Snack time in the 1970s was a whole experience. Whether it was the bright, wacky packaging, the oddly addictive flavors, or the thrill of something new, ‘70s snacks had a special kind of magic. Kids tore into lunchboxes hoping for a treat, while grocery store aisles were filled with colorful, sugary, and sometimes downright bizarre foods that we couldn’t get enough of. But sadly, not all of these beloved snacks survived, whether due to changing tastes, health concerns, or corporate decisions. So what made these long-lost ‘70s treats so unforgettable—and why can’t we find them anymore?
1. Marathon Bar
The Marathon Bar was a glorious, chewy masterpiece. Made of braided caramel coated in milk chocolate, it was a challenge to eat—stretchy, gooey, and seemingly endless. Plus, the packaging boasted a ruler on the back to prove it was a full eight inches long, which made it feel like you were getting even more candy for your money. Bulk Candy Store dives deep into the scrumptious history of this disappearing treat.
So why did it disappear? Despite its popularity, the Marathon Bar was discontinued in 1981, mainly because caramel-heavy bars tend to melt into a mess too easily. While Cadbury’s Curly Wurly is a close cousin, it’s not quite the same as the original, leaving fans still craving that long, chewy bite of nostalgia.
2. Oompas
Oompas were Willy Wonka’s take on peanut butter M&Ms—large, colorful candy shells filled with a mix of chocolate and peanut butter. They had a creamier texture than M&Ms and a rich, satisfying flavor. Fans of peanut butter candy were hooked. According to Mental Floss, the Wonka empire sprawls even further than some might realize.
So why did they disappear? Nestlé bought the Wonka brand and reworked its lineup, and Oompas got lost in the shuffle. Despite fan nostalgia, they’ve never returned.
3. Koogle Flavored Peanut Butter
Koogle wasn’t just peanut butter—it was peanut butter with personality. This wacky ‘70s spread came in chocolate, banana, cinnamon, and vanilla flavors, making it an instant hit with kids who wanted a little extra fun in their sandwiches. The commercials featured a goofy, animated mascot with a catchy jingle that made Koogle even more unforgettable. PowerPop takes a bite into this iconic food’s wayward history.
So why can’t we get it anymore? By the early ‘80s, traditional peanut butter made a comeback, and the novelty of flavored spreads faded. Kraft pulled the plug on Koogle, and while peanut butter brands have tried flavor variations since, nothing has quite captured the weird, wonderful magic of Koogle.
4. Pizza Spins
Pizza-flavored chips? In the ‘70s, that was revolutionary. Pizza Spins were wheel-shaped snacks that packed a zesty, cheesy, and slightly spicy punch, mimicking the taste of real pizza. They were the perfect after-school snack, delivering a crispy crunch that made you feel like you were eating pizza in chip form.
So why did they vanish? They were discontinued by General Mills for reasons that remain a mystery, though some speculate that competing brands won the snack wars. Despite decades of fans begging for a comeback, Pizza Spins remain one of the great lost treasures of ‘70s snacking.
5. Chocodiles
Imagine a Twinkie, but covered in a thick layer of chocolate—that was the Chocodile. These snack cakes were a chocolate lover’s dream, with the same creamy, spongey texture of a Twinkie but with an extra layer of indulgence. They were slightly smaller than their golden counterparts, making them feel like a more refined (but still sugary) treat.
So why can’t we get them? Hostess briefly brought them back, but they were never widely available. While you might still find something similar under different names, the original Chocodiles have faded into snack history.
6. Funny Face Drink Mix
Funny Face was Kool-Aid’s weird, wacky rival. This powdered drink mix came in flavors like Goofy Grape, Loud-Mouth Lime, and Rootin’ Tootin’ Raspberry, and the packaging featured goofy, exaggerated characters. It was a staple at birthday parties and summer picnics, and it mixed up into a brightly colored, sugary drink that kids loved.
So why did it disappear? Controversy over some of the characters’ names (like Chinese Cherry) led to a redesign, but ultimately, Kool-Aid’s dominance won out. By the early ‘80s, Funny Face had faded from store shelves, though its bizarre mascots live on in nostalgia.
7. Morton Honey Buns
Before store-bought honey buns became a gas station staple, Morton Honey Buns were the ultimate frozen treat. These sticky, gooey pastries came frozen, and you could heat them up in the oven for a warm, sugary delight. The icing melted perfectly, making every bite a sticky-sweet indulgence.
So what happened? When freezer aisles started shifting toward more savory meal options, Morton’s desserts took a hit. The brand disappeared entirely, leaving fans searching for a honey bun that could match the magic of the original.
8. Banana Flip
The Banana Flip was a snack cake that felt like a cross between a Twinkie and a banana cream pie. It had a soft, spongey cake folded over a rich banana-flavored cream filling, making every bite a perfect mix of cake and filling. It was just the right amount of sweet, without being overpowering.
So why was it discontinued? It’s unclear why this beloved treat vanished, but it may have been due to declining sales as tastes changed. While other banana-flavored snacks have come and gone, nothing quite compares to the original Banana Flip.
9. Fruit Brute Cereal
The ‘70s introduced a variety of monster-themed cereals, and Fruit Brute was one of the most unique. With its werewolf mascot and fruity, marshmallow-filled cereal, it stood alongside Count Chocula and Franken Berry as a Halloween favorite. The bright colors and bold flavors made it a breakfast treat kids couldn’t resist.
So why was it discontinued? It didn’t sell as well as its chocolate and berry-flavored cousins. Though it’s been briefly revived, it never regained its original popularity.
10. Super Orange Tang
Tang was already popular, but in the ‘70s, they cranked up the flavor with Super Orange Tang. This version was bolder, sweeter, and packed an extra citrus punch that made it even more addictive. If regular Tang made you feel like an astronaut, Super Orange Tang made you feel like you were zooming through space.
So what happened? The extra-sweet formula didn’t last, likely due to shifting health trends. While Tang still exists, the amped-up version is just a memory.
These snacks made the ‘70s a deliciously weird time for food, combining bold flavors, creative marketing, and sometimes questionable ingredients. While some have been lost to history, their memory lives on in the taste buds of those lucky enough to have tried them.
