1. Tang
While you can technically still find Tang here and there, its peak was undoubtedly in the 70s. The bright orange powder that you’d stir into water promised the “delicious” taste of oranges. Not only did it survive countless lunchboxes, but it had NASA’s endorsement! Real juice? Nope. But when you’re an astronaut in training, who needs real juice?
Walking through a 1970s grocery store was like stepping into a time capsule of funky packaging, daring flavors, and culinary experiments gone right—or oh-so-wrong. From neon-colored drinks to snack flavors that defied logic, here’s a look back at some grocery gems that had their moment in the spotlight but have long since disappeared from the aisles.
2. Space Food Sticks
Inspired by the space race, these chewy “nutritional” sticks were supposed to make you feel like an astronaut on a mission. Part energy bar, part futuristic snack, they came in flavors like peanut butter and chocolate and were honestly…a little mysterious. But hey, in the 70s, eating like an astronaut was cool.
3. Libby’s Fruit Float
Libby’s gave us the “fruit float”—a canned dessert where fruit was suspended in a layer of fluffy, whipped topping. Flavors like strawberry-banana were somewhere between a snack and a science experiment, but that light, whipped layer on top made it feel fancy. It didn’t last, but for a while, it was the fruity, creamy treat to beat.
4. Pizza Spins
Pizza-flavored chips sound normal now, but in the 70s, Pizza Spins were an epic novelty! Shaped like mini wheels, they were supposedly bursting with pizza flavor. The cheesy, spicy chips tasted a bit more like pizza seasoning than actual pizza, but we were hooked. When Pizza Spins vanished, there was even a protest to bring them back, but to no avail.
5. Shake-A-Puddin’
Who remembers the joy of shaking up a pudding in a plastic cup? Shake-A-Puddin’ was a single-serve dessert that “magically” thickened as you shook it, turning from powder into a creamy treat. It was hands-on, interactive, and came in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and banana. For any kid in the 70s, this DIY dessert was a game-changer.
6. Jell-O 1-2-3
Jell-O 1-2-3 was a magical dessert that somehow separated into three layers as it set in the fridge: creamy on top, fluffy in the middle, and Jell-O on the bottom. The three-in-one effect gave it an air of mystery that made it a special occasion dessert in many households. Jell-O’s triple-layered magic may be gone, but it lives on in 70s nostalgia.
7. Danish Rings
These were breakfast pastries in a can—yup, Pillsbury’s Danish Rings came out of a can and baked into sweet, flaky rings. Like a cinnamon roll but with a Danish twist, they were a Sunday morning staple in many kitchens. Canned croissants are still around, but the distinct Danish Rings have disappeared, taking a piece of retro breakfast magic with them.
8. Funny Face Drink Mix
Kool-Aid wasn’t the only kid’s drink mix in town. Funny Face Drink Mix was another popular powder that came in quirky flavors like Goofy Grape and Rootin’ Tootin’ Raspberry. With its bright, cartoonish packaging, Funny Face was all about fun branding. It even had its own collectible merchandise, like tumblers and pitchers, which are now vintage treasures.
9. Dixie Cups Ice Cream
These single-serve ice cream cups had a special place in the hearts of 70s kids. They came with wooden spoons attached to the lid and tasted better eaten outdoors on a hot day. Vanilla and chocolate were the classic go-tos, and there was something about that thin layer of frost on top that made it feel like the ultimate summer treat.
10. Fudgetown Cookies
These fudge-filled cookies from Burry Foods were two crunchy, chocolatey cookies sandwiching a gooey fudge center. Fudgetown Cookies were beloved by kids and adults alike, earning a solid spot in lunchboxes nationwide. Sadly, they vanished without a trace, but those who tasted them still remember the nostalgic glory of a Fudgetown treat.
11. Chiffon Margarine
With its famous slogan, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature,” Chiffon Margarine became one of the most iconic spreads of the 70s. It was a margarine that claimed to taste “just like butter,” and while we may laugh at that today, Chiffon’s kitschy commercials and iconic slogan made it a beloved fridge staple.
12. Bubblicious Gum
Before bubble gum became extreme, Bubblicious was the pinnacle of chewy goodness. It came in fruity flavors, and unlike regular gum, it was big, fluffy, and made bubbles you could practically hide behind. Bubblicious may still have a few flavors left today, but the OG flavors from the 70s were in a league of their own.
13. Crispy Wheats ‘n Raisins Cereal
For a short time in the late 70s, Crispy Wheats ‘n Raisins was the reigning champion of raisin cereals. It took the classic raisin-and-flake combo but added an extra layer of crispiness that had us digging in for more. It was discontinued, but the idea of a crunchy raisin cereal lives on in our breakfast memories.
It’s hard to imagine a grocery store without these 70s classics, but even though they’ve disappeared, they live on in our memories. What were your favorites?
