Forgotten Snacks from the 1970s Worth Remembering

The 1970s were a glorious time for snack lovers. Bold flavors, colorful packaging, and wild experimentation ruled the aisles. Every trip to the store promised something new and exciting. From sugary cereals to quirky candy bars, these treats filled lunchboxes and fueled after-school cravings. But as tastes changed and brands evolved, many of them quietly disappeared. Here are 15 beloved ’70s snacks that once defined the era, and still hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember them.

Ding Dongs in Foil Wrappers

Ding Dongs are still around, but they’re not the same. In the ’70s, each one came individually wrapped in shiny foil, making them feel like little treasures. The crinkle of that wrapper was part of the experience. Today’s plastic packaging just can’t compete. The snack cake remains, but the charm of that gleaming foil is gone forever.

Space Food Sticks

Marketed as “the food of the future,” Space Food Sticks tapped into the space race craze that still lingered into the ’70s. They were chewy, portable, and came in flavors like chocolate and peanut butter. Kids loved their futuristic appeal. Parents appreciated the convenience. But as the space craze faded, so did the sticks. They were a taste of tomorrow that couldn’t survive the present.

Chocodiles

Essentially Twinkies dipped in chocolate, Chocodiles combined two beloved snacks into one indulgent treat. They had a devoted following, but limited distribution made them hard to find. Eventually, they disappeared from shelves entirely. Occasional re-releases still spark excitement among fans, proving that some cravings never really go away.

Fruit Brute Cereal

General Mills’ monster cereal lineup was legendary, but Fruit Brute was always the odd one out. With a werewolf mascot and fruity marshmallows, it tried to carve its own niche. But it struggled to compete with Count Chocula and Franken Berry. Discontinued in the ’80s, it remains a nostalgic cult favorite, remembered fondly by those lucky enough to have tried it.

Seven Up Candy Bar

This quirky candy bar featured seven different fillings, coconut, caramel, fudge, jelly, all separated into neat sections. It was an adventure in every bite, perfect for adventurous snackers. But that complexity made it expensive to produce. It couldn’t last, but it’s still remembered as one of the most unique candy bars ever made.

Pink Panther Flakes

Inspired by the popular cartoon, Pink Panther Flakes brought a burst of pink to the cereal aisle. The frosted flakes were sweet, colorful, and impossible to resist for kids. But the novelty wore off, and the cereal disappeared after a short run. It was a fleeting moment of sugary joy.

Marathon Bar

This extra-long braided chocolate caramel bar stretched over eight inches and promised “lasting chew.” Kids loved the fun presentation and the satisfying pull of that caramel center. It was different from anything else in the candy aisle. But its unique design came with high production costs, and eventually, it vanished. Fans still remember the ritual of uncoiling that long, sweet strip.

Twinkies Banana Flavor

Before vanilla took over, Twinkies were filled with banana cream. In the ’70s, the original flavor made a brief comeback, delighting fans who remembered the difference. But vanilla ultimately won the day, and banana Twinkies faded back into history. They’re now a nostalgic footnote, a taste of what once was.

Pizza Spins

General Mills created Pizza Spins, bite-sized chips shaped like little pizzas and dusted with cheesy, herby seasoning. They were marketed as a way to enjoy pizza flavor without the mess. Kids loved them. But they didn’t survive long-term, leaving behind fond memories of that unique, tangy taste.

Carnation Breakfast Bars

Marketed as a quick, nutritious snack, Carnation Breakfast Bars walked a fine line between health and indulgence. Filled with grains and chocolate, they tasted like candy bars but came with a health halo. Kids loved them. Parents approved. Eventually, they disappeared as “better for you” options evolved, but for a while, they were the perfect compromise.

Peanut Butter Boppers

These peanut butter-filled snack bars were coated in candy, granola, or chocolate, making them a portable treat. The sweet-and-savory combo was ahead of its time. They were popular for a while, but competition in the snack aisle eventually pushed them out. Another lost treasure.

Magic Middle Cookies

Pillsbury’s Magic Middles were shortbread cookies with gooey chocolate centers that melted in your mouth. That warm, soft filling was pure bliss. They had a strong run starting in the ’70s, but were discontinued in the ’90s. Fans still hope for their return, dreaming of that first melty bite.

Oompas Candy

Made by Willy Wonka, Oompas were large, chewy candies filled with fruit or peanut butter flavors. Their playful branding tied into the popularity of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Kids loved the connection to the movie. But despite the fun appeal, they quietly disappeared after a few years.

Regal Crown Sours

These hard candies came in flavors like cherry, lemon, and blackcurrant, delivering an intense sour punch that kids couldn’t resist. Packaged in rolls, they were a playground favorite. They briefly resurfaced in recent years, but mostly they remain a nostalgic treat, remembered for that sharp, puckering tang.

These snacks are gone, but not forgotten. They live on in the memories of everyone who grew up with them, a sweet reminder of a time when the candy aisle was full of surprises and every trip to the store felt like an adventure.