Snacking in the ’70s had its own special magic. Whether it was the groovy packaging, the unforgettable jingles, or the unique flavors that made our taste buds dance, every snack felt like an adventure. But like all good things, many of these favorites disappeared over the years, leaving us with only the memories of those delicious bites we enjoyed as kids. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of those beloved treats that are no longer around—but will always hold a place in our hearts.
1. Freshen-Up Gum: The Gum with a Burst of Liquid
Freshen-Up Gum looked like regular chewing gum, but biting into it released a burst of liquid flavor. It was a novel concept and a favorite for kids who wanted a little extra excitement in their gum. Whether it was the spicy cinnamon or sweet mint, that burst was always a surprise. But due to changing tastes and competition from other gums, Freshen-Up was discontinued, leaving gum aficionados with one less option.
These snacks may no longer line grocery store shelves, but their flavors and the joy they brought to our childhoods live on in our memories. Each one tells a story of a simpler time, when grabbing your favorite treat was the highlight of the day. And though they’re gone, they’ll never be forgotten.
2. Space Food Sticks: A Taste of the Future
Inspired by the space race craze, Space Food Sticks were marketed as the snack of astronauts. These chocolate or peanut butter-flavored sticks were soft, chewy, and had an oddly satisfying texture. As kids, we felt like we were eating just like the astronauts did up in space, fueling our dreams of becoming astronauts ourselves. But once the novelty wore off and the space-age fad faded, so did Space Food Sticks. Their disappearance left us crashing back down to Earth but with fond memories of our interstellar snack adventures.
3. Pizza Spins: The Pizza-Flavored Chips That Vanished
Pizza Spins were a ’70s snack that turned the beloved flavor of pizza into bite-sized chips. Shaped like mini pizza crusts, they packed a punch of zesty tomato, cheese, and spices. For many, it was the closest you could get to a pizza slice in a crunchy, snackable form. Then, almost as quickly as they arrived, they disappeared. Many still recall their tangy flavor and wonder why such a delicious concept didn’t stand the test of time.
4. Marathon Bar: 8 Inches of Caramel Delight
Anyone who loved the Marathon Bar can still remember its tagline: “It lasts a good long time!” And with eight inches of braided caramel coated in chocolate, it sure did. Kids would try to make it last as long as possible, savoring each chewy bite. It was almost a game to see how long you could stretch out eating one. But alas, the Marathon Bar ran its race and was discontinued, leaving caramel lovers everywhere wishing for its return.
5. Screaming Yellow Zonkers: Popcorn with Personality
The bright yellow box with its quirky illustrations made Screaming Yellow Zonkers a standout on any store shelf. This sweet, buttery glazed popcorn had a hint of saltiness that made it addictive. But it wasn’t just the taste that made it memorable—the box itself was covered in playful humor and fun trivia, making it feel like a snack with a personality. Sadly, it was discontinued, and today’s popcorn just doesn’t have quite the same playful spirit.
6. Doo Dads: The Ultimate Party Mix
Before Chex Mix became the go-to snack mix, there were Doo Dads. A mix of crunchy pieces that included pretzels, cheese crackers, and other savory bits, Doo Dads were perfect for any party or gathering. The combination of flavors made each handful a delightful surprise. They were the life of the party in a bowl! When they disappeared, they left a snack mix void that just hasn’t been filled quite the same way since.
7. Koogle Flavored Peanut Butter: Peanut Butter with a Twist
Koogle was the peanut butter with a funky twist, coming in flavors like chocolate, banana, vanilla, and cinnamon. It spread like regular peanut butter but tasted like dessert. Kids couldn’t get enough of it—there was something magical about a chocolatey or banana-flavored peanut butter sandwich. But after a short run, Koogle was gone, and we were back to plain old peanut butter (which suddenly seemed a lot less exciting).
8. Fizzies: Tablets that Turned Water into a Treat
Fizzies were the magic tablets that turned ordinary water into a fizzy, fruity drink. You’d drop one into a glass, and it would bubble up like a science experiment, transforming into a sweet beverage that was somewhere between soda and Kool-Aid. It made drinking water an event! But health concerns over some of the ingredients led to Fizzies’ disappearance. Still, for those who remember them, the memory of watching those tablets fizz and pop remains vivid.
9. PB Max: A Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream
PB Max was a treat that took everything good about peanut butter and cranked it up. A thick layer of creamy peanut butter sat on a cookie base, topped with a layer of crunchy oats and covered in milk chocolate. It was indulgent and satisfying, but despite its popularity, PB Max was discontinued. The reason? Reportedly, the Mars family (makers of PB Max) didn’t care much for peanut butter. A true loss for peanut butter fans everywhere!
10. Hostess Chocodiles: Chocolate-Covered Twinkies
Chocodiles were the best of both worlds—Twinkies dipped in a rich chocolate coating. They were perfect for kids who wanted a snack with a little extra flair. Though they’ve been reintroduced in recent years, the original ‘70s version had a unique taste and texture that fans swear hasn’t been replicated. Even the re-release can’t quite match up to the Chocodiles we remember devouring as kids.
11. Carnation Breakfast Bars: The Energy Boost with a Chocolate Crunch
Carnation Breakfast Bars were one of the first breakfast bars to hit the market, offering a convenient, portable option for busy mornings. The bars were covered in chocolate and had a satisfying crunch, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. But due to changes in nutrition standards and new products emerging, Carnation Breakfast Bars were phased out. They left behind a loyal following who still reminisce about their unique flavor and texture.
12. Libby’s Fruit Float: A Wobbly Dessert in a Can
Libby’s Fruit Float was a dessert that combined fruit chunks and a whipped, gelatin-like texture. It came in a can and was meant to be spooned into a dish and served as a quick, refreshing treat. The unique texture and fruity flavors made it a standout, even if it looked a bit unusual. The Fruit Float didn’t last long, but it left an impression on anyone who tried it.
13. Wacky Packs: The Satirical Stickers with a Sweet Surprise
Wacky Packs were more of a collectible phenomenon, but they often came with a sweet gum treat that kids couldn’t resist. Each pack featured satirical, goofy versions of popular brands and products, sparking laughs and trading among friends. The gum wasn’t exactly the star (it was hard and lost flavor quickly), but the experience of opening a new pack and finding a funny sticker made it all worth it.
14. Danish Go-Rounds: Breakfast on the Go
Danish Go-Rounds were the toaster pastries before Pop-Tarts took over. They were like little spirals of fruity goodness, wrapped up in flaky, sugary dough. Whether you toasted them or ate them straight out of the pack, they were a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for those busy school mornings. The slightly crispy edges and gooey filling were a match made in snack heaven. Unfortunately, they vanished from shelves, leaving many of us longing for just one more bite of our favorite breakfast treat.
