Summer in the 1970s was a golden era for cool, sweet treats. Whether it was a trip to the corner store for a colorful ice pop, a visit to the ice cream truck, or a homemade classic straight from the freezer, the options were endless. But as the decades rolled on, many of these beloved summer snacks quietly disappeared. Kids today might think their choices are impressive, but they’ve never known the joy of tearing into some of these unforgettable ’70s summer treats. Let’s take a look back at 12 frozen and refreshing favorites that deserve a comeback.
1. Jell-O Pudding Pops
Pudding Pops were the ultimate creamy frozen treat of the ’70s, blending the rich, smooth taste of chocolate or vanilla pudding with the coolness of a popsicle. They had a unique texture—not quite ice cream, not quite fudge—and they melted just right on a hot summer day.
Though they stuck around for a while into the ’80s and ’90s, they eventually vanished from freezers, leaving a generation wondering why no one has revived their perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor.
2. Marathon Bar Frozen Treats
The Marathon Bar was already a legendary candy bar with its braided caramel and chocolate-covered exterior, but during the summer, some lucky kids got to enjoy its frozen version. It took longer to eat, thanks to its chewy caramel, making it a perfect cool-down treat that didn’t disappear too quickly.
Sadly, both the original Marathon Bar and its frozen counterpart faded from stores, leaving a void in the caramel-chocolate snack world that’s never been quite filled.
3. Push-Up Pops
Before yogurt tubes and fancy squeeze pouches, there was the classic Push-Up Pop. Sold under the Flintstones brand for years, these cylindrical frozen sherbet treats required you to push the stick up from the bottom as you licked away.
The tangy flavors, usually orange, cherry, or grape, were a staple of ice cream trucks and corner store freezers. While you can still find a version of them today, they don’t seem nearly as common—or as good—as they were in their heyday.
4. Frosty Malts
No summer trip to the ballpark or local fair was complete without a Frosty Malt—a cup of thick, chocolatey soft-serve goodness that came with a wooden paddle spoon. These weren’t just any ice cream cups; they had a rich, malted flavor that made them stand out.
The slight challenge of scraping the frozen goodness with that tiny wooden spoon was all part of the experience. While some stadiums still carry variations of malt cups, they aren’t as widespread as they once were, and that’s a shame.
5. Seven-Up Bar Slushies
The Seven-Up Bar itself—a mix of seven different candy fillings inside a chocolate bar—was a curiosity of its time, but in some places, you could find a slushy version of its namesake soda.
Seven-Up Slushies were a lighter, lemon-lime alternative to the standard cola-flavored slush drinks and felt like pure refreshment on a hot day. Given today’s love for all things nostalgic, a revival of this crisp, citrusy summer cooler would be a welcome return.
6. Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars
These pink-and-white crumb-covered ice cream bars were a classic that felt like summer on a stick. The strawberry flavor wasn’t too artificial, and the buttery crunch of the coating made each bite irresistible.
While some versions of this treat still exist, they don’t seem as widely available as they were in the ’70s, when just about every kid had one in hand at some point during the summer.
7. Italian Ice Cups
Long before gourmet gelato shops took over, corner stores and ice cream trucks sold simple, brightly colored Italian Ice cups in flavors like lemon, cherry, and blue raspberry. They were served with those tiny wooden spoons that made you work for every bite, but the effort was worth it.
The best part? Scraping the last bits of icy goodness from the paper cup, even if it made your fingers sticky. They still exist here and there, but they don’t dominate summer like they used to.
8. Jolly Rancher Frozen Stix
Jolly Ranchers were already a top-tier candy for kids who loved bold, fruity flavors, but the frozen version? That was next-level. These long, clear frozen sticks came in classic Jolly Rancher flavors like watermelon, apple, and cherry.
They were intensely flavored and lasted way longer than your average popsicle. Despite being a hit with kids who loved sour and sweet treats, they quietly disappeared, and no modern frozen treat quite captures that same punchy taste.
9. Ice Cream Sandwich Wafers
Ice cream sandwiches still exist, but they’re not quite what they used to be. The old-school versions had a thin, slightly sticky chocolate wafer that was soft enough to bend without cracking, sandwiching vanilla ice cream that somehow tasted better than today’s mass-produced versions.
Maybe it was the fact that they melted faster in the summer heat or that they always left your fingers coated in chocolate. Whatever it was, the ice cream sandwiches of today just don’t have the same magic.
10. Kool-Aid Ice Pops
Before store-bought popsicles were a household staple, a lot of ’70s kids enjoyed homemade Kool-Aid ice pops. Parents would pour the sugary drink into plastic molds—or even plain ice cube trays—and freeze them with toothpicks as makeshift handles.
The result was a cheap, delicious summer treat that tasted way better than any generic frozen pop on the market today. With all the fancy, organic frozen treats available now, these simple, sugary delights are sorely missed.
11. Fudge Bars
Fudgsicles were the go-to frozen chocolate treat for kids who wanted something rich and creamy but weren’t in the mood for a full ice cream bar. These frozen fudge-flavored bars had a unique texture—soft enough to bite into but firm enough to keep their shape.
The deep chocolate taste wasn’t overly sweet, making them feel almost sophisticated compared to other summer treats. While they technically still exist, their popularity has faded, and they don’t seem as easy to find as they once were.
12. Creamsicles
Orange Creamsicles were the perfect blend of citrus and vanilla, offering the best of both worlds: a tangy, refreshing orange shell surrounding a creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream center. The combination made them one of the most memorable summer treats of the ’70s.
While you can still find some versions today, they don’t seem as prominent in freezers as they were back when they were a must-have on every hot summer day.
The 1970s were full of unforgettable summer treats, many of which have faded away or lost their original appeal over time. These nostalgic snacks weren’t just about cooling off; they were tied to summer adventures, sticky hands, and the pure joy of chasing the ice cream truck. If these treats ever made a full comeback, they’d be welcomed with open arms—and open freezers!
