchy chip, making it a go-to comfort snack.
There was something incredibly satisfying about the dip’s texture and its savory punch. Though the dip is still available today, it was the ’70s when it truly gained its cult following, becoming a nostalgic favorite that many of us remember fondly as the epitome of convenience and flavor.
5. Jell-O Pudding Pops
There was nothing like the sensation of biting into a cold Jell-O Pudding Pop on a hot summer day. These creamy popsicles came in a variety of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and swirled combinations. They were soft enough to be smooth but sturdy enough to hold their shape, offering the perfect balance of cool and creamy with every bite.
Made famous by Bill Cosby’s iconic commercials, Jell-O Pudding Pops were the go-to frozen treat of the ’70s. These nostalgic pops may have disappeared from store freezers, but they still live on in the memories of kids who grew up in that era. They were the ultimate summer snack, and the search for the perfect replacement has been ongoing ever since they vanished.
6. Kool-Aid Popsicles
Before fruit bars became the popular frozen treat, Kool-Aid Popsicles ruled the freezer. You could make these at home by simply mixing up some Kool-Aid, pouring it into molds, and freezing them for a cool, tangy treat. Kids loved them for the refreshing burst of flavor and the fun of creating them from scratch, often experimenting with different Kool-Aid flavors to see what tasted best.
They were the perfect summer activity for kids who wanted a little creative freedom in the kitchen. And because they were homemade, you could make as many as you wanted—making it the perfect way to cool off during those long summer days. While the DIY pops have faded into the past, the memory of those sugary, colorful treats is hard to shake.
